Seki City is synonymous with knife production in Japan. Over 780 years ago, the city attracted swordsmiths whose creations were revered throughout the country. When swords fell out of fashion, the industry turned its attention to producing knives that garner the same level of reverence as the swords of the past.

Shizu Hamono was founded in Seki-city in 1959 by the father of Hisashi Horibe who now runs the family business.

Hisashi learnt the craft in his father’s factory after graduating from school. His father was a polishing craftsman so he spent a lot of time in the factory and learned skills from craftsmen.

Hisashi is 66 years old and still sits in his factory every day; expertly straightening knife blades, and checking the sharpness of all knives.