Gihei Knives

Gihei Knives represents nearly a century of Japanese bladesmithing excellence, operating as a multi-generational family workshop in Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture since 1928. This historic region has long been renowned for metalworking craftsmanship, and Gihei has distinguished itself by bridging traditional Sanjo-style forging techniques with cutting-edge metallurgy.

The brand has earned particular recognition for its pioneering work with advanced powder metallurgy steels like HAP40 and ZDP-189, achieving exceptional hardness ratings of 65-67 HRC while maintaining practical toughness for kitchen use. These super steels deliver remarkable edge retention that enthusiasts consistently praise, with one r/chefknives user noting that "HAP40 blades hold edges longer than any other kitchen knife I've used." Gihei's expertise extends beyond steel selection to exceptional heat treatment protocols that maximize each alloy's performance characteristics.

What sets Gihei apart is their thoughtful blade geometry. Their knives feature a 50/50 grind with wide bevels designed for optimal food release, addressing a common challenge with high-performance Japanese knives. Professional chefs appreciate blades that are "thin at the edge but with perfect food release," combining laser-like cutting performance with practical functionality during prep work.

The brand's stainless-clad construction offers another compelling advantage: rust resistance comparable to full stainless knives while preserving the cutting feel and edge-taking ability traditionally associated with carbon steel. This hybrid approach makes Gihei knives particularly appealing to professionals and home cooks who want high-performance blades without the intensive maintenance requirements of traditional carbon steel.

While Gihei maintains a relatively small production scale befitting a family workshop, their knives have gained international recognition through specialty retailers. The combination of traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern super steels positions Gihei as a brand for discerning users seeking exceptional edge retention and cutting performance in their kitchen cutlery.