Hinoura

Hinoura is a family-owned blacksmith workshop that has been crafting exceptional blades in Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture, Japan since 1905. Now in its fourth generation, this storied forge represents over a century of traditional Japanese knife-making expertise, with current master craftsman Tsukasa Hinoura holding the prestigious title of Certified Japanese Traditional Craftsman.

The workshop specializes in hand-forged kitchen cutlery and outdoor tools, with a particular emphasis on Damascus steel knives that showcase both functional excellence and striking aesthetics. Hinoura's blades are primarily forged from premium Japanese carbon steels, including Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel) and Aogami (Blue Paper Steel), materials prized for their edge retention and ease of sharpening. The forge is renowned for its distinctive finishing techniques, particularly the rustic kurouchi (blacksmith's finish) that leaves the blade's spine with its natural forged texture, and tsuchime (hammered) patterns that reduce food adhesion while adding visual character.

Beyond kitchen knives, Hinoura produces outdoor and hunting tools like hatchets, demonstrating the workshop's versatility in blade-making traditions. Each piece reflects what enthusiasts describe as a "powerful appearance reflecting the blacksmith's spirit," embodying the raw, honest craftsmanship of traditional forging methods.

The knife community has embraced Hinoura as offering exceptional value for artisan-quality work. In discussions among serious knife collectors and professional chefs, Hinoura knives are frequently recommended as representing the best value for artisan craftsmanship, particularly when compared to other high-end Japanese makers. This reputation stems from the workshop's commitment to maintaining traditional forging techniques while keeping their knives accessible to both professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts who appreciate authentic Japanese bladesmithing.

For those seeking hand-forged Japanese knives with genuine traditional character, Hinoura represents a direct connection to centuries-old craftsmanship practiced by certified masters of the trade.