Sukenari

Founded in 1933 in Toyama, Japan, Sukenari represents three generations of family-owned knife-making excellence, combining traditional Japanese forging techniques with cutting-edge metallurgy. This prestigious workshop has earned international recognition for pushing the boundaries of both traditional craftsmanship and modern steel technology.

At the heart of Sukenari's reputation lies their mastery of mizu-honyaki, a water-quenched forging technique borrowed from traditional Japanese sword making. This demanding process creates single-piece blades of exceptional hardness and edge retention, representing the pinnacle of the blacksmith's art. Each honyaki blade requires extraordinary skill, as the dramatic water quenching can result in warping or cracking if not executed perfectly.

Sukenari distinguishes itself through pioneering work with advanced super steels rarely seen in kitchen cutlery. The company produces knives from ZDP-189 steel hardened to 67 HRC and HAP-40 high-speed steel, materials that deliver exceptional edge retention far beyond conventional carbon or stainless options. These premium steels appeal to professional chefs and serious home cooks seeking ultimate performance.

Beyond exotic metallurgy, Sukenari demonstrates thoughtful attention to ergonomics and user comfort. Their knives feature carefully rounded choils and polished edges that eliminate hot spots during extended cutting sessions—refinements developed through direct collaboration with professional chefs. This partnership approach ensures their designs evolve based on real-world kitchen demands rather than aesthetic considerations alone.

The brand's product range spans high-end kitchen knives including gyutos, santokus, and specialty blades, offered in Damascus steel patterns and their signature super steel compositions. While Sukenari's prices reflect their premium positioning and labor-intensive production methods, they represent a compelling choice for knife enthusiasts seeking Japanese craftsmanship enhanced by modern metallurgical innovation. Each blade embodies the workshop's commitment to honoring traditional techniques while embracing materials and methods that advance the knife maker's craft.