“I’m interested in a good-quality knife, but what exactly is the difference between and good one and one of lesser quality? Also, I’m not sure if I can use it properly.”

 “I enjoy cooking, but professional chef’s knives are really expensive and it takes too much work to maintain them.”

We hear you. Your voice is our motivation to create knives that will satisfy everyone from beginners to advanced cooks all over the world.

We strive to deliver top-quality knives crafted by Japanese masters to your home, at as reasonable of a price as possible.

Approximately 150 years ago, a law was passed where common people were no longer allowed to carry swords in public. As a result, more and more swordsmiths started making knives instead of swords, which led to the popularization of knives.

Japanese swords are the origin of our knives. Their edges are just as sharp as Japanese swords, and allow you to cut tough food smoothly without applying excessive force.  

We are confident that you will clearly feel our technique utilizing the expertise of swordsmithing that has been inherited from knife craftsmen throughout history, as well as the precious tradition of knife production that has been nurtured and improved over the years to pursue a higher quality.

The masters of Japanese knife production fully utilize the combination of the traditional technique of “uchihamono” (hand-forged blades) and natural materials, completing all of the processes by hand.

In creating these one-of-a-kind knives, we thoroughly considered how to create products that can be loved and used for years to come, while also having excellent sharpness and usability.

For example, our knife handles are made of natural wood which will increase its aesthetic charm as you use it, just like leather products.

We have carefully selected top-grade steel that brings amazing sharpness to our knives. As you sharpen your knife, it will become as if it were part of your body.

Our knives can last over 10 years with proper care such as wiping moisture frequently, and sharpening the blade regularly. The longer you use our knife, the more comfortable you will be in using it. You will become the master of your own knife, and your knife will serve you well in return.

Our knives are created individually by skilled craftsmen in places famous for the production of knives in Japan – Sakai (Osaka), Takefu (Fukui), Miki (Hyogo) and Tosa (Kochi). 

Why not complete the entire process in a single location? Good question. Traditional knife production involves many steps such as forging, adding the blade and attaching the handle. By completing these steps in different locations that are best known for each practice, we can take advantage of the different craftsmen’s strengths. It reflects our commitment to deliver the finest knives to our customers, regardless of the additional costs for shipping.

For close to 150 years, since the Meiji era when the Western culture was first introduced to Japan, we have been offering “Made in JAPAN” knives all over Japan as well as to the world from here in Tokushima, Shikoku.

With our long-standing expertise, we have established our own product development standards to create excellent knives for household use. Let us offer you a sharp, high-quality “1st Japanese authentic knife” that is perfect for your kitchen.

There are just so many kinds of knives – a knife to cut vegetables or meat, a knife to cut fish, etc. Generally, these different knives are for professional chefs. For cooking at home, there is really no need for us to use these special knives.

That is why we have chosen Santoku knives as the kind of products we offer. They are easy to use or select, and are also versatile. The length of the blade is 165mm throughout our product lineup, which is the perfect size for any person, regardless of sex.

We know we simply don’t have time to perform thorough maintenance of our knives in our daily life like professional chefs do. Naturally, our knives needed to have blades that are easy to handle at home.

The first step for us was to diligently select high-quality steel that brings that sharp edge characteristic to a Japanese knife. In addition, we have applied the two-edged finish, which is one of the great features of Western knives and prevent our knives from getting chipped. Lastly, we finish our products with the refined appearance of traditional Japanese knives.

SHIRUKU

Our passion is to offer quality knives to as many people as possible. And so, The fine, polished blade presents delicate and gentle expressions just like silk threads. It has achieved a desired lightness, making it easy to use even for petite women.

This knife uses the Aogami Blue Steel #2, which is a kind of steel often used as a material for Japanese knives for professionals. By sandwiching this quality steel between stainless steel, the benefits of both Japanese and Western knives are achieved: an excellent edge and rust resistance. 

As the knife features a double-edged blade, it is highly practical and can be easily used regardless of your dominant hand or your skills.

Natural walnut, which is considered to be one of the world’s three most precious woods for its excellent durability and beautiful impression, has been processed into an octagonal handle. Just like leather products, this handle fits comfortably in your hand and will increase its charm as you use it. 

•  Size : L 315 × W 53 × H 20 mm
•  Blade Length : 165mm
•  Weight : 111g
•  Producing Area : Banshu-Miki, HYOGO & Sakai, OSAKA

• This knife can be used regardless of your dominant hand.
• Never put the knife in the dishwasher.

NAMIMAI

The symbolic patterns are as if there were waves on steel, bringing a graceful, up-scale look. The blade is made of Damascus steel and is forged over multiple layers. It tightens the steel and makes the knife distortion-free even after many years of usage.

This traditional knife unites beauty, strength as well as sharpness, and is without a doubt a “lifelong” masterpiece.

 High-class VG #1 stainless is used as one of the blade materials, making this knife an ideal piece that is rust resistant, with amazing cutting ability that is easy to sharpen.

Damascus steel presents a classy look. As the knife features a double-edged blade, it is highly practical and can be easily used regardless of your dominant hand or your skills.

 Natural walnut, which is considered to be one of the world’s three most precious woods for its excellent durability and beautiful impression, has been processed into an octagonal handle. Just like leather products, this handle fits comfortably in your hand and will increase its charm as you use it. 

