Moritaka Hamono
Moritaka Cutlery was founded in 1293 (during the Kamakura Period) by Kongouhyoueminamotono-moritaka (phew), who was the head swordsmith for the Buddhist priests at Mt. Houman in Dazaifu, Fukuoka. His descendants then inherited his business and followed his footsteps in the same city for 13 generations. In 1632, the family followed Higo Daimyo Mitsunari Hosokawa (the feudal ruler of Higo) and moved to Miyaji-machi, Yatsushiro, Kumamoto. For another 13 generations they forged swords for the Buddhist armies, the Daimyo’s army, and the Daimyo himself. Kongohyoue’s swords were very unique because they were made and used to help attain Buddhahood.
Five generations ago, master bladesmith Chuzaemon Moritaka decided to change the direction and apply their forging expertise to kitchen knives (hocho) rather than swords. Since then, Moritaka Hamono has been producing a wide variety of hocho and edged tools for gardening, agriculture, and forestry. They also produce Katana swords for the preservation of their traditions. Their knives contain the skills and knowledge developed over 31 generations.
Knifewear was the Moritaka’s first-ever customer outside of Japan and they remain one of our favourite knife makers to this day. Their Ishime line is made exclusively for us, and their Super Blue carbon steel line is prized by our customers for its edge-retention, classic rustic look and insane sharpness.
