Policy that allies think
Not for production in more quantity,but for more reliable
production. . .
AJIKATAYA SINCE 1905Ajikataya – We makes knives by the lamination process of a combination of hard hi-carbon steel forge welded onto a piece of Jigane iron. With this Japanese traditional technique,we take care of all process in our factory.Two kinds of metals are hand forged to be sharpened easier,be tougher,and hold the edge longer,which we trust is good for users.
By FREE FORGING, we make irregular formed hatchets,Japanese outdoor knives,kitchen knives,and custom made knives.
Tsukasa Hinoura
Tsukasa Hinoura, born in 1956, was the 3rd president of the family business.He moved to Osaka to work in an oce, but aer four years he moved back to his hometown at his father’ s request and started to work as a blacksmith. He researched forging technology and techniques, such as heat treatments and metallurgy. He was the rst to admit that his high-quality ‘ Uchihamono’ (Knife) was the product of his countless failures. His products have been shown in exhibitions overseas and received much recognition. In the new era of Japan, there has been a higher demand for small batch high quality products than in
https://hinoura.com/en/takumi/
the past. He has pursued traditional techniques to have a true product of passion, handmade with warmth and integrity. He kept challenging himself to produce not only for Mikataya Inc. for 4 generations but also focusing on his new brand ‘Echigotsukasa’ thus holding them in an established position.
Tsukasa Hinoura is one of the few skilled blacksmiths in Japan who passionately dedicates himself to knife-making, combining self-taught metallurgy with specialized knowledge and hands-on practice. Utilizing metal microscopy, he meticulously observes the intricate microstructure of blades, studying their properties. Through this endeavor, he strives to address the question of why Japanese knives are superior, seeking clear answers through observable data. These efforts have led to a fresh evaluation of traditional techniques and the establishment of their superiority through scholarly approaches.
Rather than relying on the traditional “craftsman’s intuition” or subjective judgment, Tsukasa Hinoura’s core approach revolves around pursuing continuous improvement through objective data. His ardor and specialized methods have earned him high acclaim and trust within the realm of knife-making.
His knives are very highly regarded, especially abroad, and are currently very difficult to find. Probably, only a few stores in Japan sell his knives, and even if they do, they are probably the “Ajikataya” series, which are relatively easy to obtain. This series is now handled by Tsukasa-san’s son, and is made for the general public at a low price as a popular series.
Collection of Works
Where can I get it?
The limited models can probably only be purchased at the Kappabashi Knife Gallery in Tokyo. This store primarily handles hard-to-obtain items and original design knives. It operates not just as a store but also as a gallery where you can gain various information. There is an admission fee of 500 yen, but if you are interested, you should definitely visit.
