Takamura

Takamura is a Japanese knife brand and family business with roots in Takefu in Fukui Prefecture, one of Japan's oldest regions for blade and knife craft. The brand was established after the Second World War by Isamu Takamura and has since been carried on through the generations, with family members such as Terukazu Takamura and his brothers running it today. At Takamura, traditional forging and sharpening techniques are combined with modern metallurgy to make knives that are sharp, durable and good-looking.

Takamura knives are known for their sharpness and precise cutting, thanks to steels such as R2 (also called SG2), VG-10 and special alloys such as Chromax. These steels hold an edge for a long time while the blades stay light and well balanced, which makes them sought after by professional chefs and food enthusiasts. Many models also have details such as a tsuchime (hammered) surface or a Damascus pattern, and ergonomic handles in materials such as pakkawood, for comfort and control in use. With its mix of tradition and new methods, Takamura has gained international recognition as a maker of Japanese kitchen knives.