Mutsumi Hinoura

Unlike many traditionally forged knives, Master Hinoura’s knives have a relatively thick spine at the point where the tang enters the handle (The ‘neck’). In part, this because he forges these laminated knives using a piece of high carbon steel that is much thicker than that commonly used by other forge-smiths.

The thick spine and neck makes the knife very strong, very comfortable to hold in a ‘pinch-grip’ and also results in excellent blade balance.

Although some people consider Master Hinoura’s knives to be thick and heavy, their geometry is the result of carefully considering every aspect of their function. Contrary to what you might expect, the process of forging a thick blade ‘to shape’ actually requires a lot of time and skill.

Master Hinoura’s knives are nicely tapered from their heel to the tip and from their spine down to the cutting edge, which is ground very thin behind the edge. We are confident that these knives will provide the high cutting performance that is demanded by Carbon steel lovers!