Isamitsu

At Knifewear, supporting the future of blacksmithing has always been one of our main goals. Fifteen years ago, many would have called knifemaking in Japan a “dying art”, with many older masters forging knives with very few young apprentices. Since then, the blossom of passion for knife making has blossomed among the youth, and blacksmithing now has a bright, vibrant future in Japan. Many older masters have taken on young apprentices, and some have even struck out on their own to start their own workshops. One such workshop I’m most excited about currently is Isamitsu Hamono.

2 products

About Isamitsus

Isamitsu Hamono is primarily operated by Yuki Abe-san and Gaku Kanatsu-san. As makers, they're always striving to craft better knives and improve their methods. Abe-san and Kanatsu-san also break from tradition in many ways, cross-pollinating knowledge with other blacksmiths to form a style totally their own and even taking on a young woman as an apprentice in 2022. Their style combines the rustic traditions of their former master with a ton of new tweaks and updates to craft some understated yet stunning blades.

The shiroichi series features a rough, freshly-forged black finish called kurouchi, and is crafted from white carbon steel #1. This stuff requires care to avoid rust, gets insanely sharp and cuts like a dream. The blades feel confident in your hand, rustic yet elegant.