Minonokuni Knives

An Artisan's Tool: The Minonokuni Aogami Damascus 150mm Petty Knife Step into the world of traditional Japanese bladecraft with the Minonokuni 150mm Petty Knife. This is not merely a kitchen tool; it is an heirloom, hand-forged by artisans to deliver a cutting experience that is second to none. Perfectly sized for all precision tasks, this "Petty" (utility) knife is the nimble and indispensable partner to a larger chef's knife. The soul of this blade is its core of Aogami (Blue Paper) #2 Steel, a legendary high-carbon steel prized by master blacksmiths for its ability to take an incredibly fine, scalpel-like edge and hold it. This pure steel core is protected by layers of soft iron, forged into a breathtaking suminagashi or Damascus pattern that ensures each knife is visually unique. Core Benefits: Legendary Aogami #2 Steel Core: Experience unparalleled sharpness and extraordinary edge retention. Aogami steel is the choice of professionals for its pure, aggressive cutting performance on delicate foods. Protective Damascus Cladding: Multiple layers of soft iron are forged around the hard core, creating a stunning ripple pattern. This cladding adds durability and protects the Aogami steel. The Ultimate Utility Blade: At 150mm (5.9"), this Petty knife is the master of detail. It excels at in-hand peeling, trimming vegetables, segmenting citrus, mincing herbs, and precision slicing for charcuterie. Traditional Wa-Handle: The octagonal handle is crafted from beautiful red sandalwood, providing a comfortable, secure, and precise grip for all-day use. This traditional "Wa-handle" offers exceptional balance and control. Hand-Forged Artistry: Each knife is a unique piece of functional art, handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths in Sakai, Japan, a city with centuries of blade-making history.
A Note on Care: Aogami is a reactive high-carbon steel. This is what allows for its extreme sharpness. It must be hand-washed and dried immediately after use to prevent corrosion or rust. A beautiful patina will develop over time, telling the story of your culinary journey. Learn More

Minonokuni | Aogami Black | 210mm Gyuto Learn More

A Masterclass in High-Carbon Performance: The Minonokuni Homura Kuro Gyuto When your shift requires processing forty pounds of protein or precision-slicing a mountain of mirepoix, generic stainless steel won't suffice. The Minonokuni Homura Kuro 240mm Gyuto is a purpose-built tool for the culinary athlete. Hand-forged by elite Minonokuni blacksmiths exclusively for Knife Merchant, this blade is centered around a core of Hitachi Aogami (Blue #2) carbon steel. This isn't just a knife; it's a high-performance instrument capable of reaching a Rockwell hardness that keeps its 'scary-sharp' edge long after other knives have failed. The aesthetic is as functional as it is striking. The 'Kuro' or Kurouchi (blacksmith’s) finish provides a rustic, non-glare appearance that actually aids in food release and offers a layer of protection against the natural reactivity of the carbon steel. Paired with a traditional Sandalwood handle and a durable Blackwood ferrule, the balance point is expertly tuned for the 'pinch grip' used by professionals, making the 9.4-inch length feel nimble and intuitive. Whether you are a line cook navigating a frantic dinner service or a dedicated home enthusiast mastering Japanese sharpening stones, this Gyuto provides the tactile feedback and geometric efficiency required for elite-level prep work. Learn More

Crafted by skilled artisans in Japan, the Minonokuni Aogami Black 170mm Nakiri is a traditional vegetable knife designed for precision and efficiency. Made with Aogami (Blue #2) high-carbon steel, this blade delivers exceptional edge retention, sharpness, and cutting power—ideal for fine vegetable work and push-cutting techniques. The dark, rustic kurouchi (black) finish not only gives the knife a distinctive, hand-forged appearance but also helps protect the blade from corrosion. Its flat edge profile and squared tip make it perfect for chopping vegetables cleanly without rocking, and the blade's thin grind ensures minimal resistance for ultra-smooth cuts. Paired with a comfortable wood handle, this Nakiri offers excellent control and balance, whether you're prepping delicate herbs or dense root vegetables. Learn More

