What are Echizen Uchihamono? ｜History, Characteristics, and Sales Locations
Echizen Uchihamono (Echizen hammered blades) is a traditional Japanese blacksmithing technique that has been handed down in Fukui Prefecture for over 700 years. Its origins date back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333), when Echizen blacksmiths applied the techniques they had developed in sword-making to the manufacture of farming tools and cutlery.
Today, the technology has been applied to kitchen knives, pruning shears, and even outdoor products, and is recognized both at home and abroad as a fusion of tradition and innovation.
This article introduces the characteristics, history, and manufacturing process of Echizen hammered blades, as well as their use in modern times.
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Features and Attractiveness of Echizen Uchihamono
What is the greatest feature of Echizen hammered blades?Forging process by blacksmiths who have inherited traditional techniquesIt is a unique Japanese technique that has been handed down since the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The technique of repeatedly beating steel heated at high temperatures to bring out strength and sharpness is unique to Japan, with a history that dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The following three characteristics can be mentioned.
1. sharpness of cut
Forging increases the density of the steel,Extremely thin cutting edge finishTherefore, it can cut food and materials smoothly. This sharpness is the essence of craftsmanship.
2. high durability
The hardness and toughness of the steel are improved by beating and forging at high temperatures., ,Blade spillage-resistant feature even after prolonged useThere are In addition, regular resharpening will make them last longer.
3. beautiful finish by craftsmen's hand
Echizen Uchihamono knives and blades are not only the cutting edge,Beauty down to the handle and overall shapethe four kinds of suffering (birth, old age, disease, death)FinishedThe surface of the bowl is hammered, which is called "tsuchime". In particular, the hammered surface pattern called "tsuchime" is attracting attention as a design that evokes craftsmanship and warmth.
The appeal of Echizen hammered blades lies not only in their functional beauty, but also in the one-of-a-kind presence of each piece, which is created by the hands of craftsmen. Echizen hammered blades, which have both practicality as tools and beauty as a craft, add a quality color to daily life.
History and Development
The origin of Echizen hammered blades dates back to the end of the Kamakura period. It is said that a sword smith from Kyoto who visited the area began making farming tools. Later, the production of cutlery spread, taking advantage of Echizen's rich natural environment and high-quality iron resources.
Muromachi to Edo Period
During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), agricultural tools made in Echizen became widely popular and were highly acclaimed throughout the country. During the Edo period, Echizen hammered blades were known assickle and sickle-shaped tool with a sharp inner edge, halfway between a knife and an axeThe forge became known as a "farm tool" and grew to become a mainstay of agricultural tools during the period when agriculture was flourishing. During this period, blacksmiths further refined their skills to meet the demands of farmers.
Meiji Era onward
In the Meiji Era (1868-1912), the company faced a wave of mechanization from overseas, but craftsmen continued to improve their blades and develop new products while preserving traditional techniques. In particular, they began to produce kitchen knives, pruning shears, and other tools closely related to daily life, which became widely popular as household cutlery.
Modern Development
Today, Echizen hammered blades are highly regarded for their high quality and beautiful designs,It is used by chefs and professionals at home and abroad.In addition, the local craftsmen continue to create products that meet the needs of today's market. In addition, local craftsmen continue to produce products that meet modern needs while preserving tradition in order to pass on their skills to the next generation. Fukui Prefecture is also promoting the area as a tourist attraction as "Echizen Uchihamono Kaji no Sato" (Village of Echizen Uchihamono Forging), and is conveying its appeal to many people through workshops and hands-on programs.
Echizen hammered blades are a symbol of tradition and innovation passed down from the past to the future. The technique and beauty of Echizen hammered blades, which have deepened over the course of history, continue to enrich people's lives even today.
About Kurosaki Uchihamono
In our showroom, you can see the "Kurozaki" by Masaru Kurosaki, a blacksmith from Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture.Kurosaki UchihamonoWe are dealing in "The Kitchen Knife". Mr. Kurosaki's creations are highly acclaimed by chefs in Japan and abroad for their high quality knives that fuse traditional techniques with modern design.
