Tamahagane Yanagiba (140mm/170mm)

Shirou Kunimitsu is a historic blacksmith forge based in Omuta, Fukuoka, with a legacy that spans over two centuries. Rooted in the traditions of the Yanagawa domain and inspired by the legendary Miike Denta, the forge is widely recognised for blades of unmatched sharpness and craftsmanship.

Since its founding in 1786, Shirou Kunimitsu has continued to evolve, combining traditional swordsmithing techniques with modern practical applications, including kitchen knives and precision tools. Today, it remains one of the few forges in Japan where multiple licensed swordsmiths work side-by-side, each bringing their own distinctive approach to the craft.

The forge draws its foundational ideals from Miike Denta, a celebrated swordsmith of the Heian period whose work was revered by warlords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The Komiya family, now operating as Shirou Kunimitsu, sees Denta’s legendary sharpness as a benchmark. This ethos continues to guide the workshop’s dedication to precision and performance in every blade they produce.

In 1939, Shirou Kunimitsu earned the title of “Sharpest Blade in Japan” at a national sword-testing competition. Their blade not only reached the finals alongside the revered “Kotetsu” sword but ultimately surpassed it in performance. This victory was affirmed by Dr. Nakayama Hakudō, a master test-cutter, and remains a defining moment in the forge’s modern history.

That same year, one of their swords was selected as an imperial gift and received public acclaim from Naval Minister Admiral Shimada.

Shirou Kunimitsu continues to reject mass production. Each knife and sword is handcrafted using high-quality steel and traditional methods passed down through generations.

While the product range includes kitchen knives, chisels, and custom tools, the philosophy remains unchanged: every blade must be worthy of its lineage. Their current roster of five in-house swordsmiths, an extraordinary number for a single forge, ensures that diverse craftsmanship styles are preserved and refined.

“Our mission is simple: never compromise on sharpness. Whether it’s a kitchen knife or a katana, every Shirou Kunimitsu blade reflects generations of skill and conviction.

We believe that sharpness is not just a feature, it’s a responsibility to the craft and to those who use our tools. The legends we honour, the competitions we’ve won, and the customers we serve all point to one truth: a blade’s value lies in how it’s made. That is why we forge each one with care, and never in bulk.”