Ultimate Guide to the Top Japanese Knives by Region, Part 2 

In Part 2 of this article, we delve into the craftsmanship and history of Japanese knives from Tosa and Miki. Tosa, located in Kochi Prefecture, is renowned for its black forged Kurouchi knives, crafted by local artisans skilled in using various types of steel. Miki, in Hyogo Prefecture, boasts a diverse range of cutting tools, including the famous Higonokami knife, celebrated for its lightweight design and versatility.

To understand the distinct qualities of knives from Tosa and Miki, be sure to check out Part 1, where we explore knives from the notable regions of Sakai, Seki, and Tsubame-Sanjo!

Table of contents:

1. Japanese Knives from Tosa, Kochi Prefecture
2. Japanese Knives from Miki, Hyogo Prefecture

Japanese Knives from Tosa, Kochi Prefecture

Situated on Shikoku Island in Kochi Prefecture, Tosa City is famous for its black forged Kurouchi knives. Local artisans are celebrated for their expertise in crafting blades using various types of steel. These knives are known for their unique appearance and high-quality performance.

What is Kurouchi? A Kurouchi finish is a rough coating left on knives after they are heated during the forging process. As you use the knife, the Kurouchi finish will change, offering a unique experience over time. Learn more about knife finishes by checking out our article on how to choose the best knife finish for you!

The tradition of knifemaking in Tosa began around the late 16th century when Motochika Nagasogabe welcomed swordsmiths to the area. The town is known for its rugged blacksmithing style, marked by rough techniques and free forging.

Tosa has a long history of working with Sakai, which helped produce affordable yet high-quality Japanese knives. Despite keeping costs low, the town has become a major center for knife production in Japan, known for its skilled craftsmen and manufacturers.

Recommendations for Japanese style knives produced in Tosa

• Santoku
• Santoku SLD
  
  Point: This Japanese style knife is made with SLD steel, originally designed for forging cutting tools. This strong steel holds a very sharp edge and sharpens like tougher carbon steel, making it a reliable choice. The special pear skin-like finish known as Nashiji, gives the blade a unique, rustic look while maintaining its functionality.

• Bunka
• Bunka Silver Steel #3
  
  Point: Polished knives, like this Bunka, are designed to provide an exceptional cutting experience. Their sleek and refined finish not only enhances their beauty but also improves performance. These knives are lightweight, which makes them feel nimble in your hand, allowing for greater control and precision while cutting. The comfortable grip ensures that using them for extended periods is easy on the hands, making them a favorite among both professional chefs as well as home cooks

• Deba
• Deba AUS-8
  
  Point: The Deba knife is equipped with an octagon-shaped handle that provides an excellent grip, making it easy to control during use. This design is especially beneficial when handling the knife with wet hands, ensuring a secure hold for improved safety and precision while filleting fish or preparing other ingredients. 

Recommendations for specialty Japanese knives produced in Sakai

• Butcher Knife
• Point: This knife has a thick, heavy blade, making it strong enough to chop through big animal joints, almost like using a small axe. It's sharp and durable, perfect for tough jobs whether you're hunting or cooking.
  

 

Japanese Knives from Miki, Hyogo Prefecture

Miki City, located in Hyogo Prefecture, is recognized for its diverse knife production. In addition to high-quality kitchen knives, Miki is also known for its chisels, wood planes, saws, scissors, and pocket knives called Higonokami. This region's extensive range of cutting tools highlights its versatility and expertise in metalworking.

What is a Higonokami? The Higonokami is Japan's most famous small knife, renowned worldwide as a go-to outdoor knife. Its lightweight design, simple aesthetics, durability, and variety of colors and blade lengths make it a popular choice. Made from high-quality Japanese steel, it offers great performance at an affordable price.

This traditional knife is a registered trademark, exclusively manufactured at the Nagao Kanekoma factory in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture. Miki City has a long-standing history of crafting knives and carpentry tools, making it a hub for quality knife production.

