Bunka Kitchen Knife 180mm

Nakamura Hamono has been forging blades in Nakatsu City, Oita Prefecture since 1900, when Eiji Nakamura established the workshop after training under local swordsmiths.

Now in its fourth generation, the family-run forge is led by Tetsuyoshi Nakamura and his son Kozo, with the mother managing customer care. Their small-scale production continues in the same workshop where it all began. Today, Nakamura knives are trusted by chefs, craftsmen, and collectors not only in Japan but around the world. Despite growing international recognition, every blade is still crafted in-house using traditional tools and methods.

At Nakamura Hamono, craftsmanship is personal. Every knife is shaped, sharpened, and finished by hand, with production intentionally kept small to preserve quality. The family does not operate like a factory.

Kozo Nakamura continues to train under his father, learning the same techniques passed down since the Meiji era.

Alongside their core products, the family provides lifetime maintenance for each blade, including sharpening, repair, and reconditioning. This approach reflects their philosophy: trust comes first, and every tool should be built to last and serve its user well.

Nakamura blades are made using traditional high-carbon steels such as Blue #1 and Aogami, selected for their edge stability and fine grain. The entire process, from forging and heat-treating to grinding, sharpening, and handle fitting, is carried out within the Nakamura workshop.

This hands-on process ensures quality at every stage and gives each knife a unique character. With subtle forge markings, hand-polished handles, and an edge finished in three stages, every Nakamura knife carries the mark of its maker and the legacy of a craft honed over generations.

We are the Nakamura family, fourth‑generation blacksmiths from Nakatsu. Every blade we forge carries not only steel, but our years of dedication and care. We do not chase speed or scale. Instead, we focus on tools made to work and last.

Our promise is simple: you will have our support for life. We sharpen, repair, and recondition every blade we create. When you choose a Nakamura knife, you choose trust, continuity, and the quiet confidence that comes from true craftsmanship.