Nakagawa Hamono

Nakagawa Hamono represents a remarkable continuation of Sakai's storied knife-making heritage. Founded in 2020, this workshop emerged as the successor to legendary blacksmith Kenichi Shiraki's operation, carrying forward decades of traditional craftsmanship while establishing its own reputation for excellence. Despite being relatively new, Nakagawa has quickly gained recognition for maintaining the exacting standards that made Shiraki Hamono famous throughout the culinary world.

The brand specializes in hand-forged kitchen knives with a particular focus on honyaki blades—single-steel construction that represents one of the most challenging forging techniques in Japanese knife-making. Working primarily with premium materials like Blue #1 (Aogami) and White #1 (Shirogami) carbon steels, Nakagawa also produces Damascus steel patterns and select stainless steel options including Ginsan and VG10. This versatility allows the workshop to serve both traditional carbon steel enthusiasts and those preferring low-maintenance stainless blades.

The craftsman behind Nakagawa achieved a significant milestone in 2023, becoming the youngest certified traditional craftsman in Sakai—a testament to exceptional skill and dedication to time-honored techniques. This achievement has not gone unnoticed in the knife community, where Nakagawa is frequently described as "the next big thing" in Sakai knives, with enthusiasts predicting future price increases as demand grows.

Users and retailers consistently praise Nakagawa's work for excellent heat treatment and outstanding edge retention. The knives demonstrate the meticulous attention to detail expected from Sakai's finest workshops, with recognition for both preserving Shiraki Hamono's legacy and introducing thoughtful innovations. For collectors and serious cooks seeking exceptional Japanese craftsmanship from an emerging master, Nakagawa Hamono offers an opportunity to acquire blades that honor tradition while representing the future of Sakai knife-making.