Collection: Yosimitu Kajiya

Yosimitu Kajiya was founded in 1937 in the city of Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture. Junichi Ide, now the third generation to run the business, is a traditional village blacksmith. His main focus is supplying the local forestry and fishing industries, specializing in the manufacture of knives and tools of all kinds.

His workshop is a two-person operation: his wife in the office and he at the forge.

Nowadays, it is rather unusual for Japanese blacksmiths to carry out every step in knife production themselves. Junichi-San, however, does everything himself, from sourcing the materials to sharpening. Most of his blades are made of Shirogami #2, i.e. white paper steel. His kitchen knives are very traditional - without a lot of frills.