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Minonokuni Knives
Authentic Japanese blades (hochoes) hand-forged using traditional Japanese methods of old-world craftsmanship; Minonokuni knives are part of a project designed to preserve and protect the master/apprentice relationship. Even as demand for Japanese knives has grown; the skilled masters are aging, and it has been difficult to keep apprentices. While the methods of construction mastered over the centuries have changed very little, the methods of bringing the pieces to market is dramatically different. Then Knife Merchant was asked to assist by bringing knives from various masters in different types of material to market, so that the craftsmen can concentrate on their work and keep the apprentice fully employed, without the burden of stopping production to make sales. Minonokuni is the name of a prefecture (state) that existed in the days of the Samurai. It encompassed a wide area including Seki-City and Sakai, which are the areas of Japan in which our craftsmen are making these blades. This is why we have chosen this as a brand name to represent these knives. You will find the quality to be far superior to comparable material types. When the knife maker has his name on the blade (instead of working for a company), there is greater pride and care taken in little details that make a great difference in final quality. Minonokuni knives are now available in a variety of grades to suit every need and price point.
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Minonokuni Matsu 300mm (11.8 in.) Yanagi
The Soul of the Sushi Chef: Experience Unrivaled Precision with the Minonokuni Matsu 300mm Yanagi For the artisan who understands that a slice is not merely a cut, but the final, reverent touch, we present the Minonokuni Matsu 300mm Yanagi. This is more than a knife; it is a testament to centuries of Japanese blade-making heritage, meticulously hand-forged to serve as an extension of your will. For the professional sushi chef or the passionate culinary purist, this is the ultimate tool for transforming the finest ingredients into edible art. A Blade Forged in Tradition, Honed for Perfection At the core of this masterpiece is a blade of Aogami-ko Kasumi (Blue Steel No. 2), a revered high-carbon steel known for its surgical sharpness and remarkable edge retention. Forged by master craftsmen, the blade's single-bevel grind allows it to glide through fish and delicate meats with ethereal grace, creating translucent slices with pristine, unblemished surfaces. The resulting mirror-like finish on each cut is a hallmark of a truly superior Yanagi. With a Rockwell hardness of 63-65, this blade is not only incredibly sharp but also exceptionally resilient, ready to perform flawlessly in the most demanding professional kitchens. Ergonomic Elegance, Flawless Control Grasp the traditional octagonal handle, crafted from beautifully grained, oiled Japanese Magnolia (Ho) wood. It feels warm, light, and perfectly balanced in the hand, designed for hours of comfortable and precise work. The handle is crowned with a genuine water buffalo horn ferrule, a classic touch that adds both durability and a timeless aesthetic. Weighing a nimble 7 ounces, the knife's balance is engineered to make the long 300mm blade feel like a natural part of you, enabling effortless, fluid strokes. An Heirloom in the Making Each Minonokuni Matsu Yanagi is a unique work of art, destined to become a cherished tool in your collection. It arrives protected in a custom-fitted wooden Saya (sheath), preserving its immaculate edge and ensuring its longevity. Learn More$400.00 -
Minonokuni Matsu 270mm (10.6 in) Yanagiba
Yanagi is a one sided, hand forged, pure carbon slicer. This knife is ideal for slicing meats and whole fish with precision. Knife includes saya. Learn More$355.00
