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Moritaka Knives
Moritaka Hamono: 700 Years of Forging Excellence
Moritaka Hamono is Tokushu Knife’s very first partner and one of our most cherished. Forging blades in Kumamoto, Kyūshū since 1293 AD, the Moritaka family is now in its 27th generation—the only kitchen-knife blacksmiths in their region using these specific Kamakura-period techniques.
The Tokushu Expert Take: The Stainless Tang Advantage
The #1 reason we recommend Moritaka to professionals is their unique construction. While the blade is high-performance Aogami Super carbon steel, Moritaka welds a stainless steel tang to every blade. This prevents the moisture-related "handle rot" common in other carbon steel knives, making a Moritaka a true lifetime tool.
Moritaka Knives at a Glance
- Steel Core: Aogami Super (Blue Super), forged in-house, tempered to ≈ 65 HRC.
- Cladding: Soft-iron san-mai with a protective, rustic Kurouchi finish.
- The Tang: Stainless steel weld for maximum handle longevity.
- Heat-Treat: Expert water-quench that keeps the steel tough, not brittle, despite high hardness.
Why We Reach for Moritaka Daily
| Trait | What It Means in Your Kitchen |
|---|---|
| 65 HRC AS Steel | Incredible edge retention and "bite"—it stays sharper, longer than almost anything else. |
| Thin-Ground Edge | Effortless food release and precision cutting on vegetables and proteins. |
| 700-Year Heritage | A direct connection to Japanese history; forged by the same family for 27 generations. |
Which Moritaka Is Right for You?
If you are looking for a versatile daily driver, the Moritaka AS 210mm Gyuto is our staff favorite. For those doing heavy vegetable prep, the Santoku or Nakiri offers the perfect flat profile. If you are a professional needing more reach, the 240mm Gyuto provides the structural integrity and weight needed for long shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Moritaka knives rust?
The core steel and cladding are carbon steel, which will develop a patina and can rust if left wet. However, the internal tang is stainless steel, protecting the handle from moisture damage.
What is Aogami Super?
Aogami Super is the highest grade of "Blue" carbon steel. It contains high levels of Tungsten and Vanadium for elite wear resistance. You can learn more in our Aogami Super Collection.
Written by Anthony Maciejewski, Tokushu Knife founder. Updated .