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Minomo Blacksmith

Three generations upholding 200 years of blacksmithing in the mountains of Kumamoto

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GRANDFATHER, FATHER & SON FAMILY FORGE
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MADE IN HITOYOSHI, KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE (JAPAN)
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AOGAMI (BLUE) STEEL No.1
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A WORKSHOP WITH MORE THAN 200 YEARS OF HISTORY

Minomo Blacksmith

Nestled in the mountains of rural Kumamoto, Minomo Blacksmith has been hand-forging Japanese knives for over 200 years. Across three generations (grandfather, father, and son), the family continues to preserve traditional craftsmanship, shaping iron into unique handmade Japanese kitchen knives that embody history, precision, and artistry. Each blade reflects centuries of skill passed down in Kumamoto, offering chefs and collectors worldwide a piece of authentic Japanese heritage.

Minomo Blacksmith Knife With Name Engraving 210mm - Japanese Food Craftsman Shop
Minomo Blacksmith Santoku Knife Pack with blade engraving next to its open box
$252.99 - $263.99
$252.99 - $263.99
$252.99 - $263.99
$252.99

Minomo Blacksmith Santoku Knife 165mm

Minomo Blacksmith
in stock

The Minomo Blacksmith Santoku Knife 165mm is crafted by Minomo Blacksmith in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, where three generations of blacksmiths preserve b...

View full details
$252.99 - $263.99
$252.99 - $263.99
$252.99 - $263.99
$252.99
Minomo Blacksmith Knife With Name Engraving 210mm - Japanese Food Craftsman Shop
Minomo Blacksmith Knife With Name Engraving
$280.49 - $296.99
$280.49 - $296.99
$280.49 - $296.99
$280.49

Minomo Blacksmith Bunka Knife 210mm

Minomo Blacksmith
In stock

The Minomo Blacksmith Bunka Knife 210mm is crafted by Minomo Blacksmith in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, where three generations of blacksmiths preserve bla...

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$280.49 - $296.99
$280.49 - $296.99
$280.49 - $296.99
$280.49
Minomo Blacksmith Knife With Name Engraving 210mm - Japanese Food Craftsman Shop
Minomo Blacksmith Knife No.8 185mm
$263.99 - $263.99
$263.99
$263.99 - $263.99
$263.99

Minomo Blacksmith Kurouchi Gyuto Knife No.9 230mm

Minomo Blacksmith
Only 4 left!

The Minomo Blacksmith Knife No.9 230mm is crafted by Minomo Blacksmith in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, where three generations of blacksmiths preserve blad...

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$263.99 - $263.99
$263.99
$263.99 - $263.99
$263.99
Minomo Blacksmith Knife With Name Engraving 210mm - Japanese Food Craftsman Shop
Minomo Blacksmith Ignite Knife 110mm and its sheath horizontally aligned
$280.49 - $280.49
$280.49
$280.49 - $280.49
$280.49

Minomo Blacksmith Ignite Knife 110mm

Minomo Blacksmith
Only 5 left!

The  is crafted by Minomo Blacksmith Ignite Knife 110mm, where three generations of blacksmiths preserve blade making techniques passed down since ...

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$280.49 - $280.49
$280.49
$280.49 - $280.49
$280.49
Portrait of Minomo Blacksmith master artisan smiling and holding a Minomo Blacksmith Kurouchi Aogami No.2 Kiritsuke Gyuto Knife 170mm
Minomo Blacksmith Kurouchi Aogami No.2 Kiritsuke Gyuto Knife 170mm in its open box
$270.99 - $270.99
$270.99
$270.99 - $270.99
$270.99

Minomo Blacksmith Kurouchi Aogami No.2 Kiritsuke Gyuto Knife 170mm

Minomo Blacksmith
in stock

The Minomo Blacksmith Kurouchi Aogami No.2 Kiritsuke Gyuto Knife 170mm is crafted by Minomo Blacksmith in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, where three generati...

View full details
$270.99 - $270.99
$270.99
$270.99 - $270.99
$270.99

About the Craftsmen

Minomo Blacksmith Knife With Name Engraving 210mm - Japanese Food Craftsman Shop

MEET THE ARTISAN FAMILY BEHIND MINOMO BLACKSMITH

Minomo Blacksmith was founded 1796, in the small village of Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto prefecture. The workshop itself has been destroyed several times (by floods and fires) but the traditions were kept alive through the efforts of this family of craftsmen. Their passion for the craft has kept burning for over 200 years.

Currently, three generations of blacksmiths are working in the smithy: The granddad (8th generation blacksmith) Yutaka-san, the dad (9th generation blacksmith) Minoru-san, and his son (10th generation blacksmith) Isamu-san.

The three of them work in the workshop every day, hammering, sharpening, and putting their hearts and souls into each and every blade.

They create timeless products that can be used for decades. The legacy of their ancestors can be felt in every swing of their hammers. A craft kept alive for over 200 years.

Today, they keep swinging their hammers to keep the tradition alive for future generations.

This is Minomo Blacksmith in action!

Youngest member of the Minomo Blacksmith family smiling and holding a knife

“I’ve worked here since I was 17. I’m 89 now. What brings me joy is working together with my son and grandson,” says Yutaka.

Minoru adds “I didn’t want my son to take on the same hardships I faced. But he wanted to carry the flame forward. And now, I’m proud to see him growing into the role."

For Isamu, he thinks that “If I make something dull, it would betray everything my father and grandfather built. I want to be worthy of the trust they’ve passed down.”

The Minomo forge is a living testament to persistence, family, and the belief that one well-forged blade can speak louder than words.

Minomo Blacksmith Gallery

The three generations of Minomo Blacksmith working inside the workshop
Minomo Blacksmith 8th generation craftsman, Grandad Yutaka san, picking a blade from the fire
Minomo Blacksmith Ignite Knife 110mm - Japanese Food Craftsman Shop
Minomo Blacksmith 9th generation artisan, dad Minoru san, polishing a knife

More of Minomo Blacksmith in action!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Minomo Blacksmith knives dishwasher safe?

No, Minomo Blacksmith knives should not be washed in the dishwasher. To prevent damage to your knife and ensure it lasts you for years to come, please wash the knife by hand with a mild detergent and gentle sponge.

Will my Minomo Blacksmith knife rust?

Yes. The blades of Minomo Blacksmith knives are made from a high carbon steel known as Aogami No.2 Steel and are therefore prone to rust. Regular care is required, so be sure to dry your knife completely before putting it away and to store in a dry place to prevent rust from forming.

How long will it take to ship my order?

All prices include FREE international shipping. Please allow up to 5 weeks for shipping, depending on your country of residence. Please see our Shipping Policy for details.

Please note: Our products ship directly from Japan to you. You may be required to pay customs duties and/or customs clearance fees upon delivery (if applicable in your country). US customers please see our Important Notice for US Customers.

How to sharpen my Minomo Blacksmith knife?

We recommend sharpening your knife according to the instructions in the following video with your included FREE whetstone:

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