Moritaka

Moritaka Hamono (founded in 1293) is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected bladesmiths, with over 700 years of continuous history. Based in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, this legendary workshop began by forging samurai katanas and has since evolved into crafting high-performance Japanese kitchen knives with a deeply traditional, rustic character. Now led by the 27th generation of the Moritaka family, every knife is still hand-forged using premium Aogami #2 (Blue Steel) or Aogami Super steel. Moritaka knives are instantly recognizable for their dark kurouchi finish, a raw, time-honored look that reflects centuries of skill, heritage, and uncompromising craftsmanship.