Otsuki Hamono / Okayama

High on a hill in rural Okayama prefecture, a few tight turns north of the Takahashi River, a sign! Otsuki Hamono Kojo. 

The sign has been overlooking the valley below since 1980 when Otsuki san established his business, striking out on his own following his apprenticeship and career with another well known and highly regarded Okayama maker. Blacksmithing networks run deep and wide across Japan, in this case things are happily local.

Otsuki Edge Tools Factory is a father and son operation forging a selection of knives, as well as agricultural tools for their growing clientele (see what we did there). We followed the sign and found a couple of friendly guys doing their thing. We're very pleased to present their work. 

Essentially a 'no-kaji' rural blacksmithing operation Otsuki Hamono forges simple and beautifully finished blades with purpose and useability foremost in mind. Their kurouchi is a pleasure to behold. Final sharpness is a priority.