BANSHU MIKIUCHI HAMONO
The merging of Yamato Kaji (Japanese blacksmithing) and techniques from the continent laid the foundation for today's craftsmanship. Recognized as a leading hub of blade production, forged through the tireless dedication of master craftsmen.
Banshu Mikiuchi Hamono is a traditional metalwork crafted in and around Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture. Using techniques passed down through generations, blacksmiths have forged everyday household items and construction tools with precision and skill. The origins of Banshu Mikiuchi Hamono blacksmithing can be traced back over 1,500 years. Korean blacksmiths from Baekje settled around Miki City, where their techniques merged with Yamato blacksmithing, establishing the foundations for this type of craftsmanship. According to one theory, in ancient times, carpenters from across Japan gathered to restore temples and houses destroyed by wars and fires. As they used for carpentry tools grew, blacksmiths increased in number, and their techniques evolved. In 1996, saws, chisels, kanna (planes), trowels, and kogatana(craft knives) were designated as Japan's National Traditional Crafts under the name of "Banshu Mikiuchi Hamono". In this way, Miki City became widely recognized as a leading production center of cutlery in Japan.
- Inscription and Craft of Sadahide Chiyozuru, Passed Down From Master Craftsmen
- The inscription "Chiyozuru" originates in the late Meiji period with Hiroshi Kato, born to a lineage of swordsmiths who served the Uesugi samurai clan for generations. Legend has it that, at the time of the ridgepole-raising ceremony for Chiyoda Castle, Which is now the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, a crane flew overhead for three days and three nights. The inscription Chiyozuru refers to this legend - Chiyo from Chiyoda and zuru, a derivative of the Japanese word for crane.
The tools, meticulously handcrafted by Kato with utmost dedication, were destined to disappear with use, yet were elevated to works of art. One of the great kanna shokunin (master craftsmen of planes), Kato, created masterpieces in the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods and came to be known as the unparalleled master craftsman "Chiyozuru Korehide."
Yoshiryo Kanki, a kanna (plane) blacksmith from Hyogo Prefecture, apprenticed with Chiyozuru Korehide, mastering the blade-smithing techniques and earning his own Chiyozuru signature - "Chiyozuru Sadahide". "Iwao Kanki, Chiyozuru Sadahide II, passed the name on to Naoki Morita, who succeeded as Chiyozuru Sadahide III, who works tirelessly to pass the spirit and techniques of master bladesmiths on to the next generation. The essence of Chiyozuru Sadahide's craftsmanship lies in "bring- ing out the maximum potential of the person through the tools." The charcoal-grilled, hand-forged blade boasts not only excep- tional sharpness but also an outstanding fit and comfort in use. The blade holds value as a decorative piece as well, with its finely honed brilliance and dignified form, capturing the hearts of all who behold it.
The main crafts are kanna (planes) and kogatana (crafts knives). Special steels, such as carbon steel and old Swedish steel, are used, renowned for their high processing difficulty, but exceptional durability and resistance to chipping. The processes of forge welding, forging, fire forging, tempering, polishing, and quenching are all performed by hand, with his exceptional techniques highly valued by masters and artisans across various fields. At the workshop located in Ono City, you can observe the forging, often considered the highlight of this manufacturing craftsmanship.
Creator Introduction
Chiyozuru Sadahide III (Autonym: Naoki Morita)
Born in 1978 in Gifu Prefecture. After graduating from Tamagawa University with a BA in the College of Fine Arts, majoring in sculpture, Naoki began his apprenticeship under Chiyozuru Sadahide Ⅱ. He succeeded to the pseudonym "Chiyozuru Naohide" in 2008. He has exhibited at the "DENSAN Shokunin Exhibition" and has given demonstrations of the "Japan Traditional Crafts Milano Square," a pop-up shop that gathers traditional crafts in Milan, Italy. He succeeded to the name "Chiyozuru Sadahide III" in 2019. He inherited the workshop, focusing on the production of kanna (planes) and kogatana (craft knives). His exceptional techniques are highly valued both domestically and internationally.
Awards History
- “The 24th KOGEI Expo Sendan Award” and other awards.
- | Career Summary |
- 2001 Graduated from Tamagawa University, with a BA in the College of Arts, majoring in sculpture.
- 2017 Designated as a traditional craftsman of Banshu Mikiuchi Hamono.
- 2019 Succeeded to the name “Chiyozuru Sadahide III”.
Chiyozuru Sadahide
- Address
- 3-8-22 Fukui, Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture 673-0433
- TEL-FAX
- 0794-83-2555
- Business Hours
- 8:00 to 16:00 (excluding Sundays and public holidays)
Sales method
- Price:
Kogatana From JPY 15,000 (Size: Various, Weight: Various)
Kanna From about JPY 15,000 (Size: Various, Weight: Various) - Direct purchase available.
Payment: Cash, VISA, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX, Diners, Discover) - Authorized Dealer: Chiyozuru Sadahide
- Custom orders available: (From 1 piece. Personalization is negotiable.)
- International shipping available.
Estimated delivery times and costs: *As of January 2025
China, Korea, and Taiwan: 5 days or more. JPY 2,200 for up to 1kg, JPY 4,400 for up to 3kg.
Oceania, Middle East and Europe: 10 days or more. JPY 4,400 for up to 1kg, JPY 8,800 for up to 3kg.
United States (including overseas territories such as Guam): 14 days or more. JPY 5,300 for up to 1kg, JPY 10,300 for up to 3kg.
Delivery times are estimates only and do not include customs clearance.
*Delivery time may vary and delays may occur due to shipping methods, customs clearance, and local handling conditions.
*Airmail items containing knives and swords or other bladed items may take longer to arrive than usual. Even at international exchange offices, these may not be loaded onto aircraft due to airline circumstances. In such cases, the item will be returned to the sender, and your order will not be canceled.
- Bulk orders available.
- Workshop Experience:
Available *Held approximately once a month during the summer, excluding Sundays and public holidays.
(Required time) 2 days: *Kogatana making course, Kanna making course
(Fee) Kogatana making: JPY 60,500, Kanna making: JPY 88,000
*Fee Includes materials and paulownia box.
(Workshop details) Forging, fire forging, quenching, and other activities. - Factory tours are available.
*Off -season only. Tour times are flexible.
(Required time) 30 minutes (Fee) JPY 5,000 per person
(Workshop details) Forging and fire forging.
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