Bunka KF2-2

Product detail

We’ve already thoroughly vetted Master Shindo, so our first stop in Kochi naturally led us to him. His previous shipment of hand-forged knives was a huge hit with our clients, so we’re interested in how he’s progressing—but especially in his delivery times.

The journey to his workshop is just as fascinating as the masterpieces created there. First, a drive along the winding—but paved—roads of Shikoku. We park on a dirt lot at the edge of the forest. My companions from Hokiyama Cutlery are discussing something among themselves. Finally, they timidly ask me, “Should we call for an off-road vehicle, or should we walk?” The choice was clear. After a 15-minute hike through the forest, we arrived at a clearing. For knife enthusiasts, there stood the very picture of a gingerbread cottage. The uninitiated might keep searching for the workshop, but with more than 20 years of experience, we know that it’s precisely in such humble conditions that the most interesting pieces are forged.

Shindo-san divides his time between his workshop and the Tosa Cutlery Federation Cooperative Association, where he serves as an instructor. It’s quite impressive for someone his age. We won’t miss his virtual dance between the anvil and the forge. He’s currently forging a bunka-style blade from his favorite Ao2 steel.

The long journey from faraway Slovakia to this magical clearing clearly made an impression on the master. We finally received these beautiful Kurouchi knives with exclusive Zelkova handles after a mere year of waiting. And Shindo-san has no idea yet what plans we have for him...

©2026 Copyright Roman Ulík, Nippon Knives, www.japonskenoze.sk. All rights reserved.

The photographs and text are protected by copyright law, and their use without the author’s consent is prohibited.