Story Behind Our Knives

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.

  • Original Knives
  • Other Knives Sold
    at Our Shop

Original Knives

VG10 Damascus Steel Blade with Floral Pattern

VG10 Damascus Steel Blade with Floral Pattern
"An icon of traditional Japanese craftsmanship"

33 layers of VG10 Damascus steel are polished to a mirror finish and then given a shot-blasted finish to create a beautiful floral pattern. The unique ripples on each blade are a testament to the Hontanzo (hand-forging) techniques of Sakai, Osaka. The design and performance of this knife make it a masterpiece emblematic of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Aogami #1 (Blue Steel #1) and Shirogami #1 (White Steel #1) with Stainless Cladding

Aogami #1 (Blue Steel #1) and Shirogami #1 (White Steel #1) with Stainless Cladding
"Bringing Sakai’s traditional craftsmanship closer to you!"

This knife is carefully forged using hand-forging techniques and features Blue Steel #1 and White Steel #1, both considered the finest among Yasuki Steels from Hitachi Metals. The exterior of this exceptional knife is made of rust-resistant stainless steel for easy care. This versatile knife embodies the traditional craftsmanship of Sakai, Osaka.

Silver #3 Steel (Pear Skin Finish)

Silver #3 Steel (Pear Skin Finish)
"Stainless steel adorned with handcrafted beauty"

Silver #3 Steel from Hitachi Metals is a high-quality stainless steel ideal for blades. It resists rust while maintaining high quality as a sharp blade. The surface features a pear skin finish and the handle is made of cherry wood. Its luxurious appearance makes it a popular gift.

VG10 Damascus Steel

VG10 Damascus Steel
"The pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship with a refined design"

While our artisans beautifully polish the layered pattern, the knife is crafted in a Kiritsuke style (K-tip style)—modeled after traditional Japanese knives—for an elegant and refined design. The handle is made of laminated reinforced wood, which is made by compressing natural wood for extra strength. This enhances durability while maintaining the Japanese knife style.

Whirlpool Damascus

Whirlpool Damascus
"An evolved Damascus pattern"

Damascus steel features beautiful ripples created by the multi-layered steel. This design accentuates the unique swirling pattern. The handles are crafted from Senna siamea, which is one of the three prized hardwoods. The wood grain blends beautifully with the pattern of the blade.

DPM Series

DPM Series
"All-stainless steel for hygiene and superior durability"

This all-stainless steel series maintains the easy grip and slip resistance of traditional wooden handles, while also delivering superior hygiene and lifespan. The core is made of a cobalt alloy for a comfortable, long-lasting sharpness. Perfect for use at home or at work.

Anniversary Model

Anniversary Model
"A perfectly fitting handle handcrafted by skilled artisans"

We designed these commemorative models in the years marking our 88th and 90th anniversaries. These blades are crafted from the finest stainless steel befitting a commemorative model. The handles are crafted from mahogany, bringing out the wood grain through handcrafting by skilled artisans. Through careful polishing down to the smallest detail, these knives have a luxurious design which makes them an excellent gift.

Honyaki Japanese Knives

Honyaki Japanese Knives
(Japanese Single Steel Knives)
"A supreme masterpiece from expert artisans"

A knife that is forged from a single piece of steel, starting from a solid block and shaped into a traditional Japanese knife, is called a single steel knife—a term that refers to blades made using hand-forging techniques modeled after those used in crafting Japanese swords. Among Honyaki knives, we offer knives made using the exceptionally rare and technically demanding Mizu-yaki-ire (water quenching technique). Enjoy exquisite knives crafted by skilled artisans in Sakai, Osaka, the home of Japanese knives.

Gift Wrapping

Gift Wrapping

Gift wrapping is also available. Please feel free to ask our staff.

Other Knives Sold at Our Shop

Stainless Steel Western Knives
88th & 90th Anniversary Models

88th & 90th Anniversary Models

We designed these commemorative models in the years marking our 88th and 90th anniversaries. These blades are crafted from the finest stainless steel befitting a commemorative model. The handles are crafted from mahogany, bringing out the wood grain through handcrafting by skilled artisans. Through careful polishing down to the smallest detail, these knives have a luxurious design which makes them an excellent gift.

