Masutani Hamono, a small knifemaker based in Echizen, Japan, is owned by Kunio Masutani, the fourth-generation blacksmith and brother of Ryusen Hamono’s owner. With over 30 years of knifemaking experience, Masutani-san’s goal is to create affordable and practical kitchen knives suitable for normal households. He places emphasis on cutting performance, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic quality.

Born in 1944, Masutani San started studying with his father at the age of 15 and opened his own smithy in Takefu knife village at 30. The Masutani knives are made in Echizen, Japan, and are renowned for their exceptional quality at reasonable prices. The VG-1 steel used in these knives, while not as stainless as VG-10, offers easier self-grinding capabilities. The steel composition includes carbon (0.95-1.05%), chromium (13-15%), molybdenum (0.2-0.4%), and nickel (<0.25%), manufactured at the Takefu Factory in Japan with a hardness level of 59-61 HRC.

Masutani’s grinding technique ensures that the knives are razor-sharp out of the box, and the VG-1 steel is forged using the ‘Sanmai’ technique between two layers of softer steel for protection against damage and oxidation. The handle, made of red Pakka wood, features a stabilized hold, and the Nakago (sting) is secured in the handle with two stainless steel pins. The knives also have a stainless steel bolster between the handle and the blade.

The Masutani knives, with their unique shape and western-style Pakka wood handles, are ideal for those looking to experience Japanese-style knives or seeking great value. Masutani’s expertise as a blacksmith and knife sharpener ensures the knives offer both elegant aesthetics and sharpness. The brand continues to deliver remarkable value for the quality they provide, forging knives with VG1 stainless steel for a keener edge.