•  Size : L 318 × W 53 × H 20 mm
•  Blade Length : 165mm
•  Weight : 125g
•  Producing Area : Takefu, FUKUI & Sakai, OSAKA

• This knife can be used regardless of your dominant hand.
• Never put the knife in the dishwasher.

KUROIKI

No compromise is allowed in knife production – this is the spirit of expert craftsmen. And it is well reflected in the robust look of this knife.

Hidden in the simple, strong look is a hint of nostalgia and warmth. Once you hold this knife in your hand, you will be able to feel the significance that is similar to the impression of an experienced knife craftsman.

Aogami Blue Steel #2, which is a top-quality material used for professional Japanese knives, is utilized in this model with an excellent edge. Aogami #2 is known for its long-lasting edge, smooth sharpness and ease of whetting.

The blade contains steel for optimum sharpness, and therefore, it tends to rust easily. The black layer left during the quenching process helps make the rust less noticeable.

The handle is made of natural magnolia wood, which is known for its hard, water-resistant, and anti-slip qualities. The chestnut shape helps with ideal grip and fits well in your hand. The charm of the wood increases with usage, and the contrast between the black blade and handle is simply artistic.

•  Size : L 320 × W 56 × H 20 mm
•  Blade Length : 165mm
•  Weight : 152g
•  Producing Area : Banshu-Miki, HYOGO & Sakai, OSAKA

• Only for right-hand use. If you are left-hand dominant, Shiruku or Namimai is recommended.
• Do not ever put the knife in the dishwasher.

KUROTSUCHI

Forging was earnestly completed by dedicated and skilled knife craftsmen – each hammering is the result of their passion. By combining this with the finest steel, this gem that has the excellent edge is crafted.

The black finish, which was intentionally left on the blade surface during quenching, and the hammer marks from the “Kurouchi Tsuchime” finishing method give a robust and dignified presence to this knife.

The greatest steel for traditional Japanese knife making, Aogami Super Steel is used in this knife, achieving unmatched sharpness.

Hammer marks on the blade not only show powerful expressions, but also a practicality that prevents ingredients from sticking to the blade as air gets captured between the two when cutting.

The blade contains steel for optimum sharpness, and therefore, it tends to rust easily. The black layer left during the quenching process helps make the rust less noticeable. 

The handle is made of natural magnolia wood, which is known for its hard, water-resistant, and anti-slip qualities. The chestnut shape helps with ideal grip and fits well in your hand. The charm of the wood increases with usage, and the contrast between the black blade and handle is simply artistic.

•  Size : L 320 × W 53 × H 22 mm
•  Blade Length : 165mm
•  Weight : 119g
•  Producing Area : Tosa, KOCHI & Sakai, OSAKA

• Only for right-hand use. If you are left-hand dominant, Shiruku or Namimai is recommended.
• Very sharp, but the blade is made of steel that tends to rust easily.
• Do not ever put the knife in the dishwasher.

With our amazingly sharp knives, the cells of the ingredients are preserved well. The moisture within meat and vegetables is kept inside and their natural nutrition is maintained. Thanks to this, their flavor will be beautifully brought out and takes your cooking to the next level. 

Additionally, the cross-sections of the sliced ingredients are stunningly smooth and therefore, there will be no harsh after taste in your food.

By using a good knife with a sharp edge, cutting ingredients will become an activity that you can enjoy. This will then stimulate your interest in trying something different – the joy of cutting ingredients will lead to the joy of cooking food. Our knives have a potential to expand your interest to something new.

We thoroughly inspects every single knife, and the knives that meet our own quality standards are sold in our store.

Once a knife passes the quality inspection, our official seal will be pressed on the warranty as proof, which will be included in the product package. This official seal has been taken over from generation to generation since our establishment in 1872.

With proper care and regular maintenance, our knives can last over 10 years. The more you use your knife, the more comfortable you will be in using it. The more you sharpen your knife, the better you will like it. We are confident that you will find the knife for you in our collection that will become your partner. In order for you to use our knife for many years to come, we offer several paid service options such as answering questions on how to use knives, maintenance or sharpening of blades, as well as repair work of chipped blades.

”For about 150 years, we have been involved in sharpening and maintaining knives while delivering Japanese knives to the world. With the development of technology and the decrease in hand-made products, we will continue to deliver only “really high-quality good kitchen knife” to our customers.”　Ikuo Hayashi

Koichiro Hayashi, CEO of Steelstyle Inc., who leads this project, was born and raised as the son of HAYASHI HARDWARE LLC. 

”I decided to carry out this project in order to let as many people as possible know the wonders of Japanese knives that can be proud of to the world. My father and I will work together as a team to make this project a success.”　Koichiro Hayashi

After this promotional period ends, we expect to have our products delivered to customers in January 2021. 

All of our products are hand crafted. Therefore, please be informed that our shipping process may be unexpectedly affected by the preparation of products or quality control.

Should the shipping be behind or ahead of schedule, we will notify customers accordingly. 

When you enjoy cooking for yourself, doesn’t it make you want to cook for someone else? Sharing a meal with other people will bring you joy, and it may even create a chance to connect with someone new. We want to treasure those links that we create through food, and thus we support the idea of “sharing a table with two people” advocated by an NPO, <TABLE FOR TWO>.

The purchase of a single knife will support meals for 10 people.

To support the activities of TABLE FOR TWO, we have established a donation program – when you purchase a knife from us, we will donate 10 meals to children in Asia and Africa. One day, we want to give our knives to these children, cook together, and share a meal with them. With this passion in our heart, we are participating in this activity.