VG10 Damascus type P

VG10 Damascus type P

33 layers of VG10 Damascus steel are finished with a complex pattern using special techniques. It also features a highly durable Pakkawood handle, which is resin-impregnated and reinforced under high pressure.

VG10 Hammered Damascus

VG10 Hammered Damascus

This knife features VG10 Hammered Damascus steel with a beautiful mahogany handle that showcases beautiful wood grain.

VG1 Series

VG1 Series

The successor to the best-selling G1 series. The blade features a single-layer construction made of molybdenum-vanadium steel. It is suitable for both single-edged and left-edged blades.

DPM Series

DPM Series

This all-stainless steel series maintains the easy grip and slip resistance of traditional wooden handles, while also delivering superior hygiene and lifespan. The core is made of a cobalt alloy for a comfortable, long-lasting sharpness. Perfect for use at home or at work.

Carbon Steel Western Knives
Shirogami #2 Monosteel (White Steel #2 Monosteel)

Shirogami #2 Monosteel
(White Steel #2 Monosteel)

Shirogami #2 (White Steel #2) from Hitachi Metals has long been used by skilled artisans in Sakai, Osaka, as an excellent steel for Japanese knives. Now it is also used in Western knives, resulting in a blade that is as thin as possible and achieves a sharp cutting edge.

Carbon Steel Japanese Knives
Honyaki Japanese Knives

Honyaki Japanese Knives
(Japanese Single Steel Knives)

Traditional craftsmen in Sakai, Osaka, have harnessed their expert techniques to create this knife. The blade is made from a single piece of steel that is resistant to aging, and is hardened using an advanced water quenching technique to achieve even greater hardness. The surface features a beautiful, lustrous mirror finish.

Blue #1 Laminated Steel

Blue #1 Laminated Steel

Laminating the steel makes it resist aging to the same extent as single steel knives. It also remains easy to sharpen despite its high hardness.

Blue #1 Stainless-Clad Steel

Blue #1 Stainless-Clad Steel

This knife is carefully forged using hand-forging techniques and features Blue Steel #1, considered the finest among Yasuki Steels from Hitachi Metals. The exterior of this exceptional knife is made of rust-resistant stainless steel for easy care. This versatile knife embodies the traditional craftsmanship of Sakai, Osaka.

Shirogami #1 Stainless-Clad Steel

Shirogami #1 Stainless-Clad Steel
(White #1 Stainless-Clad Steel)

This knife is carefully forged using hand-forging techniques and features White Steel #1, which has the highest purity among Yasuki Steels from Hitachi Metals. The exterior of this exceptional knife is made of rust-resistant stainless steel for easy care. The all-over Kasumi finish (full-mist pattern finish) brings out the brilliance of the steel. This versatile knife embodies the traditional craftsmanship of Sakai, Osaka.

Blue Steel #2 Kurouchi Finish (Blacksmith Finish)

Blue Steel #2 Kurouchi Finish
(Blacksmith Finish)

The term blacksmith finish refers to a blade surface that retains the dark forge scale formed during traditional forging in Sakai, Osaka. This versatile knife incorporates traditional techniques into its design while using Hitachi Metals’ high-quality Blue Steel #2 as its core material. Please enjoy this masterpiece born from traditional Japanese knife forging techniques.

Blue Steel #2 (Pear Skin Finish)

Blue Steel #2 (Pear Skin Finish)

Blue Steel #2, a high-hardness carbon steel with excellent durability, is sandwiched between stainless steel for a natural pear skin finish. This knife preserves the appeal of handmade craftsmanship.

Blue Steel #2 Hamokiri (Hamo Cutting Knife)

Blue Steel #2 Hamokiri (Hamo Cutting Knife)

This heavy, single-edged knife is designed specifically for cutting hamo eel, which requires finely slicing through the small bones. Please enjoy this masterpiece born from traditional Japanese knife forging techniques and crafted using Hitachi Metals’ high-quality Blue Steel #2.

