Kamata Hakensha was founded in 1923 in Asakusa, Tokyo. For nearly 90 years since our founding, our knife sharpening techniques have been passed down through four generations to the present day. Our finely honed techniques are reflected in a carefully chosen lineup, ranging from handcrafted masterpieces made using traditional Japanese methods to knives strictly managed with modern equipment. We offer a total of more than 800 types of knives at all times.
All of our original knives are planned by the owner and meticulously crafted by skilled artisans. Each knife is then sharpened by hand and thoroughly inspected, so we are confident that our customers will be fully satisfied.
Seiichi Kamata
Third-Generation Owner of Kamata Hakensha
I will personally care for your knives.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
After the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Kosuke Kamata founded a knife sharpening business in the Tajima neighborhood of Asakusa Ward (currently 2-chome Nishi-Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo).
1940 – Masao (Kosuke’s eldest son) joined the company.
1995 – Seiichi (Masao’s eldest son) became president of the company.
March 3, 2003 – Kenmax Co., Ltd. was established.
May 2004 – Relocated to 2-chome Matsugaya on Kappabashi Dougu Street.
August 2007 – Started a knife sharpening class as part of the Culture Circle program on TBS Radio. The class was temporarily suspended, after which it resumed broadcasting as its own program. In August 2012, the Zwilling Sharpening Class began at PKC Tokyo. Since May 2017, the class has been held every other month at the cooking studio on the second floor of the Zwilling J.A. Henckels building in Motomachi.
April 2010 – Yosuke (Seiichi’s eldest son) joined the company.
After learning the basics of sharpening with our company, Yosuke was dispatched to a subcontracted manufacturing company in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, which is the largest production center of Japanese kitchen knives. In February 2012, Yosuke’s talent was recognized by Shozo Mizuyama, a craftsman known as “the last true knife sharpener” and friend of our company’s previous president. Masazo imparted his techniques to Yosuke.
March 2011 – To support the recovery of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the company launched an Express Sharpening service for customers who contribute to the earthquake relief fund. We also released the R45 series and donated 10% of sales proceeds.
September 2011 – We released the 88th series to commemorate the company’s 88th anniversary.
July 2012 – To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Kappabashi Dougu Street, we released 100 knives that were high-end models of the 88th series. The limited-edition series later evolved into the 90th series.
© 2022 Kamata Hakensha All Rights Reserved.
