Isamitsu Knives: Tradition Refined Through Innovation

At Isamitsu Hamono, craftsmanship is not just about preserving tradition — it’s about refining it, evolving it, and breathing new life into it. Led by Yuki Abe-san and Gaku Kanatsu-san, Isamitsu represents a new wave of Japanese knife-making: deeply respectful of the past, yet boldly unafraid to innovate.

Both Abe-san and Kanatsu-san are dedicated to constantly improving their knives, breaking from convention to create blades that are uniquely their own. Unlike many traditional workshops, Isamitsu embraces collaboration, cross-pollinating ideas with other blacksmiths and even welcoming a young woman as an apprentice in 2022 — a rare and progressive move in a traditionally male-dominated craft.

Their style blends the rustic traditions passed down from their former master with new techniques, tweaks, and personal touches. The result is a collection of kitchen knives that are understated yet stunning, humble in appearance but exceptional in performance.

About Yuki Abe

Born in Paris in 1979, Yuki Abe spent 15 years training as a kitchen knife blacksmith in Japan. With years of hard-earned experience, he finally founded his own blacksmith studio in Sakuragawa, Ibaraki Prefecture in 2022. Abe-san's vision was simple but profound: to create the best kitchen knives he could, guided by his own ideals of sharpness, balance, and beauty.

Through Isamitsu Hamono, Abe-san assembled a team that shares his passion and commitment, turning his dream into reality — and bringing exceptional knives into the hands of chefs and cooks around the world.

The Shiroichi Series

One of Isamitsu's standout lines is the Shiroichi series, crafted from White #1 carbon steel. These blades feature a bold kurouchi finish — a rough, blackened surface that reflects the blade’s freshly forged origins.

The Shiroichi knives require attentive care to prevent rust, but reward their owners with extraordinary sharpness and an unrivaled cutting feel. In the hand, they feel confident and alive: rustic, yet elegant. Every cut reminds you that you're using something crafted with heart, skill, and vision.

Why Choose Isamitsu?

If you’re looking for knives that combine traditional spirit with contemporary craftsmanship, Isamitsu knives are an exceptional choice. They are built not just to perform — but to inspire, to evolve with their user, and to carry the living spirit of Japanese blacksmithing into the future.