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."

Echizen is known for a sharpening technique called "Hamaguri-togi," which shapes the blade's edge with a rounded curve resembling a clam shell. Some other regions sharpen both sides of the blade nearly flat and then add a secondary bevel, but doing so creates friction that causes the food to stick to the blade and reduces its sharpness.

Hamaguri-togi helps prevent this issue. However, if the blade is made too thick—like a real clam shell—it loses sharpness, so it must be kept as thin as possible yet still rounded.

"My grandfather was renowned for his sharpening skills in Echizen Uchihamono, considered one of the best in the industry. Our company continues to inherit this technique through each generation. It is one of our signature skills developed over many years.

"With recent advancement in technology, machines can now create thin blades to a certain extent. However, an experienced craftsperson’s eye is essential to assess each piece, and hand sharpening—honed by years of experience and deep expertise—results in a dramatically different sharpness. For long-term use, hand-sharpened blades maintain their edge much longer."

Ryusen Hamono's Echizen Uchihamono embody techniques built upon years of expertise. Their exceptional skill continues to uphold tradition across generations.

Globally Acclaimed for Sharpness & Design

The knives produced by Ryusen Hamono are beloved not only in Japan, but also have a devoted following overseas. The turning point for gaining international recognition was their support for the Japanese team at the "Bocuse d'Or" world cooking contest held in France.

"At the Bocuse d'Or, we released a limited-edition steak knife made specifically for Bocuse d'Or. However, during development, after calculating the cost price, the retail price came out to about 20,000 yen.

"There are many different knives abroad, but it's rare for them to be priced so high. I even worried, 'Will they actually sell?' and meeting the chefs' requests was also a challenge. There were moments when I nearly gave up, but we were able to create a steak knife that received high praise.

"It made the news that more than half of the judges who used that steak knife liked it so much they took it home. That moment drew major attention to our brand. Around the same time, we also received a business inquiry from a knife retailer in the Netherlands, which was another pivotal moment for us."

Ryusen Hamono now distributes to 15 countries, receiving particularly strong support from chefs worldwide. While the sharpness is a key factor, the handle material and design are also major reasons for the brand’s popularity.

"Chefs often request custom handles, saying things like, 'Can you change my handle to this one?' Many restaurants today feature open kitchens where customers can see the tools, so perhaps a stylish, aesthetically-pleasing knife makes a better visual impression."

A wide selection of handle materials reflects Masutani’s own dedication. He especially favors natural wood.

"Among natural woods, I always try to use pieces with the most beautiful grain. However, the traditional white wood often used for Japanese knives tends to absorb water over time, making discoloration stand out if it's used as-is for handles.

"To resolve this, our company uses stabilized wood infused with a special resin for our knife handles. This prevents water from seeping in and also makes them more resistant to mold growth.

"We also offer handles made entirely of resin. These don’t absorb water, and any dirt can be quickly wiped off, making it easier to maintain a clean state."

The company’s knives, blending both beauty and functionality, deliver stellar performance in every cooking situation. The commitment to quality is tangible with each use—one of the reasons culinary professionals trust and love Ryusen knives.

Aiming to Be a Brand Refined Down to the Smallest Details

Ryusen Hamono’s Damascus knives stand out for their diverse blade designs. Some even feature marbling patterns that evoke flames rising from the base of the handle.

"The pointed-tip 'Kiritsuke' design is especially popular among international chefs. Japanese-style knives are trendy abroad, so knives with traditional Japanese-style handles are chosen more often in other countries. Conversely, Western-style handles are more popular among customers in Japan."

International users also tend to prefer harder knives. Many of them make inquiries only after researching various details, so we often get questions about new steel materials or sharpening methods.

The company receives orders from inside and outside Japan, and at present, customers may wait six months to a year for delivery. "We never cut corners because our goal is to deliver a product that fills customers with excitement as soon as they open the box," Masutani affirms.

"Currently, the recognition of Echizen Uchihamono is still limited, but our existing customers give us outstanding reviews. Going forward, we hope to further raise awareness and become a brand viewed as integral within our region.

"Our approach isn’t just about making beautiful knives. We pay as much attention to the knife box, the paper bag it’s packed in—every last detail—so our brand leaves people thinking, 'This is truly exceptional.' We’re moving forward solidly to make that vision a reality."

Ryusen Hamono’s uncompromising pursuit of excellence continues to captivate people in Japan and around the world. The company is redefining modern craftsmanship by revealing new value and possibilities for traditional artisan skills.