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.
Minomo Blacksmith Santoku Knife Pack
Includes:
- "Santoku" Kitchen Knife (handcrafted from steel, 30.2cm length, 16.5cm blade length, 120g weight)
- Red Sharpening Stone (15cm x 4cm x 3cm)
- Optional (Additional Fee): 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!)
-
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
*The knives are handcrafted, so shipping them out can take up to 3 weeks. Engraving will take an additional 3-5 days.
*The knife is made from steel, so there will be a certain amount of rusting over time. There are detailed descriptions included in the pack on how to get rid of rust and tend to your knife by sharpening.
*Depending on the value of your order and local import rules of your country, there might be additional import taxes you have to pay upon arrival of the package.
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.
The knife dont cut Tomatoes
Dear Friedrich Koopmann,
Thank you for your review and for supporting Minomo Blacksmith with your order! If your knife's blade is starting to feel a bit dull, please watch our video on how to sharpen your knife with the included sharpening stone: https://youtu.be/t-OzjOaqMPM?si=2A3aX6XIOHmlO2KW If this does not help and you still have questions about your knife, feel free to contact us any time via email at japanesefoodcraftsmanshop@gmail.com
Thank you once again for your support!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team
Thank you. Wonderful work and perfect sharpening. Beautiful knife. ありがとう。
Dear lyubomir siderov,
Thanks so much for the review, and happy to hear you are enjoying your knife!! We will let Minomo Blacksmith know you are happy with your order, and we hope you'll have many chances to create delicious dishes with it.
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team
A traditional knife. I always wanted a traditional knife from a blacksmith where you get a familiar tool. I always preferred Japanese knives; they were global knives. These are industrially manufactured, but they are also very good. But what you get here is a knife with a soul, and that's something very special.
Dear Jo 27,
Thank you so much for your purchase and for your kind review! We are so happy to hear that you are pleased with your knife and appreciate the tradition and craftsmanship that go into a handcrafted Japanese knife! Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team
I received the knife and started to use it right away. Very well balanced and It stays sharp longer than any of my other knives
Dear Dairo Ballate,
Thank you for your purchase and for your review! We are thrilled to hear that you are enjoying your knife. Thanks once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen.
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team
I received the knife. I am very very happy with such a beautiful family created product! I love the fact that it was wrapped in local newspaper and that the box was wrapped with a nice hand written ‘Thank you’. Very happy and thank the family for me ! NEIL HEGARTY Ireland
Dear Neil Hegarty,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for supporting Japanese craftsmen. They will be glad to hear that you are happy with their work.
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.