To our customers in the US: From Aug 29, 2025, new U.S. customs rules may cause longer delivery times, and all orders from Japan will require higher import fees (often US $80–$200 or up to 50%) to be paid by the customer upon delivery.
This is Shigemitsu Hamono
About the Craftsman
Three Generations of Forging Tradition in Shimabara, Nagasaki
Third-generation blacksmith Hiroyuki, now 59, began forging knives right after high school and humbly admits he's still trying to match his father's skill. Today, he works side-by-side with his son Yuki Inoue, who also started forging straight out of high school. Together, they continue to refine their technique every day—honoring tradition while embracing steady growth and innovation.
The family forge has seen both hardship and rebirth. In 1992, 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.
At Shigemitsu Hamono, each knife is carefully hand-forged using the time-honored method of sandwiching high-carbon steel between layers of soft iron. These blades aren’t stainless—they require care to avoid rust—but in return, they offer a sharpness and edge retention that stainless steel simply can’t match.
Shigemitsu Hamono Knife Lineup
Knife Details
Includes:
- ・Kurouchi Santoku Kitchen Knife (handcrafted from Shirogami #1 steel, about 160〜165mm blade length, blade spine thickness approx. 2.5mm)
- ・Red Sharpening Stone (15cm x 4cm x 3cm)
- ・FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
A handcrafted double-bevel Santoku knife made from Shirogami (white steel) No.1, prized for its razor-sharp edge and excellent edge retention.
Forged by hand at Shigemitsu Hamono in Nagasaki, this blade features a traditional kurouchi finish and is engraved with the smithy’s signature. The lightweight magnolia wood handle offers a natural, comfortable grip.
Includes a small whetstone to help maintain your edge.
About the blade:
This is a versatile multi-purpose knife, ideal for cutting vegetables, meat, and boneless fish—perfect for everyday kitchen use.
*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 weeks for your knife to ship.
*This knife is made from steel, so it is normal for a certain amount of rust to form over time. Please use the sharpening stone included with your order to remove any rust. You will find a video which explains how to sharpen your knife at the bottom of this page.
*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:
- ・Thin Kurouchi Deba Kitchen Knife (handcrafted from Shirogami #1 steel, approx. 155〜160mm blade length, blade spine thickness approx. 3mm)
- ・Red Sharpening Stone (15cm x 4cm x 3cm)
- ・FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
A handcrafted double-bevel Deba knife made from Shirogami (white steel) No.1, known for its incredible sharpness and long-lasting edge.
This knife is hand-forged at Shigemitsu Hamono, a family-run forge with over 100 years of blacksmithing tradition in Nagasaki. The blade features a rustic kurouchi finish and is engraved with the smithy’s signature. It comes fitted with a magnolia wood handle for a natural, comfortable grip.
A small red whetstone is included to keep your edge clean and sharp.
About the blade type:
The Deba is a sturdy, versatile knife—ideal for preparing fish, but also great for meat and vegetables. A reliable all-rounder for your kitchen.
*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 weeks for your knife to ship.
*This knife is made from steel, so it is normal for a certain amount of rust to form over time. Please use the sharpening stone included with your order to remove any rust. You will find a video which explains how to sharpen your knife at the bottom of this page.
*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!
