Minomo Engraving Option

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.