Collection: Makoto Kurosaki Samidorizuki

Makoto Kurosaki strikes us as a maker who loves experimenting with the latest materials, so it is no shock to see him working with SPG Strix—one of the newest steels on the market for blacksmiths. His Samidorizuki line, which translates roughly to "spring moon" in reference to the lunar new year, showcases a striking hexagonal beehive tsuchime pattern paired with a vibrant green collar.

While Makoto-san crafts several lines, they all sport clean, crisp aesthetics with laser-like performance. If you’re used to Western-style blades, the first thing you’ll notice is just how light these feel in the hand. Despite the featherweight feel, you don’t need much force to get through prep, as the Japanese-style handle shifts the balance perfectly toward the blade. Makoto Kurosaki is the older brother of Yu Kurosaki and now runs his own sharpening company, Style K, in Takefu Knife Village. 

The work of a sharpener is often overlooked, but it’s absolutely vital. While the blacksmith handles the hammering and hardening, the sharpener is the one who makes it actually work as a tool. They take a rough piece of forged steel and transform it into a finely tuned instrument of tomato destruction.