Honyaki knife handle replacements.

Lately, we’ve been receiving more and more requests for Honyaki knife handle replacements and sharpening.
We truly appreciate the trust in SUISIN, as we are now handling many requests for knives from other manufacturers as well.

Sharpening knives from different makers gives us a chance to study their craftsmanship, and when replacing handles, one of the small joys is discovering the maker’s stamp engraved on the tang.
Knifemakers who put their heart and soul into their craft often leave their mark on the tang, especially when it comes to Honyaki knives—a true testament to the dedication poured into each blade.

There were no markings on the front side of the blade, but on the back, we found the engraving 「久次作」.

If it’s a blacksmith we work with at SUISIN, we can often identify the maker just by looking at the machi and the tang structure. But having this stamp is solid proof of its origin!
Just to be sure, I reached out to the blacksmith who I believed had made this knife, and he confirmed that he used to engrave 「久次作」 up until about 15 years ago.

His reaction?
“How did Tatsuya end up with that knife?”
“What kind of condition is it in now?”
“Has the customer been maintaining it well?”

It seems that, as a maker, he still feels a strong connection to the knives he’s sent out into the world!
I assured him, “There’s no rust, and the customer has been taking great care of it.”

Not only is the craftsmanship of the blacksmith impressive, but the sharpening is also excellent—this blade carries the skill of a past sharpener. I’ll be taking a close look at it to fully appreciate their work.

• 2018-11-19