Minomo Blacksmith Knife for Fathers With Name Engraving
Ships in approx. 2 months
A long, slim Bunka-style knife designed and crafted by 10th-generation Minomo Blacksmith Isamu-san especially for cooking dads. The knife's design was inspired by traditional Japanese "Higo no kami" pocket knives.
Craftsman Isamu-san engraved "Minomo Blacksmith Knife No. 8" on the blade, because it is his 8th year since taking over the smithy.
Includes:
- Minomo Knife for Fathers (double-edged bevel, handcrafted from Aogami No. 2 steel, rugged blade finish, 32cm length, 21cm blade length, 150g weight, magnolia wood handle with black finish)
- Red Sharpening Stone (15cm x 4cm x 3cm)
- Blade Engraving (up to 20 letters in alphabet or Japanese kanji, let us know the exact words or kanji you want through the LEAVE A NOTE WITH YOUR ORDER option!)
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FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
*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.
*Depending on the number of orders and smithy availability, it can occasionally take up to 3 weeks for your knife to ship. Please allow an additional 2-5 weeks for international shipping.
*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.
Minomo Blacksmith: Three Generations Upholding 200 Years of Craft in Kumamoto
AS FEATURED ON YOUTUBE
Step inside the Minomo forge to see how blades are still made by hand, through heat, precision, and family tradition.
OVERVIEW
Nestled in the quiet mountain town of Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Minomo Blacksmith has shaped iron into tools of precision for over two centuries.
The forge, active since the late 1700s, continues today as a rare example of multigenerational blacksmithing, where three generations work side by side to preserve the craft. Despite floods, fires, and changing times, their workshop endures, driven by family, legacy, and a relentless commitment to quality.
PHILOSOPHY AND PROCESS
Minomo blades begin with a steel core of Aogami #2, known for its sharpness and hardness, encased in a softer iron jacket. The process demands exact control: heating the metals to around 1100°C, inserting the steel into hand-cut openings, and forging them together into a single billet.
Every step, from hammering to quenching, is done by hand, in-house, and with purpose.
Blade Making as a Dialogue
Each knife is shaped through careful feedback between craftsman and material. From rough grinding to precision polishing, the smiths assess the curve, thickness, and hardness of every blade.
Natural whetstones, such as Amakusa, are used in the final stages to bring out a mirror-like edge, an unmistakable sign of Minomo’s finish. No blade leaves the forge without first bearing its maker’s engraved mark, a seal of personal accountability.
Craft as Continuity
The 8th-generation patriarch Yutaka still comes to the forge regularly, even at age 89. He is joined by his son Minoru (9th generation) and grandson Isamu (10th generation), who each bring different experiences but a shared respect for the work.
Minoru initially resisted passing the forge down, knowing how unstable a craftsman’s life could be. But when his son asked to work together while his grandfather was still strong, the answer became clear: keep the forge burning, together.
MESSAGE FROM THE MAKERS
“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.
Isamu reflects, “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 more than a workshop. It’s a living testament to persistence, family, and the belief that one well-forged blade can speak louder than words.
Customer Reviews
Arrived. All good
Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen!
I ordered an engraved knife from Minomo. It took several weeks to arrive but what a pleasure to unwrap it. The packaging is beautiful and the knife is really perfect! I had it engraved with my daughter's name and I got a little thank you note. It is a very beautiful product. It comes with a small sharpening stone.
Attention for French people: customs fees should be paid.
Thank you again for this beautiful, exceptional and unique piece! Mari is very pleasant and responds very quickly! Thank you very much!
Benoît from France
Dear Benoit Vrecq,
Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen! Your support helps keep Minomo Blacksmith and their traditional craft alive.
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team
I saw the video of the Minomo Smithy on YouTube and I was struck by the history of the Smithy and the three generations of the Family working together.
Soon after I decided to start a knife sharpening business, partly inspired by the Minomo Smithy. So I thought it would be perfect to have one of their knives engraved with my business name.
I contacted Mari and at the time asked if I could get the Knife for Fathers specially engraved because it wasn't an option at the time. Mari asked the Smithy if they could engrave the knife for me and they quickly replied that they would be able to engrave the knife. There was a little hiccup in the process of getting the knife and one that I could have lived with, but it was made more than right by Mari and the Minomo Smithy. Long story short, I got my custom engraved knife and it is exactly how I pictured it, plus two more knives. I am very thrilled with how it turned out and cannot thank Mari and the Smithy enough.
The knife itself is very comfortable in the hand, very sharp, and a very good slicer. I couldn't be happier with it.
Dear Jared,
Some time has passed since your purchase, but we would like to take the time to thank you for your kind review and for support Minomo Blacksmith! We are so pleased that the engraving turned out to your liking, and especially that the Minomo family's life work was inspiring for you. We hope you continue to enjoy your one-of-a-kind knives!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team
How to Sharpen your knife
Caring for your knife will make it last you for decades. After use, wash it with clean hot water, dry it off thoroughly, and place it in newspaper to prevent rusting. Check out the video below for more information on how to sharpen your knife with a sharpening stone, and how to store it safely.