Shimomura Kougyou (Tsubame-Sanjo)
下村工業 (Shimomura Kougyou) has been producing kitchen knives and other metal products for almost 70 years. They're specialized in high quality kitchen knives.
Brief history:
- 1874: Eizo Shimomura starts an iron smithy in the village of Sanjo (Niigata province).
- 1937: Eizo Shimomura Ⅱ (grandson of Eizo Shimomura) started making sickles for the rice harvest
- 1945: Start of the production of hand-forged knives.
- 1956: Start of the production of stainless steel knives
- 1959: Start of the production of other kitchen utensils
- 1966: First large factory is being built in Sanjo
- 1977: Production of razors for electric razors
- 1979: Shimomura Kihan co., Ltd. founded in Tsubame
- 1986: 2nd factory for plastic kitchen products opened in Sanjo
- 2001: Start production of metal precision instruments
Kitchen knives
Shimomura produces the Verdun knives which are known for their excellent price / quality ratio. The Verdun knives are made with Japanese steel (stainless molybdenum vanadium) with a hardness of 57-58 Rockwell and therefore remain sharp for longer than comparable (often more expensive) knives. Also these knives do not suffer from hygiene problems, because there are no pits in the handle.
Tsubame-Sanjo (Niigata)
The metal industry in the small village of Tsubame Sanjo is very well known. The history of the smithies in Sanjo can be traced back to the year 1625 (more than 390 years ago). Before 1625 the area around Sanjo area was a rural area with a lot of nuisance from frequent flooding of the Ikarashi River.
The governor of the time of the "Seibei OTANI" area wanted to develop the area further. He invited some nail producers from Tokyo to start a smithy in Sanjo. In addition, he raised many dams that protected the area from the floods and served to irrigate rice fields. At this moment, the metal industry in Sanjo is known for its production of specific types of steel for kitchen knives. The best and sharpest nail clippers come from here (produced by Maruto Hasegawa Kosakujo Inc).
Shimorura has developed several knife series like Kenmizaki Satomi, Daimon-ya, Sakura-yui and Teruhide.
Shimomura TU-9002 Nakiri (vegetable knife), 165mmShimomura TU-9002 Nakiri
The Shimomura knives are manufactured in Japan. They have a very good price/quality ratio. The blade of this knife is made of rust resistant Japanese Molybdenum Vanadium steel and is equipped with a…€ 75,00
Shimomura Tsunouma TU-9005 Gyuto (chef's knife), 240mmShimomura TU-9005 Gyuto
These blades made in Japan from Shimomura have a very good price / quality ratio. The blade of this knife is made of rust-resistant Japanese Molybdenum Vanadium steel and is equipped with a forged…€ 89,00
Shimomura Tsunouma TU-6005 Deba (cleaver/fish knife), 150mmShimomura TU-6005 Deba
These blades made in Japan from Shimomura have a very good price / quality ratio. The blade of this knife is made of rust-resistant Japanese Molybdenum Vanadium steel and is equipped with a handle of black…€ 69,00-38%
Shimomura Daimonya Deba (cleaver/fish knife) 150 mm -left-handed-Daimon-ya series Deba.
Blade made of Japanese stainless steel from the 下村工業 (Shimomura Kougyou) factory. This short, thick knife was developed for splitting meat and fish and is widely used in Japan for preparing whole…€ 79,00 € 49,00
