Muneishi Hamono

Tosa in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, was a region famous for its knife making in 1590, home to 399 blacksmiths. The mild climate and abundant rainfall made it easy to obtain high-quality wood, which increased the production of knives for forest workers and military commanders. Founded in 1955, Muneishi Hamono, run by second-generation blacksmith Hirotaka Muneishi, produces wood-cutting knives, while third-generation blacksmith Kosuke Muneishi makes kitchen knives. The knives are hand-tempered, forged, and sharpened using traditional methods.