Globally Acclaimed Echizen Uchihamono Blades—Ryusen Hamono Opens a New Frontier

"Echizen Uchihamono," traditional metalwork crafted mainly in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, utilizes time-honored Japanese fire forging and hand-sharpening techniques. These blades are renowned for being thin yet lightweight, durable, maintaining their sharpness for long periods, and being resistant to chipping. With a history that spans roughly 700 years, Echizen was the first blade-producing region in Japan to be designated as a National Traditional Craft.

Ryusen Hamono Co., Ltd., which manufactures and sells kitchen knives and cutlery, has been weaving this history for over 120 years. While initially evolving their business through wholesalers, in recent years they have established their own brand and have grown into a company highly regarded both in Japan and abroad.

What makes Ryusen Hamono’s blades so captivating, winning support from people around the globe? We sat down with the fourth-generation president, Taiji Masutani, to learn more.

PROFILE

Taiji Masutani

Born in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, Taiji Masutani is the fourth-generation president of Ryusen Hamono, which celebrates 71 years of establishment. Determined to move away from OEM production and establish a proprietary brand, he has focused on developing and manufacturing the Ryusen brand, known for its high quality and distinctiveness tailored to customer needs. He remains committed to craftsmanship and mainly handles the final sharpening, which determines the sharpness of each blade.

In knife production, he develops original handles that incorporate feedback from chefs, always striving to achieve a balance of design and functionality in his creations.

Inheriting the Unmatched Skills of Earlier Generations

Ryusen Hamono's story began in 1901. The company’s founder—Masutani’s grandfather—started out as a blade sharpener.

"It was my father, the second-generation head, who established the company. He honed his craft with various blacksmiths, but then decided: 'Let’s make stainless steel kitchen knives in-house.' He started researching and developing knives made with stainless steel, expanding the business by producing knives known as Damascus knives—distinguished by their woodgrain-like wave patterns."

Ryusen Hamono was a pioneer nationwide in manufacturing and selling stainless steel composite forged knives using traditional techniques. This was an industry-first initiative.

"Afterward, in 2008, my older brother became the third-generation president and broadened the product line to include steak knives and stationery, among others. I took on the role of fourth-generation president on the company's 70th anniversary."