HATSUKOKORO - YOSHIKANE

Yoshikane Hamono is a highly respected knife maker from Sanjo City in Niigata, Japan—a region famous for its blacksmithing traditions. Founded in 1919, the workshop is now led by fourth-generation blacksmith Kazuomi Yamamoto, who continues the legacy of hand-forging high-quality kitchen knives.

One signature trait of Yoshikane knives—and Sanjo-made knives in general—is the Sanjo-style spine taper. This refers to how the knife’s spine gradually becomes thinner from the heel to the tip, creating a gentle distal taper. The result is a knife that feels very balanced in hand, with a nimble, responsive tip that glides through food effortlessly.