YOSHIMUNE KNIVES

Internationally, there are several regions renowned for blade-making, such as Solingen in Germany, Sheffield in the United Kingdom, and Thiers in France. However, since the 2000s, Japanese knives have gained global recognition, with many people travelling to Japan to purchase them. Japanese knives embody craftsmanship inherited from traditional Japanese sword-making. They offer unmatched sharpness, beautiful surface patterns, and come in a wide variety of styles suited to cutting different ingredients. Another distinctive feature is that, with proper sharpening, Japanese knives can last a lifetime.

Seki in Gifu Prefecture and Sakai in Osaka Prefecture are particularly famous for knife manufacturing. Other notable regions include Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture, Echizen in Fukui Prefecture, Miki in Hyogo Prefecture, and Tosa in Kochi Prefecture. Though less well known—even among Japanese people—Kochi has a knife-making history that spans over 400 years. In addition to producing high-carbon steel blades and inheriting Japanese sword-forging techniques, Kochi supplies forged blades to knife makers in Sakai. Tosa Kuro-Uchi kitchen knives from Kochi are forged by heating steel in a furnace, then hammering, cooling, and oxidizing it. After sharpening, the unpolished surface retains a blackened finish, giving the knives a rugged, handcrafted appearance.

YOSHIMUNE KNIVES sells more than 400 types of kitchen knives; in particular, Tosa Kuro-Uchi knives made in Kochi Prefecture. Tosa Kuro-Uchi knives are forged by heating steel to around 1000 degrees Celsius, hammering it flat, then repeating this process many times. With their unpolished blackened surfaces, these knives look rugged and stylish, and are also exceptionally sharp. They are designed for both professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts who value a balance of function, beauty, and history.

When he learned that Kochi’s blade industry was in danger of disappearing within a few years due to the aging of craftsmen and a lack of successors, the owner of YOSHIMUNE KNIVES opened his store to promote the forging techniques of Tosa Kuro-Uchi knives both domestically and internationally and to support the training of young successors.

The knives are reasonably priced because they are sold straight from makers, a direct connection that allows customers to own a high-quality knife while supporting local artisans. Many customers are from overseas, as the owner, having worked abroad for many years, is fluent in English and happy to explain the story behind each knife. Thanks to the knives’ high quality and the shop’s warm service, YOSHIMUNE KNIVES has earned a five-star rating on Google reviews (as of August 2025).

YOSHIMUNE KNIVES is located on Kyoto’s Teramachi-dori (Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Street), a lively area filled with souvenir shops and eateries. A signboard is displayed outside when the shop is open, making it easy to find. Be sure to stop by if you are sightseeing in Kyoto. You are certain to find an excellent, sharp knife forged by a Kochi (Tosa) blacksmith.

Mention that you found the store on japan-guide.com or Japan Brand Collection to receive a free knife guard.

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