How Japanese Knives Are Made With Japan's RAREST Steel
How are Japanese knives made? With the same techniques used to craft katana (samurai swords), modern Japanese knives are some of the highest quality in the world. They don't break or bend, they can slice through anything like butter and they're a beauty to behold.
This video was filmed at Hirata Blacksmiths (平田鍛刀場) on the outskirts of Tokyo. Sukehira Hirata and Nodoka Hirata are a married couple who craft not only Japanese blades, but blades made of the rarest steel in Japan. In fact, this is one of 3 workshops in the whole country, still producing the legendary Tamahagane steel (玉鋼).
Their website:
ENGLISH - mokomimi1027.wixsite.com/my-s...
JAPANESE - www.hiratatantoujou.com/
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#japaneseknife #knifemaking #madeinjapan
YOU CAN ORDER THESE KNIVES HERE: mokomimi1027.wixsite.com/my-site-2 They don't really speak any English but are more than happy to exchange emails via the help of Google translate and have been overwhelmed with how many orders they've received from foreign customers because of this video. Thank you so much everybody for showing support to this awesome family!
Whom could I ask a few questions about VG-10? Takefu has not replied.
@@m4rvinmartian I'm sorry but I'm not really sure. We have no affiliation with Takefu or any other steel manufacturers or then Hirata-san, who only produces Tamahagane. We just make cool videos aha.
OK
@Marvin Martian In germany you can buy san-mai with a cutting layer of vg10 for diy knifes. I guess it‘s a myth that there are any export restrictions.
nice to see that it is still done in Japan sometimes I am a Dutch blacksmith myself but I use the Japanese methods such as how to make steel yourself
Much credit to his wife, she runs the whole operation and the baby. I love how quiet all the machinery is. It's a commitment of passion.
They seem like a great couple and team!
I can assure you it's not quiet at all. It's just edited that way. Even just a roaring coal fire is pretty loud. The people working have grown tolerant to that as a fact of life.
shut up for a while, bald. Here we all value the work of both, stop wanting to show yourself with your idiocy
They just edited the sound to be lower for the vid, believe me. Those things are _loud._ like, ruin-your-hearing-over-time loud.
@fred blair nn June
A family of artists! I hope the Japanese culture never, ever dies.
Some culture need to die
They are such great people,salt of the earth.
"Blacksmith culture" You right. But about Japanese. well. As he say if he follow the Culture his wife will be not allowed to help him... So he avoid that and let his wife be part of his work working together. For mayor part of the world this man its a Hero of Equality to mayor part of Japanese old culture he dishonor his native culture.
@@kanrooihumera710 what R you? A woke. These people will end humanity for ever.
I like to have a katana made from tamahagane steel.
I love seeing a young couple working together keeping such a wonderful traditional blade-making process alive. Best wishes to you both. Wonderful combined workmanship.
🚬 you look like you have a lighter
this guy and his wife are probably top 5 blacksmiths in Japan but they are the humblest people i have ever seen. mad respect and big thanks for allowing us to see their process
I love this about the Japanese people. Theyre always polite and humble.
Yes, very humble and kind
Takeshi Saji, Sadatoshi Gassan, Ichiro Hattori and Yu Kurosaki. This are the best Japanese blacksmiths I know.
"...and if i become considerate of others, there is no need to fight anymore". This man could teach world leaders a thing or two.
I think if he ever quits blacksmithing, he could become a philospher.
...or hundreds, politicians are notoriously dim.
In all faiths
Not just world leaders. If you read some of the comments on KZhead you realize that many people need to learn this.
Wise words sir! Our planet is full of resources, full of creative ideas and skilled hands, full of demand for products. 70% of the time there is room for improving the process he saied! This is the spirit of a hard working family sir! 💪
Having one of his blades would be a form of honour in my opinion. He and his Wife are incredible people and from how she describes working with her Husband you can tell his skill reflects on her as well. She spoke about helping with love and humility and he in return shows his wife that same honour and humility by being the best he can. I hope these crafts stay with the world forever.
Indeed.
That makes it even more special because of his spirit. His humility and pride and family all get a piece in the steel
How can we contact him to purchase one of his Knives?
@@cg2007 see description
Indeed! Because when you use that blade you are not only appreciating its quality but you know the hands it has passed through and the story of the family.
These people are real artists, their knives and blades are masterpieces and labour of love. Respect.
I am always in love with traditional Japanese knife and sword making. I hope the tradition is kept alive
"I need to keep practicing forever!" - Sukehira san.........Such a great humble master!👌👍
Indeed, what a Humble, Masterful Artisan of Blades.
