Misono

Founded in the 1960s in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Misono stands as Japan's oldest manufacturer of Western-style Japanese chef knives. Operating from a region with 800 years of blade-making heritage, the company has built its reputation on merging traditional Seki forging techniques with modern Western knife designs, creating tools that appeal to professional chefs worldwide.

What sets Misono apart is their remarkable production efficiency and quality control. With only 50 craftsmen, the company produces approximately 150,000 knives annually through complete in-house manufacturing—from initial forging to final sharpening. This vertical integration ensures consistency across their product lines while maintaining the exacting standards demanded by professional kitchens.

Misono specializes in professional-grade kitchen cutlery, with particular emphasis on high-carbon stainless steel blades. Their premium lines incorporate Swedish stainless steel and molybdenum alloys, materials chosen for superior edge retention and corrosion resistance. The flagship UX10 series has become particularly renowned among culinary professionals, frequently recommended for its exceptional rust resistance and balance.

The brand's Western-style approach differentiates it from traditional Japanese knife makers. Rather than focusing on single-bevel traditional designs, Misono creates double-beveled knives with ergonomic handles that feel familiar to Western-trained chefs while delivering the precision and edge quality associated with Japanese craftsmanship.

Professional users consistently praise Misono knives for their performance in demanding kitchen environments. The brand has earned recognition for exceptional edge retention in professional settings, with chefs noting how the blades maintain sharpness through extended service periods. This combination of traditional Japanese metallurgy, modern materials, and Western ergonomics has established Misono as a trusted choice for culinary professionals seeking reliable, high-performance kitchen knives that bridge Eastern craftsmanship with Western functionality.