Kumabe Cutlery

Kumabe Cutlery, established in 1915 in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a renowned Japanese forge celebrated for its hand-forged knives, carrying the prestigious Kiku-mon-ji imperial chrysanthemum emblem due to Master Nao Kumabe’s honor of crafting for the emperor. Led by third- and fourth-generation masters Hiroshi and Tomohiro Kumabe, the forge blends traditional techniques like Mizuyaki quenching and urushi-lacquered handles to produce lightweight, sharp, and durable Wa-Gyuto knives. These stainless-clad blades, are prized by chefs and enthusiasts for their precision, balance, and exquisite craftsmanship. Deeply tied to Kumamoto’s storied craft tradition, Kumabe knives represent a seamless blend of heritage and cutting-edge performance.

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.