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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 Aogami Damascus 150mm Petty Knife (Utility)
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 Ao-Gami Damascus 180mm Gyuto
Minonokuni Ao-gami Damascus 180mm Gyuto Homura knives are crafted by top Minonokuni blacksmiths. This hand forged Gyuto or Chef Knife really shows the benefits of a handmade knife. This is a double beveled blade, using Blue Steel 2 with elegant Damascus cladding. The ferrule is Onyx with a Sandalwood handle. Learn More$320.00 -
Minonokuni Aogami Damascus 170mm Santoku
The Vegetable Master: The Minonokuni Aogami Damascus 170mm Santoku The Santoku, meaning "three virtues," is celebrated for its mastery of slicing, dicing, and mincing. The Minonokuni 170mm Santoku is a sublime expression of this versatile form, handcrafted by artisans in Sakai, Japan. With its straighter edge and sheepsfoot tip, this knife excels at clean, downward chopping motions, making it an absolute powerhouse for vegetable preparation. At the heart 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 that glides through food. 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 precious Aogami steel. The "Three Virtues" Blade: At 170mm (6.7"), the Santoku shape is perfect for rapid dicing, fine mincing, and clean slicing. The flatter belly makes it ideal for direct, downward chopping with minimal rocking. 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$318.00 -
Minonokuni Ao-Gami Damascus 170mm Nakiri
Minonokuni | Ao-gami Damascus | 170mm Nakiri Learn More -
Minonokuni Ao-Gami Damascus 240mm Gyuto
Minonokuni Ao-Gami Damascus 240mm Gyuto Experience the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship with the Minonokuni Ao-Gami Damascus Gyuto. A true workhorse in any kitchen, this 240mm chef's knife is meticulously designed for versatility, precision, and enduring performance. Whether you are a professional chef or a passionate home cook, this blade is engineered to elevate your culinary creations. As beautiful as it is functional this knife is eqxuisitely crafted and a pleasure to use. At the heart of this knife is Ao-Gami, or Blue Paper Steel, a premium carbon steel renowned for its extraordinary sharpness and exceptional edge retention. This core is clad in layers of steel that are hand-forged and folded to create a stunning, unique Damascus pattern on the blade. This layering isn't just for beauty; it adds resilience and strength to the blade. The Gyuto is the Japanese interpretation of the classic Western chef's knife, celebrated for its multipurpose capabilities. Its 240mm length is favored by many professionals for its ability to handle larger cuts of meat and fish, while remaining agile enough for dicing vegetables and performing delicate slicing tasks. The blade's profile is beautifully tapered which allows for precise and nimble handling. Key Features: Steel: Ao-Gami (Blue Paper Steel) for superior hardness and long-lasting sharpness. Blade Construction: Exquisite Damascus steel cladding provides durability and a one-of-a-kind aesthetic. Blade Type: 240mm Gyuto (Japanese Chef's Knife), an all-purpose tool for a wide range of kitchen tasks. Artisan Craftsmanship: Classically hand forged
Performance and Care: The high-carbon Ao-Gami steel blade is capable of achieving a razor-sharp edge, ensuring clean, effortless cuts that preserve the integrity of your ingredients. As with all high-carbon steel knives, this blade will develop a natural patina over time, a beautiful bluish-gray hue that tells the story of its use and protects it from deeper corrosion. To ensure the longevity of your Minonokuni Gyuto, it is essential to hand wash and thoroughly dry the knife immediately after use to prevent rust. With proper care, this knife will be a treasured and reliable partner in your kitchen for a lifetime. Learn More -
Minonokuni Aogami Damascus 210mm Gyuto
The Quintessential Japanese Workhorse: The Minonokuni Aogami Damascus 210mm Gyuto The Gyuto is the heart of the Japanese kitchen, and the Minonokuni 210mm Gyuto is a masterclass in the form. This is the one knife that can do it all, from slicing and dicing vegetables to portioning fish and meat. Forged by hand by skilled artisans in Sakai, Japan, this knife is a perfect fusion of raw cutting power, delicate precision, and timeless artistry. 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. Learn More$385.00 -
Minonokuni Homura Blue/Stainless 150mm Petty
Minonokuni Homura Blue/Stainless 150mm Petty Learn More -
Minonokuni Homura 170mm Ao-Ko Nakiri
The Minonokuni Homura 170 mm (6.9 inch) nakiri construction consists of a matte stainless steel jacket welded to a core of Blue 2 carbon steel. This leaves only the exposed edge requiring the special care needed for carbon steel and creates a beautiful two-tone design as the exposed carbon steel develops a patina. Should the stainless steel become scratched or marred over time, it is easily restored using fine 0000 steel wool or synthetic pad. The blade is sharpened 50/50 and the oval sandalwood handle and blackwood ferrule are suitable for either left or right handed users. Primarily used as an all-purpose vegetable knife, the nakiri is a more durable version of an usuba due to the double grind. Learn More -
Minonokuni Homura 170mm Ao-Ko Santoku
Unleash your culinary potential with the Minonokuni Homura 170mm Santoku, a masterpiece of form and function forged in the heart of Japan's legendary knife-making tradition. The name "Homura," meaning flame, perfectly captures the fiery spirit and passion invested in each blade, creating a tool that is as beautiful as it is powerful. This is more than just a kitchen knife; it's an extension of the chef's hand, designed for those who appreciate precision, quality, and the art of cooking. Learn More$230.00 -
Minonokuni Homura 240mm Ao-Ko Wa-Gyuto
The Minonokuni Homura 240mm Ao-Ko Wa-Gyuto is a meticulously handcrafted Japanese chef’s knife built for exceptional sharpness, balance, and everyday reliability. At its core is Blue Steel (Ao-Ko), renowned for taking a razor edge and holding it through extensive prep work. To make maintenance easier, the blade is jacketed in stainless steel, reducing the risk of rust while still delivering the cutting performance of high-carbon steel. Its traditional wa-handle pairs warm Sandalwood with a dense, durable Blackwood ferrule, offering a comfortable, secure grip and a refined aesthetic. The 240mm profile provides excellent versatility—ideal for slicing, chopping, dicing, and precision cuts across proteins and vegetables. Combining artisanal forging with user-friendly design, the Homura Ao-Ko Wa-Gyuto is a standout tool for both professional chefs and serious home cooks seeking tradition, performance, and ease of care. Learn More