Blue Steel #2 Edo Saki Knife (Edo-Style Eel Knife)

Blue Steel #2 Edo Saki Knife
(Edo-Style Eel Knife)

Knives for slicing eel vary in shape by region. The Kanto-style knife is known as the Edo-style eel knife, and is a prized specialty knife for filleting eel. Please enjoy this masterpiece born from traditional Japanese knife forging techniques and crafted using Hitachi Metals’ high-quality Blue Steel #2.

White Steel #2

White Steel #2

White Steel #2 from Hitachi Metals has long been a favorite for making superior Japanese knives. The blade is beautifully finished by the skilled techniques of our master craftsmen.

Stainless Steel Japanese Knives
VG10 Damascus Floral Pattern (Cherry Blossoms)

VG10 Damascus Floral Pattern
(Cherry Blossoms)

33 layers of VG10 Damascus steel are polished to a mirror finish and then given a shot-blasted finish to create a beautiful floral pattern. The unique ripples on each blade are a testament to the hand-forging techniques of Sakai, Osaka. The design and performance of this knife make it a masterpiece emblematic of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

VG10 Damascus

VG10 Damascus

While our artisans beautifully polish the layered pattern, the knife is crafted in a K-tip style—modeled after traditional Japanese knives—for a refined design. The handle is made of laminated reinforced wood, which is made by using resin to compress natural wood for extra strength. This enhances durability while maintaining the Japanese knife style.

Whirlpool Damascus

Whirlpool Damascus

Damascus steel features beautiful ripples created by the multi-layered steel. This design accentuates the unique swirling pattern. The handles are crafted from Senna siamea, which is one of the three prized hardwoods. The wood grain blends beautifully with the pattern of the blade.

Hammered Damascus Steel Walnut Handle

Hammered Damascus Steel Walnut Handle

This knife is made in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, one of the world’s three major cutlery production areas. In addition to the beautiful ripples created by the multi-layered steel, the surface is decorated with a hammered pattern to create a distinctive design. The octagonal handle is made from walnut, a wood used for high-quality furniture. This walnut handle has made the knife very popular with customers from overseas.

Hammered Damascus Steel Water Buffalo Handle

Hammered Damascus Steel Water Buffalo Handle

This knife is made in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, one of the world’s three major cutlery production areas. In addition to the beautiful ripples created by the multi-layered steel, the surface is decorated with a hammered pattern to create a distinctive design. The traditional Japanese knife handle made of buffalo horn is very popular with customers from overseas.

Silver #3 Steel (Pear Skin Finish)

Silver #3 Steel (Pear Skin Finish)

Silver #3 Steel from Hitachi Metals is a high-quality stainless steel ideal for blades. It resists rust while maintaining high quality as a sharp blade. The surface features a pear skin finish and the handle is made of cherry wood. Its luxurious appearance makes it a popular gift.

Silver #3 Steel

Silver #3 Steel

Silver #3 Steel from Hitachi Metals is a high-quality stainless steel suitable for blades. This steel has long been treasured by skilled artisans in Sakai, Osaka. The steel resists rust while maintaining high quality as a sharp blade. Easy maintenance ensures that the knife will be treasured for a long time.

Gift Set
Hammered Damascus Steel Gift Set

Hammered Damascus Steel Gift Set

This gift set includes a Hammered Damascus Steel all-purpose knife and a 150 mm petty knife.
Now includes a limited-time wooden hard case valued at 4,500 yen, making the set an extraordinary value.

Blue Steel #2 (Pear Skin Finish) Gift Set

Blue Steel #2 (Pear Skin Finish) Gift Set

The knives in this set feature a three-layer construction of high-hardness carbon steel (Blue Steel #2) and stainless steel. This gift set includes a 210 mm Gyuto (chef’s knife) and a 135 mm petty knife, plus a wooden hard case valued at 4,500 yen, making the set an extraordinary value.

VG10 Damascus Steel Gift Set

VG10 Damascus Steel Gift Set

This gift set includes a 210 mm chef’s knife and a 120 mm petty knife made of VG10 Damascus steel.
Now includes a limited-time wooden hard case valued at 4,500 yen, making the set an extraordinary value.

We have a full lineup of many other knives. Please visit the online shop of Kamata Hakensha, a knife specialty store on Kappabashi Dougu Street.