Kurotori Butcher Knife

Kurotori is a family-run forge based in Shimanto Town, Kochi Prefecture, with roots tracing back over 150 years. The lineage began in Kurotori Village, Aki District, where the Kawashima family were once renowned blacksmiths in the region. After the main Kawashima line ended without an heir in the early Meiji period, the forge’s top disciples carried on its legacy. The third disciple, Heiji Kajiwara, moved to Higashimata (now part of Shimanto Town) and established the Kurotori forge as a new branch.

Now led by the fourth generation, Kurotori continues to make blades for everyday use, grounded in the needs of local people. Originally focused on forest and agricultural tools such as sickles, hatchets, and pruning blades, the forge now also produces kitchen knives and stainless steel tools while maintaining its commitment to practical design and handcraftsmanship.

Kurotori is part of the Tosa uchihamono tradition, which refers to the hand-forged blades of Kochi Prefecture. These blades are made by layering iron and steel, shaped freely without reliance on molds or mass-production forms. This method allows each tool to be adapted in size, shape, balance, and cutting profile to fit the specific needs of the user.

The forge’s historical focus on forestry tools has influenced the durability and cutting precision of every product they make. Whether creating a traditional sickle or a modern stainless petty knife, the goal remains the same: to deliver long-lasting performance through proven techniques.

Kurotori places user needs at the heart of its craft, responding directly to feedback from farmers, foresters, chefs, and tradespeople. Blade shape, weight, handle design, and cutting angles are all adjusted based on real-world use, not trends or production goals. Founded over 150 years ago in Kochi, the smithy was revived by Hiroshi Kajihara, the youngest son of the Kajiwara family, who now works with four apprentices to continue the tradition.

The team supports each other while preserving 
both the local community and the legacy of the forge. Customers can visit the workshop, request modifications, or commission custom tools. New product development includes collaborations with designers, resulting in knives that blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Each knife, including their signature stainless series with a mirror finish, is built for utility and tested for professional performance.

We are Kurotori, a forge built on everyday needs and generational craft. Our tools are not made for display but for real use in forests, fields, and kitchens. We shape each blade by hand, with care and focus, because we believe tools should last and serve well. As our family continues this work, we remain committed to evolving alongside the people who use our blades.