Takamura Suminagashi

Close-up view

Takamura-san

Takamura san works in Takefu Village (Echizen) in Fukui Prefecture. His blades are known for an extremely refined and long lived edge. This series of knives have been made with one of my fave steel types, R2.

In 1980, Echizen was the first production centre for forged blades to be awarded the nationally recognized Traditional Craft Product accolade. Blades have been hand forged here since Muromachi period (1392-1573).

This R2 powder steel has a very high hardness for an extremely long lived edge and is rather tougher than many super hard powder steels. The Damascus or Suminagashi cladding steel is acid etched to reduce friction when cutting. Having a light, thin blade this knife is capable of extreme sharpness and glides through food. These are great little workers and don’t have to be babied as much as some powder steel blades. It took me over a year to track down Takamura san after seeing his knives displayed at Takefu train station. I’m a major fan.

All knives in this line come with an awesome handmade black wooden says (sheath). Cool huh?