Practising
@@jaycspeedier5507 only if you are American and don't know the Queens English
Quick question: is it okay to use ‘practicing’ and ‘practising’ in an essay
@@tohwangkaien8961 Yes, when used correctly. Think of golf to help you. Golf swing is a verb, golf club is a noun. Practise with an s when it’s a verb, practice with a c when it’s a noun.
That is not a knife, this man created a piece of art! It is priceless!
But how much does it sell for?
@@seanissofresh Several knives r offered. The website is in the info. I believed starts at $2,500/knife.
nice words of yours and i agree 100% as they are keeping alive this culture and tradition but i am wondering if they have been paid as much as they deserve for doing all this art?? i guess Japanese Govt need to give them some kind of grant to keep their spirits up and let it live longer.
Actually it IS a knife, an expensive well made knife, and it is not priceless, it can be purchased with plain old ordinary boring money. And unlike art it’s made to be used. It would be a true shame for it to be treated like art. Like cutting boards made of fine woods by a master craftsman, I guarantee you he/she/it/them/they/zim/zer would absolutely want you to use it!🙄
@@seanissofresh it will cost you arround 75000¥= $660.75.
Much admiration and respect to this family working together to create such a thing. A combination of art and science. It seems the entire Japanese culture revolves around striving for perfection. A noble endeavor to always want to do better.
This has to be one of my favorite videos. Not just for the family, but the craft and skill reminds me of some of the wootz Damascus steel videos. I hope this family stays very happy and gets much more business as time goes on
Man this is so beautiful, the family, the work. I wish them all the joy and health in the world, very awesome people.
They dont need any extra good health. They're already Japanese.
@@gastheleft6535 wdym
@@gogboyi4983 Its a joke. Japanese people have great health so they don't need anymore.
so true kzhead.info/sun/ksZxc8yrhKWQpXk/bejne.html
@@gastheleft6535 huh?
I really hope to buy one of these one day. You're obviously getting a quality product but, more than that, you're helping perpetuate this beautiful art.
There's a link to their shop in the description. You can go from 5/600$ for a knife to 12k $ - 2 years delivery time for a katana 😁
the knife is more valuable than paper money thats for sure
@@quartfeira 500-600$ is a reasonable price for such a high quality knife
@@Chris-yy7qc Especially since it is handmade.
@@brianvickery4071 yea but the quality of the steel is only above slightly above average.
Every Japanese knife/ saws and tools I have are second to none, my respect to the craftsmanship that goes into them!
big respect. This is ART of forging knives. The family deserves for their hardwork.
" I need to keep practicing forever " A humbleness and dedication to his passion that might be pass for generations.
This is honestly one of my new favorite videos on KZhead. This was perfect and so relaxing, and watching the care and effort is just astounding. When i have the money to, I want to fill all my needs with fine craftsmanship like this to support the blacksmiths and make sure they continue doing this amazing work.
Ikr
What a great video. The Hirata family are true artists, performing ancient craftsmanship with true passion and dedication. As Hirata San said, never be satisfied, always follow the ikigai approach. I reached out to them to be allowed to acquire a Santoku knife and would be honored to own one of these truly masterpieces.
I love this video. It lets you understand why Japanese made knife is expensive. The efforts ,dedications, training of the master smith takes a long time to produce knife with exceptional quality. A knife that has life!
Japanese craftsman are incredible the pride they take in the work they do is equally incredible
Do American steel workers not take pride in what they do or something? Considering you can order steel with the exact hardness and traits you want and it's enforced by a contract I'm pretty sure they take pride in getting paid.
American this American that.
@@Verdigo76 did he say anything about americans?
Anyone is capably of showing pride in their work sadly so few care to do so
@@timtim6373 most of the time "work" is being under payed to do meaningless tasks that leave you with no sense of fulfillment or accomplishment. It's a different story when people are doing shit that they actually want to do and get payed for it vs doing something you dont want to do because you have financial obligations.
A true artisan! I really enjoyed the video and you could sense the honesty and comittment of both the husband and wife to produce really one of a kind blades. Thank you for this video.
Just a kitchen knife, but produced with such expertise, passion and poetic spirit, it is a symbol of the superlative work ethic of the Japanese people.
I feel honored just watching this being made by this couple. Very amazing.
I would be honored to own a blade forged by this man and his wife.
Then buy one!
@@WilliamWilson_org The website is a bit hard to read for a plodder like me.
What’s the url?
