Table of Contents:

1. Japanese Knives from Tosa, Kochi Prefecture

2. Japanese Knives from Miki, Hyogo Prefecture

Japanese Knives from Tosa, Kochi Prefecture

Tosa City, located in Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island, is renowned for its black-forged Kurouchi knives. Local artisans are celebrated for their skill in crafting blades using various steels, with their knives distinguished by their rugged, rustic appearance and exceptional performance.

What is Kurouchi?

Kurouchi refers to the rough, dark coating left on a knife’s blade during the forging process. This finish is created as the blade is heated, and over time, as the knife is used, the coating changes, offering a unique, personalized character to each blade. It’s often appreciated for its aesthetic and historical significance.

The History of Knife Making in Tosa

The tradition of knife-making in Tosa dates back to the late 16th century, when Motochika Chōsokabe invited swordsmiths to the region. Tosa became famous for its blacksmithing style, which emphasized a rugged, free-forging technique. The town's proximity to Sakai, a major center for Japanese knife-making, allowed it to benefit from the expertise and collaboration with Sakai’s artisans. Despite the area’s rough techniques, Tosa knives have become highly regarded for their durability, sharpness, and the uniqueness of their designs.

Recommendations for Japanese Style Knives from Tosa

1. Santoku SLD
   Point: Made with SLD steel, this knife retains a very sharp edge and sharpens with the ease of tougher carbon steel. The Nashiji finish, resembling pear skin, gives the blade a rustic, unique look while maintaining excellent functionality.

2. Bunka Silver Steel #3
   Point: This polished Bunka knife is lightweight, providing nimbleness and greater control. Its refined finish enhances both aesthetics and cutting performance, making it a favorite among both professional chefs and home cooks.

3. Deba AUS-8
   Point: This Deba features an octagon-shaped handle, providing an excellent grip, especially when working with wet hands. The design ensures better control, making it ideal for filleting fish or preparing other ingredients with precision.

Japanese Knives from Miki, Hyogo Prefecture

Miki City, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is renowned for its diverse range of cutting tools. While it’s known for high-quality kitchen knives, Miki also produces chisels, wood planes, saws, scissors, and its most famous product: the Higonokami pocket knife. Miki has a deep connection to both traditional craftsmanship and modern metalworking techniques, making it a hub for versatile knife production.

What is a Higonokami?

The Higonokami is a small, traditional Japanese pocket knife, widely recognized for its lightweight design, durability, and simplicity. Made from high-quality Japanese steel, it is known for its sharp edge and versatility, often used by outdoor enthusiasts, craftsmen, and collectors alike. The knife is produced exclusively at the Nagao Kanekoma factory in Miki, a practice that has been upheld for generations.

Originally, the Higonokami was used by children for simple tasks like sharpening pencils or working with bamboo. Today, it’s favored for its portability and adaptability across various tasks, including outdoor use and crafts such as toy-making and fishing.

What Can You Do with a Higonokami?

• Shinotake Gun Making: Perfect for shaping bamboo to craft traditional Japanese Shinotake guns.

• Pencil Scraping: Great for sharpening pencils to a fine point.

• Bamboo Dragonfly Making: Ideal for carving intricate shapes out of bamboo for delicate toys.

• Kite Making: Its sharp edge helps trim materials for creating kites.

• Camping & Fishing: A handy tool for food preparation, cutting kindling, or preparing fish during outdoor activities.

The Higonokami is known for its reliability and ease of use, making it a tool for a variety of everyday tasks.

Recommendations for Japanese Style Knives from Miki

1. Santoku SG-2
   Point: Crafted from SG-2 high-carbon stainless steel, this knife offers excellent edge retention and is easy to sharpen. It’s a durable and reliable tool for any kitchen enthusiast.

2. Gyuto Silver Steel #3
   Point: Made from Silver Steel #3 and Nickel Damascus, this knife features a luxurious buffalo ebony handle. Its elegant design and superior performance make it a standout piece in any collection.

3. Bunka Silver Steel #3
   Point: The walnut handle on this Bunka is not only durable but also offers a unique, natural appearance. Each handle is individually crafted, ensuring every knife has a distinct look.

4. Nakiri Blue Steel #2
   Point: The Nakiri features a walnut shitan handle, providing a comfortable and durable grip. Known for its durability, this knife is a reliable choice for vegetable prep and adds a modern touch to a traditional design.

5. Deba SK Steel
   Point: With its Kasumi finish (a polished, cloud-like look from steel cladding), this Deba knife offers a combination of aesthetic beauty and high functionality, making it a perfect gift for someone seeking a quality Japanese knife.

Tosa and Miki continue to uphold Japan’s legacy of fine craftsmanship, each contributing unique styles and materials to the world of cutting tools. Whether you’re looking for the rugged charm of a Kurouchi finish from Tosa or the versatile, lightweight utility of a Higonokami from Miki, these knives provide a deep connection to Japan’s rich history of forging and craftsmanship.