This is Aoki Hamono
About the Craftsman
TAKAYUKI Knives from Sakai Breathe New Life into a Legendary Knife-Making Tradition
Founded in 1947 in Sakai, Japan—renowned for its centuries-old knife-making tradition—Aoki Hamono has been hand-forging Sakai knives for nearly a century. The company was originally named after its founder, but following the birth of his son—who would become the second-generation owner—they also adopted the name Sakai Takayuki, now known worldwide.
Today, Aoki Hamono is led by the third generation and powered by a passionate team of master craftsmen and young artisans. Together, they continue to blend time-honored forging techniques with fresh ideas and modern craftsmanship.
Every Aoki Hamono knife is hand-forged one by one, with meticulous care poured into each step of the process. This spirit of collaboration, discipline, and artistry results in kitchen knives that are razor-sharp, exceptionally durable, and infused with the unmatched soul of Sakai craftsmanship.
The family forge has seen both hardship and rebirth. During Hiroyuki’s father’s time, a devastating mudslide caused by Mt. Unzen’s eruption destroyed their original smithy. But the family didn’t give up—they rebuilt it with their own hands, keeping their craft and legacy alive.
Aoki Hamono Knife Lineup
Knife Details
Includes:
- ・Stainless Gyuto Kitchen Knife (handcrafted from Shirogami #2 steel, about 210mm blade length)
- ・FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
A handcrafted double-bevel Gyuto knife made from Shirogami (white steel) No.2, with a cloudy-polished finish.
Forged by hand at Aoki Hamono in Sakai, this blade is stainless and is engraved with the smithy’s signature. The wenge wood handle has a comfortable grip and a smooth finish, designed for balance and durability in everyday use. Each knife is carefully polished to highlight the fine craftsmanship and ensure a razor-sharp edge.
About the blade:
This is a special chef's knife, made for cutting big slaps of meat and so on. It also excels at slicing vegetables, fish, and other ingredients with precision, making it a versatile tool for both professional chefs and passionate home cooks.
*Each knife is crafted by hand, so there may be slight variations in weight and dimensions. We ask for your kind understanding.
*Depending on the number of orders and smithy availability, it can occasionally take up to 3 months for your knife to ship.
*Depending on the value of your order and local import rules in your country, you may be required to pay additional import taxes when your package arrives.
Includes:
- ・Stainless Kiritsuke Kitchen Knife (handcrafted from Shirogami #2 and stainless steel, about 180mm blade length)
- ・FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
A handcrafted double-bevel Kiritsuke knife made from Shirogami (white steel) No.2, with a cloudy-polished finish.
Forged by hand at Aoki Hamono in Sakai, this blade is stainless and engraved with the smithy’s signature. The wenge wood handle has a comfortable grip and elegant finish, providing balance and durability for long-term use. Each blade is carefully sharpened and polished to achieve professional-level cutting performance.
About the blade:
The Kiritsuke is a traditional Japanese multi-purpose chef’s knife, recognized by its distinctive angled tip. It is excellent for precise slicing of fish, meat, and vegetables, combining the functions of both a Yanagiba (slicer) and an Usuba (vegetable knife). Traditionally reserved for master chefs in Japan, it is admired for its versatility and precision, making it a prized tool for skilled cooking at home or in professional kitchens.
*Each knife is crafted by hand, so there may be slight variations in weight and dimensions. We ask for your kind understanding.
*Depending on the number of orders and smithy availability, it can occasionally take up to 3 months for your knife to ship.
*Depending on the value of your order and local import rules in your country, you may be required to pay additional import taxes when your package arrives.
How to Sharpen your knife
Here is a detailed video on how to use the included sharpening stone, with explanations from Minomo blacksmith Isamu-san!