Kurotori Hamono

Hiroshi Kajihara, a fourth-generation blacksmith from Shimanto City in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, is the owner and head master of the Kurotori Hamono forge.  He carries on a more than 150-year-old family custom.  The entire knife-making process, including forging, tempering, honing, and handle fitting, is under the master's direct supervision.  Kajihara is renowned for his meticulousness and his commitment to maintaining conventional forging techniques while utilising contemporary materials and technologies.