Mikihisa

Since 1935, Mikihisa has been crafting traditional Japanese cutting tools from their workshop in Miki City, Japan, a region renowned for its centuries-old bladesmithing heritage. The brand specializes in producing folding knives and kiridashi-style blades that blend time-honored Japanese craftsmanship with practical everyday functionality.

Mikihisa's product line focuses heavily on precision tools for woodworking, carving, and traditional crafts. Their knives feature traditional Japanese steels including Aogami (Blue Paper Steel) and Shirogami (White Paper Steel), known for their exceptional edge-taking ability and retention. The brand employs laminated blade construction using the Warikomi style, where a hard core steel is sandwiched between softer outer layers, creating blades that combine sharpness with durability. Their offerings include both single and double bevel options, catering to different cutting techniques and user preferences.

Design aesthetics remain distinctly minimalist, with natural wood handles crafted from cherry or pakka wood that showcase Japanese sensibilities. Mikihisa has gained particular recognition for producing folding versions of traditional kiridashi knives, making these classic tools more portable and pocket-friendly for modern users.

Community feedback reveals mixed experiences with the brand. Long-time users praise their practical durability, with one tradesperson noting they "carried one of these for 25 years in my nailbags...perfect for trades use." However, some users have reported edge rolling issues that didn't meet expectations for Japanese craftsmanship. Despite these occasional concerns, Mikihisa remains popular among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate authentic Japanese aesthetics and traditional bladesmithing techniques.

For those seeking traditional Japanese cutting tools with folding convenience, Mikihisa offers a bridge between heritage craftsmanship and contemporary portability.