The name "Higonokami" (肥後守) comes from its popularity among customers in Kumamoto Prefecture, located in the Higo region. The character "守" (kami) signifies charm, defense, guard, and craftsmanship.

Originally, Higonokami knives were commonly used by children for tasks like shaving pencils and working with bamboo. As of 2017, these knives are still crafted in the Nagao Kanekoma factory, catering to collectors and woodworkers alike. The current master blacksmith, Mitsuo Nagao, is the fifth-generation craftsman continuing this cherished tradition.

What do you use a Higonokami for? Some practical applications for the Japanese pocket knife include:

• Shinotake Gun Making: The Higonokami is perfect for precision cutting and shaping when crafting traditional Shinotake guns, a traditional Japanese toy made from bamboo. It uses tension to launch small projectiles, often used in children's outdoor play.
  
  A Higonokami is an excellent tool for making a Shinotake gun. It can cut bamboo into the necessary lengths for the gun's body and barrel. The knife helps shape and refine the bamboo pieces, making precise cuts for notches and slots during assembly. Its sharp edge also smooths any rough edges, ensuring the final product is safe to handle. This lightweight and durable knife is perfect for crafting the intricate components of a Shinotake gun.
  
  
• Pencil Scraping: Use the Higonokami to easily scrape and sharpen pencils, giving you a fine point for writing or drawing.
• Bamboo Dragonfly Making: The sharp edge of the Higonokami makes it ideal for slicing through bamboo, enabling you to create delicate and detailed bamboo dragonflies.
• Kite Making: This knife is great for cutting and trimming materials for kite-making, ensuring clean edges and accurate shapes for optimal flight.
• Camping: The Higonokami is a handy tool for various camping tasks, from food preparation to making kindling, thanks to its lightweight and portable design.
• Fishing: Use the Higonokami to clean and prepare fish, as its sharp blade ensures quick and efficient filleting on your fishing trips.

Miki has a long history of cutlery making and has been linked with the god of forging, Tenmoku Ikkoku-no-Mikoto, since ancient times. 

In the 5th century, Korean blacksmiths from Baekje arrived in Miki and helped develop local blacksmithing skills. By the late 16th century, after a war, carpenters settled in Miki to rebuild, and the town became a center for making carpentry tools.

Recommendations for Japanese style knives produced in Miki

• Santoku
• Santoku SG-2
  
  Point: SG2 high carbon stainless steel kitchen knives are renowned for their excellent edge retention and easy sharpening. With proper care, you can expect these durable knives to be reliable tools in your kitchen for many years, making them a smart investment for any cooking enthusiast.
  

• Gyuto
• Gyuto Silver Steel #3
  
  Point: Crafted from high-quality materials like Silver Steel #3 and Nickel Damascus, this knife features a luxurious buffalo ebony handle, a traditional choice for Japanese knives. Its design offers the classic look you desire from a special knife made in Japan.
  

• Bunka
• Bunka Silver Steel #3
  
  Point: This knife features a walnut handle known for its long-lasting durability and resistance to decay. Each handle is uniquely crafted, ensuring that your knife stands out with its distinct appearance, making it a special addition to your kitchen tools.

• Nakiri
• Nakiri Blue Steel #2
  
  Point: This Nakiri knife features a walnut shitan handle, providing a stylish and comfortable grip. Shitan is one of the toughest handle materials, ensuring the knife lasts for a long time. Its durability makes it a reliable choice, while also adding a modern touch to the traditional look of the handle. Each handle has a unique grain pattern, making it special and distinct.
  

• Deba
• Deba SK Steel
  
  Point: The polished, cloud-like finish known as Kasumi gives this knife a unique hazy appearance from the soft steel or iron cladding. This traditional look contrasts beautifully with its sharp cutting edge. Commonly found on classic Japanese blades, this elegant finish makes the knife an ideal gift for anyone seeking a quality Japanese knife.

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