Kanetaka Hamono Knife and Cutlery shop

We had a private knife-forging experience at Kanetaka Hamono in which my partner and I got to forge our very own set of knives and it was so fun and interesting! We got to choose the type of knives we want to make and then we hammered away! We took part in some of the process as the whole process is very complex and takes a long time, but we will have the knives engraved and shipped to us when they are ready. Still, we got to heat them up, hammer them proper and then shape them, which was challenging as well! The owner was very kind and friendly, he is such a positive presence and an absolute wealth of knowledge! He's a seventh generation blacksmith and his experience shows in every explanation he gave us - we had a blast and learned so much! While we were waiting for the knives to cool down between the different steps of the process, the owner even brought out some real old katanas and wakizashis that bore the store's logo (made there by his ancestors while they still forged weapons) and allowed us to have a look and handle them. So fun! At the end, we were even shown how to properly sharpen Japanese knives and were allowed to try our hand at it until we mastered the technique - invaluable! We were so impressed by the quality of the knives that we ended up buying two more for friends and family after that. They are all very reasonably priced and using the highest quality steel in Japan. I couldn't recommend the shop more! And if you're into knives, the knife-making experience (booked through Wabunka) is an absolute must - it was a highlight to our visit!

Really impressed by the store. It's small, so the selection isn't huge. That's because a lot of the knives are made in the back! We got to meet the owner who says he's a 7th generation blacksmith. He showed us the katanas his ancestors made. It was quite magical and we are excited to use his knives.

The people who work here are lovely human beings, very helpful and friendly. We purchased a set of knife sharpner, and their prices were pretty reasonable in comparison to the market.

A great and authentic feeling knife shop. It stands apart from the other shops in the nearby Nishiki market. Very patient while I looked at many knives before making a purchase. Thank you!

A real craftsman! Super quality and may take your Japanese speaking friend with you - tourists are not in focus. Respect it and be kind. Quality is outstanding and prices are fair enought. Payment with card is accepted. Thank you a lot!

I'm experienced in using and maintaining knives of all kinds, and I particularly like the carbon steel Japanese variety. I wouldn't say that I collect them, but I have many to choose from for any food prep job in my kitchen. I found the perfect addition to my collection in this small store, and was delighted to find that it was made on the premises. I was able to go into the back of the premises and see the workshop in action. I now have a beautiful knife to remind me of my holiday in Kyoto. BTW, the shrine complex opposite the store is a real gem and I include two pics. I recommend this store for beginners and experienced knife collectors.

A chef's dream location - there were so many tools, knives, and accessories that I had a hard time choosing anything. Staff was very helpful despite my bad Japanese and I was able to get a wonderful pair of knives.

I used google translate to ask the owner where his knives were, because I want to buy a santoku knife. He pointed out his craftsmanship and then it was up to me to pick which one. There was a large selection of santoku. I normally go with the most expensive knife but in this case I opted to pick up a santoku that cost a little less because I wanted a nakiri also. Once I figured my selections out I motioned to the owner I would like to buy. He wrapped them up in their boxes and bagged them for me with a business card in the bag. The owner of the shop is a wonderful man and was very willing to work through the language barrier. Please visit this shop he has much more than just knives. Thank you Kanetaka Hamono Knife shop!