Hinokuni Knives

Hinokuni Knives are handcrafted by Yukihiro Sakai, a skilled young blacksmith from Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, who honed his craft under the traditionalist Nishida-san before striking out on his own. 
Operating from his workshop in Kumamoto—historically dubbed the "Country of Flame" for its volcanic ties—Sakai forges these blades with Shirogami #1 steel, clad in soft iron, delivering exceptional sharpness and ease of sharpening. Known for their rustic kurouchi finish and robust, evenly ground profiles, Hinokuni knives offer high performance at an accessible price, making them a favorite among chefs and enthusiasts. Each piece reflects Sakai’s dedication to in-house forge-welding, a labor-intensive process that ensures quality and durability. These hefty knives blend tradition with value, appealing to those who appreciate authentic Japanese craftsmanship with a little more weight in the hand.

High-performance kitchen cutlery delivers its best results only when properly maintained. Check out our knife sharpening services for home cooks and professionals alike or our strops and stones section for all of your at home sharpening tools.