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Masamoto Sohonten Co., Ltd.

From Exit A1 of Honjo-Azumabashi Station on the Toei Subway Asakusa Line, walk about two minutes toward the Sumida River with Tokyo Skytree at your back. Masamoto Sohonten Co., Ltd is located just after crossing the five-way intersection. Founded in 1866, this well-established knife specialty shop manufactures and sells Japanese knives intended primarily for professional chefs, such as Deba knives and Yanagiba knives.

The company’s founder was born into a family of blacksmiths (making farming tools, fishing equipment and tools for daily life) in what is now Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture. From age seventeen, he trained in Osaka to master Japan’s celebrated honyaki blacksmithing techniques for forging blades entirely from steel. He later returned to his hometown of Koshigaya and devoted his efforts to making knives for culinary purposes.

Masamoto Sohonten was the first in the Kanto region to sell honyaki knives, with extraordinary blades forged entirely from steel. The shop moved from Koshigaya to Tokyo in 1890. Today, the seventh-generation owner carries on the work and history of the company.

The company founder was fond of saying: “I want to become the kind of person whose name is remembered long after I’m gone.” To achieve this, he trained endlessly—never compromising on quality—and put everything he had into creating these knives. Today, the seventh-generation owner has inherited and maintained that drive, technique, and high-quality knife making.

All kinds of knives are displayed inside the store, such as Japanese knives favored by professional chefs and easy-to-use western knives for more casual use. Customers can see how each knife feels in their hand as they decide on a purchase. Because these knives are made in-house, highly knowledgeable staff members can provide detailed explanations and advice about the various types of knives and their uses, allowing customers to shop with peace of mind. The store also offers aftercare such as repairs and maintenance so that the knives purchased here can be used for many years to come.

Incredible cuisine is created by the knowledge and sensibilities of superb chefs, and superb chefs choose superb tools. A knife’s sharpness not only creates delicious meals but even affects the inherent flavors of the ingredients.

Masamoto Sohonten knives are celebrated and used by professional chefs in both Japan and around the world. Anyone searching for a great knife should make sure to stop by for a visit.

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Details

Masamoto Sohonten Co., Ltd.

Address
1-6-5 Azumabashi, Sumida-ku, TOKYO

Telephone Number
+81-3-3622-6356

Official site
https://www.masamoto-sohonten.co.jp/en/

Business Hours: 9:00-17:00

Closed: Sat. Sun. and holidays

Japan Tax-Free Shop: Duty free sales and credit card payments are available for purchases totaling at least 5,000 yen.