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Yoshida Hamono, one of the few manufacturers of knives made of ZDP-189 steel, naturally has other materials in its production program. It is enough to mention Yasuki Blue, VG-10, ZA-18, SUJ-2 and it is immediately clear to everyone that we have an honor with an experienced manufacturer. This family business from the island of Shikoku has added a highly sought after item to our collection. This is a classic Wa Bocho made of carbon steel. Knives so typical of the land of the rising sun and at the same time with a lucrative price tag. Let's take a closer look at them.
The Kumiko range is a traditional product in terms of material, construction and functionality. The San Mai blade has a steel core with a high carbon content (1.1%). It is labeled SUJ-2 and its composition is close to the well-known Yasuki White 2. Hardness at the level of 62-64HRC is a welcome feature even in the production of bearings. Therefore, you will not need to sharpen these knives often. The blade is black (Kurouchi). In contrast, the Shinogi is polished along its entire length. The texture reveals the hand finish. The knives have a symmetrical edge. Half tang blades are hammered into an oval Japanese magnolia handle. The absence of a ring from the right buffalo horn is understandable when looking at the price tag. The latter had to make way for a cheaper version made of plastic. But the installation is still exemplary. The blade materials are of course not anti-corrosive and therefore it is necessary to use blade oil. The price/performance ratio suggests that these pieces will not stay on Nippon Knives shelves for long.
©2023 Copyright Roman Ulík, Nippon Knives, www.japonskenoze.sk all rights reserved.
Photos and texts are protected by copyright law and their use without the author's consent is not possible.
About producer
This time we will visit the southernmost of Japan's main islands - the island of Kyushu. Similar to neighboring Shikoku, mountains alternate here with a huge number of small fields. A large part of the island has an agrarian character and therefore blacksmiths have always played an important role here. The so-called "field blacksmiths" have been making tools for local farmers, fishermen and foresters for many generations.
It was no different with Seiji Yoshida, the founder of the company Yoshida Hamono. Before laying the foundation stone of his company in Saga Prefecture in 1946, he apprenticed as a blacksmith with local masters. They initiated him into the secrets of making real Japanese swords. Since then, this art has been carefully preserved in the company for several generations.
The Japanese have many qualities that could be an inspiration for us. Moderation is one of them. A Japanese does not get rid of a product as long as it serves him well. That's why he takes care of him with the proverbial thoroughness. In return, he will get a good feeling from its trouble-free and pleasant use. This is also the credo of the Yoshida Hamono company. He makes his knives from the best materials in such a way that they bring pleasure to the user every day and for an unlimited period of time.
Even though it is a family business, not a large one, Yoshida Hamono ensures complete production. He buys unique steel from Yasugi Specialty Steels /YSS/, which he then processes by hand using traditional hizukuri procedures. The handles, which are used to finalize the knives directly in the company, are also handmade
You may ask why we chose a manufacturer from Saga Prefecture, which is not one of the renowned centers of Japanese blacksmithing. The answer is simple. There are only a few manufacturers who can make genuine uchihamono from ZDP-189 steel. And Yoshida Hamono is one of them.
©2020 Copyright Roman Ulík, Nippon Knives, www.japonskenoze.sk all rights reserved.
Photos and texts are protected by copyright law and their use without the author's consent is not possible.