Authentic Japanese Kurouchi Blacksmithing Meets Hitachi Blue Steel Cutting Authority Master daily produce, meat, and fish preparation with an ultra-fine 50/50 double bevel forged for uncompromising edge retention. Crafted in the historic cutlery hub of Seki, Japan, the Minonokuni Aogami Black 170mm Santoku delivers relentless slicing capability built around genuine Hitachi Ao-Gami (Blue Paper Steel). Unlike softer, mass-produced stainless knives that crush delicate ingredients, this Santoku features a pure carbon core hardened to hold an acute, toothy edge through dense crates of root vegetables, firm proteins, and tender aromatics without wedging or tearing. The term santoku translates directly to 'three virtues,' signifying proficiency across slicing, dicing, and mincing. At 170mm (6.7 inches), this blade strikes the balance between agile board maneuvering in tight kitchen workspaces and sufficient flat cutting edge to power through prep lists. The traditional Kurouchi (black-forged) protective scale leaves an unpolished, rustic carbon finish along the upper blade flats, adding natural food release characteristics and partial protection against oxidation while highlighting authentic blacksmith heritage. Because this blade is non-stainless carbon steel, it develops a deep, stable blue-gray patina that reflects your cooking journey. Whether you are portioning boneless poultry, cross-cutting leeks, or brunoising shallots, the Minonokuni Aogami Santoku offers direct tactile feedback that allows you to cut faster with less hand fatigue. Learn More

The Minonokuni Aogami Black 180mm Gyuto is a masterfully crafted Japanese chef’s knife that blends traditional forging techniques with exceptional cutting performance. Handcrafted in Japan, this 180mm Gyuto (approximately 7 inches) offers the versatility and precision that both professional chefs and passionate home cooks appreciate. Forged from premium Hitachi Ao-Gami (Blue Steel), this blade delivers outstanding edge retention, impressive sharpness, and easy resharpening. Ao-Gami steel is prized for its high carbon content and added chromium and tungsten, enhancing durability while maintaining the razor-like edge Japanese knives are known for. The result is a blade that glides effortlessly through vegetables, proteins, and herbs with clean, precise cuts. For those seeking authentic Japanese performance with superior edge retention, the Minonokuni Aogami Black 180mm Gyuto is a refined and reliable addition to any kitchen. Learn More

Minonokuni | Ao-Ko Super Tsuchime | 210mm Gyuto Learn More

We are proud to introduce to America the finest work of Japan's Minonokuni Blacksmiths The Raku (Aogami Super Steel). In Japan Raku means "being happy" as well as "being easy (to maintain)." In other words we would like you to imagine a person who cooks happily using a hocho that is sharp and easy to maintain due to its superior steel. This 240 mm. (9.4in.) Gyuto even for a hand forged knife the Raku 240 Gyuto is exceptionally large; a thick spine and thick choil tapering to a razor thin edge makes this an incredibly tough knife to forge by hand. The Super Blue Steel used in this Raku Gyuto is known for holding a fine edge for much longer than competitive steel types and is easy to reshapen. Some knives use very hard steel, it may hold an edge for awhile but hard steels can be very hard to resharpen. This is not the case with Super Blue which responds very well to ceramics and whetstones. These incredibly unique Hochos are forged by experienced Japanese Blacksmiths using the best blade and handle materials available. Spine Thickness (near handle): 6.2 mm Blade Height: 54 mm Weight: 10.1 ounces Handle Length: 5.9 in. (148mm) Steel type: Super Aogami (Super Blue) Learn More

Experience the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese blacksmithing with the Minonokuni Ao-Ko Super Tsuchime 170mm Nakiri. Designed specifically for precise vegetable prep, this Nakiri features a core of Ao-Ko Super high-carbon steel—renowned for its excellent edge retention, hardness, and responsiveness on the cutting board. The hand-hammered tsuchime finish isn’t just beautiful—it also helps reduce drag and minimizes food sticking to the blade, making prep work smoother and more efficient. The flat edge profile makes it ideal for push-cutting and chopping, while the thin grind and acute edge deliver clean, effortless slices. Completed with a traditional octagonal wooden handle for balance and control, this knife blends performance, aesthetics, and heritage in one exceptional tool. Learn More