Misuzu Hamono (Miki)
In 2023, I had the incredible honor of visiting the workshop of Yamato Miyawaki, a master knife maker in the quiet suburbs of Miki. His journey into knife making is as extraordinary as the blades he creates.
Yamato-san wasn’t born into the craft. In fact, he began his career in mass media with dreams of producing TV commercials. When he married into a family of knife makers, there was no expectation for him to follow in their footsteps. However, when his father-in-law fell ill, leaving no one to carry on the family business, Yamato stepped forward and asked to take up the trade. The answer? A resounding no. His father-in-law worried about the uncertainties of self-employment and the impact it could have on his daughter and grandchildren.
But Yamato’s determination didn’t waver. At the age of 35, with two young children, he quit his job and dedicated himself to the craft. He trained full-time, unpaid, with a skilled knife maker in Sakai, Osaka, for three grueling months. Over the following years, Yamato refined his skills, becoming a professional knife maker and breathing new life into the family business. Today, thanks to his relentless passion, the Misuzu knife store is thriving in its third generation.
Despite decades of experience, Yamato-san continues to hone his craft, regularly training with artisans in Osaka to ensure his blades represent the best of Banshu’s rich knife-making tradition. His commitment to preserving this heritage is unmatched, and his knowledge and skills are nothing short of remarkable.
Every knife from Yamato’s workshop is made by hand, one at a time, in his rustic studio—whether under the warmth of the sun or the chill of winter. Because of this meticulous process, production is limited, but each blade carries the care and artistry of a true craftsman.
Yamato-san’s hope for the future is to train a young artisan who will carry on the knowledge and artistry of Banshu blades. For now, he continues to work tirelessly, crafting and sharpening some of the finest knives in Japan.
Visiting his workshop and witnessing his dedication firsthand was an experience I’ll never forget. If you ever have the chance to hold one of his blades, you’ll feel the soul of a craftsman who turned an impossible dream into a legacy.
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Misuzu Hamono (Yamato Miyawaki) VG-10 Nakiri (vegetable knife), 170 mmMisuzu Hamono Nakiri 17 cm,
This Japanese nakiri knife (double edged vegetable knife) has a core of Japanese VG-10 stainless carbon steel with a Sanmai protective layer. This double-sided sharpened knife is completely handmade by…€ 139,00 € 129,00
Misuzu Hamono (Yamato Miyawaki) VG-10 Pankiri (bread knife), 240 mmMisuzu Hamono Pankiri 24 cm,
This Japanese bread knife (double edged slicer with serrations) has a core of Japanese VG-10 stainless carbon steel with a Sanmai protective layer. This double-sided sharpened knife is completely…€ 169,00
