Mutsumi Hinoura – Fourth-Generation Blacksmith from Sanjo

Mutsumi Hinoura is the son of legendary blacksmith Tsukasa Hinoura, and by his late 30s he has already earned a reputation as one of Japan’s most respected artisans. As the fourth generation to carry on the family craft, Mutsumi spent nearly two decades training alongside his father in Sanjo, Niigata, a region world-famous for its hand-forged blades.

After graduating from Niigata College of Engineering in 2001, Mutsumi-san began his blacksmithing career, refining his skills to create knives that combine traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern performance. He continues to work under the family brand Ajikataya (味方屋), which has a long history of producing traditional laminated tools, including Japanese hatchets.

In recent years, his foray into kitchen knives has resulted in some truly remarkable blades, and his evolving craft continues to draw admiration from chefs and collectors alike.

Specifications

• Type: Bunka (All-Purpose Knife)

• Blade Length: 182 mm

• Total Length: 328 mm

• Weight: 158 g (may vary slightly as each knife is hand-finished)

• Thickness (Heel / Mid / Tip): 3.18 / 2.7 / 1.45 mm

• Cladding: Stainless Steel with Kurouchi (rustic black) and Nashiji (“pear-skin”) finish

• Core Steel: Shirogami #2 (White Steel No. 2)

• Handle: Burnt Chestnut

• Hardness: 63 HRC

• Edge: Double Bevel

• Made in: Japan

Free lifetime re-sharpening service for every knife purchased from Upscale Living.