Krosaki Uchihamono knives have distinctive hammered patterns and designs, and the materials and finishes used are also carefully selected. In our showroom, we have a wide range of Kurosaki Uchihamono products such as Santoku knives, Gyuto (beef knife), and petit knives for various purposes.
Kurosaki Uchihamono is a line of products that inherits the tradition of Echizen hammered blades, but evolves further with modern sensibilities and techniques. Kurosaki's creations are not only beautifully designed, but are also made with an emphasis on usability in everyday life.
In particular, Kurosaki's unique "hammered" design combines functionality and visual beauty,countryIt is highly supported by chefs from home and abroad.If you are interested in Krosaki Uchihamono, please visit our showroom "Krosaki Uchihamono". If you are interested in Kurosaki Uchihamono, please visit our showroomJapanese Modern N6 Kita MaruyamaPlease visit us at
Production Techniques and Craftsmanship
1. forging
Mr. Kurosaki uses high quality steel, consisting of base metal iron laminated with stainless steel for the blade, heats the steel to approximately 800°C in a furnace, and then beats it repeatedly to forge it. This forging process homogenizes the metal structure and improves the strength and sharpness of the blade. In particular, the traditional technique of Echizen hammered blades, calleddouble exposureThe blade is made thinner and tougher by heating and beating the two blades on top of each other, making full use of the "forging" technique. Forging is a process that tests the craftsman's sensitivity rather than mere technique. The work of continuously beating the steel until it takes the ideal shape amidst the sparks is a process that requires a craftsman's mastery.The eyes and hand senses are indispensable.
2. quenching and tempering
After forging, the blades are "quenched" by reheating them at an appropriate temperature and then cooling them rapidly to increase their hardness. Tempering" is then applied to give the blades the proper toughness to ensure their durability. In this process, temperature control is extremely important and requires the experience and skill of the craftsman.
3. blading
This is the process of sharpening and sharpening the edge of the blade. Mr. Kurosaki said,By making the double-edged knife as thin as possible, we have achieved both lightness and sharpness.The blade is rounded like a clam to prevent spills and increase durability. In addition, the blade edge is rounded like a clam to prevent blade spillage and enhance durability. Especially, blade sharpening is the most important process that decides the fate of a kitchen knife. Mr. Kurosaki carefully sharpens each blade by his own hands to achieve the finest sharpness.
4. finishing
The entire blade is shaped and the handle is attached. One of the features of Kurosaki Uchihamono is a unique pattern called "tsuchime" on the side of the blade, which enhances the design. Natural wood and turquoise are used for the handle to create beautiful knives that look like jewelry.
Echizen hammered blades and Kurosaki hammered blades produced through these processes are a perfect fusion of over 700 years of traditional techniques and modern needs. These blades are not only practical as tools, but also have beauty as a craft,Communicating Traditional Japanese Culture to the World through CuisineThe following is a list of the most common problems with the
Tradition of Echizen hammered blades handed down to the future
The history and techniques of Echizen hammered blades continue to evolve as they are passed down through the ages. The blades produced by the hands of craftsmen are more than just tools,We are the embodiment of the spirit and culture of Japanese craftsmanshipThe following is a list of the most common problems with the
Today, there is a growing movement to pursue further functionality and beauty by incorporating new materials and designs, while preserving traditional manufacturing methods. In particular, products that reflect the individuality of the craftsman, such as Kurosaki hammered blades, are highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad, spreading the name of Echizen hammered blades throughout the world.
In our showroom, you can actually hold and feel the charm of Echizen hammered blades in your hands.We have a wide range of products including each series of Kurosaki hammered blades. Please visit us to see the various series of Kurosaki Uchihamono as well as many other excellent products filled with craftsmanship and attention to detail. Please come and see for yourself the world of beautiful cutlery created by traditional techniques.