Knives Hinokuni

Knives Hinokuni are made in the workshop of a young blacksmith Yukihiro Sakai from Kumamoto Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. After many years of apprenticeship under master Daisuke Nishida, he started his own business, focusing on classic forging techniques and working with the highest purity carbon steel.

The hallmark of Hinokuni knives is the use of Shirogami #1 steel, also known as White Paper Steel #1. This is a high-carbon steel with a very pure composition, valued in Japan especially in Honyaki type knives. It allows for an exceptionally thin and aggressive cutting edge, while being relatively easy to sharpen. However, it requires proper care because as a carbon steel it reacts with moisture and acidic substances.

Hinokuni models often feature kuro-uchi finishing and evenly ground, flat blade profiles. The grind is clear and technically refined, which translates into stable knife handling and a high cutting culture. These knives stand out for their very good quality-to-price ratio, and the growing recognition of Sakai craftsmanship means they are increasingly sought after by discerning users.

The Hinokuni category is a proposal for those who appreciate traditional Japanese blacksmithing, direct contact with carbon steel, and the precision of hand finishing.