Ishikawa knives

Traditional Blades Hand-Forged in Kami, Miyagi, Japan

Heritage

Nakaniida Uchihamono traces its roots to the early 1600s, when sword-making skills were adapted to everyday blades in Kami Town, Miyagi Prefecture. For more than three centuries the craft has been passed from master to apprentice, earning official recognition as a Traditional Craft of Miyagi.

Craft Techniques & Materials

Single-Bevel Tradition: Every blade has always been forged on one side only, a profile prized for its razor-sharp edge and clean food separation.

Yasuki Steel Cores: Blue #2 and White #2 high-carbon steels from Yasugi deliver outstanding sharpness and edge retention.

Laminated “Kasumi” Construction: A hard steel core is jacketed in soft iron, making the knife both resilient and easy to sharpen.

Water Quench & Triple Cold Forge: After heating, the blade is quenched in water, then hammered three times without reheating to compress the steel structure and extend edge life.

 All forging, grinding, and finishing are performed by hand; only a handful of knives leave the workshop each day.

All models are offered to both home cooks and professional chefs worldwide.

The Last Blacksmith — Michio Ishikawa

Experience: Over fifty years at the forge, having learned the art beside his father from childhood.

Recognition: Certified by the Governor of Miyagi as a bearer of an officially designated traditional craft.

Legacy: Of the eleven smithies that once thrived in Nakaniida, Ishikawa now stands as the sole remaining master, safeguarding techniques refined over centuries. His knives are sought after by culinary professionals and collectors across the globe.

The Workshop Today

Inside a clay-lined hearth, charcoal fires burn as they did hundreds of years ago. Hand-powered hammers ring against anvils, and every temperature change is judged by the color and sound of the steel. Because production is entirely manual, yearly output is limited, ensuring that each blade embodies the full attention of the maker. High-resolution photos and step-by-step videos of the forging process are shared through the official gallery and social channels, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to witness the craft in real time.

Nakaniida Uchihamono offers a window into Japan’s living forge tradition—blades fashioned with patience, skill, and respect for ingredients. Experience the precision of single-bevel workmanship and the heritage of a craft that has endured for over 300 years.

[Official Shop]

https://ruraljapantv.official.ec/

[Note for American buyers]

We cannot ship to the United States because an authorized distributor handles all sales there. If you reside in the United States, please purchase through the URL below.

hhttps://www.chefknivestogo.com/ishikawaknives.html

Ishikawa Knives YouTube Video

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbs0_5ihKYNRIbvw7JcLI-Q

Distributor

◆UK

https://cuttingedgeknives.co.uk/collections/all-knives/michio-ishikawa

◆US

http://www.chefknivestogo.com/ishikawaknives.html

◆Germany

https://www.silverback-knives.de/c/original-japanische-kochmesser/messerschmieden/ishikawa

◆Israel

https://www.japanese-knives.co.il/product-category/michio_ishikawa/

◆Australia

https://www.chefs-edge.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/chefsedgeau/

If you don't live in these countries, Please contact us through Instagram. We can send our knives to your country, but we can not send them to some countries by airmail. For further details, about shipping costs or prices, please contact us freely.