Kurotori Hamono

Kurotori hamono is the name of a Japanese smithy from the Tosa area (the old name of the area at the Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island). Founded at the beginning of the Meiji era, Kurotori hamono (Black Bird cutlery in Japanese) has been operating for over 130 years, making knives and agricultural products highly valued throughout Japan for their incredible sharpness and durability. Unlike other famous knife-making areas in Japan (Tsubame-Sanjo; Takefu – Echizen; Seki – Gifu and Sakai), where knife making process is divided (separate) between a few specialized artisans, in the Tosa area, one master creates the entire knife from free hand-forging up to the handle and final sharpening. The owner of the Kurotori Forge, a fourth-generation master, Mr. Kajihara, continues the best traditions of the old masters and also tries to bring his new vision to the knife design.