I too would like to know where to buy
@@donifarkovits2229 It's in the description. Can't post urls, even disguised ones.
this is such an art, this family are amazing, if i ever go to japan, i will going here to get a knife, such a quiet workshop too, you can see the passion and pride in their craft, i hope this never die's out, the old ways are still the best way's and hopefully more people adopt this, so much love and respect them
I agree , inwould too. They say you can visit the workshop for free ..but i would pay alot of money just to be in their presence . We have to help these people keep the tradition going. Japanese governement should be supporting them ..this is a dyihg and rare craft ! Its beautiful. My late father was a metal scientist , metalergist ... i would buy a knife or sword in his memory and mount it on my wall. I respect this craft so much. Its full of history , culture and pride. Such beautiful work and people. So humble and hard working. 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💙💙💙💙
Traditional craftsmanship is an art form as well as a skill. It's good to see a couple continuing the art while working together. Thank you for sharing with us.
It's a shame this art is dying it's an amazing process you can see the passion he has for his Craftsmanship I always found it extremely fascinating how they create such art with metal
The forge they used was modern though. Unless I'm mistaken, traditional forges were built from clay. The whole thing would be demolished in the end to retrieve the tama hagane.
@@ngcastronerd4791 more an adaptation due to manpower issues
This is where Art and Craftsmanship are combined! Each piece is a masterpiece all into its own, as unique as a fingerprint! Well done! Much Respect!
Only another Marine knows this level of dedication and commitment to excellence. I worked in the Infantry Weapons Repair shop...where one overlooked detail could kill the operator and people around them. Every weapon I fixed I signed my name to knowing that any serious malfunction could lead to a General Courts Martial....and I'd never leave my Brother azz in the breeze. Much respect to the tenacity and commitment to excellence of the Japanese weapons makers. SEMPER FI BROTHER.
Thank you for sharing this. It really raised my awareness to the respectable works of a Blacksmith. Thank you for showing the world the wonderful family of Mr. Sukehira. I hope they will have a lot of people to share their masterpiece.
Brilliant things are awaiting this man and his family in his next life. Hes so humble and gracious...hardworking and grounded and loving. He takes pride in his craft and japanese history and culture. What an amazing talented family.. God bless you. 💙💙💙💙💙💙💚💚💚💚💚💚💚
Unbelievable level of skill and knowledge and really refreshing to see a young couple running a business together.
I love his passion. He lives for his creation and he's truly a master at his art. This is the way it should be! Old-school hand crafted from love and a desire to make it better each time. It's something that can't be taught or bought!
This family create works of art, absolutely beautiful to see they keep the tradition alive and I hope the kid follows dad's footsteps. Art cannot be lost, it must be passed on. My heartfelt respect to these artisans.
Thank you so much for the tour of your blacksmith shop! I enjoyed it and it was the highlight of my 2 weeks in Japan. I hope the best fortune for your young family.
What an amazing and honorable family. I wish there places locally I could take classes to learn this type of craftsmanship. It’s easy to make a knife, but to make one of such perfection is extremely laboring. Even learning the woodworking the Japanese artisans do is break taking to watch. I wish America had this type of passion and the youth had the passion to learn it.
taken over by the industry they start to underappreciate things because industry make things come faster and cheaper, but they refuse to believe that everything come with a price that they haven't paid yet
@@flowerofash4439 yup, it’s the greed of modern society. More, more, MORE! All these companies that can never get enough. Always requiring double digit year over year growth. Beating a dead horse. It’s what made this country great, and in the end it will be our destruction.
If there is an apprenticeship out there for things like this I would be very interested.
There are places and people you can go to in the US, to learn this actual thing. Ric Furrer and Wayne Portratz to name but 2.
Extraordinary, this families passion is something out of this world. Beautifully designed!! It’s so freaking amazing how they are keeping this tradition , I pray their kids, and their kids- -kids will continue this craft . I’d Love to see them make a video honoring their parents and ancestors on keeping this practice alive!🙏🏽🙏🏽🔥🔥🔥👍🏽
The saddest part is that they-re not ,from laborious jobs like this to delicate jobs like traditional doll making,the younger generations are leaving the traditions behind to follow less suffering careers as salary men or getting degrees. Even simple family business that were passed through generations 2,3,4 decades ago are getting closed because the patriarch of the business knows that theres is no future in keeping it going,because of how everything today is mass produced and simplified to the minimum level of complication.
@@yukiotakata yeah that’s sounds about right, but we can still hope and pray that things will continue to stay as they were meant too. 🙏🏽 God Bless you All !!!🙌🏾
The guy makes swords and knives, but he is a poet. The way he explains its representation of the Japanese people and life itself is beautiful. Nearly in tears.
I'm so amazed at the old school expertise...he is truly a master! And having his wife helping, perfect! Honor and Respect my brother from a different mother!!!
Thank you Sukehira and family for sharing. I hope your art and craftmanship prosper into the future.
That kind of content is worth a lot to me to watch... even when iam busy with daily stuff i will stop and watch real craftsman at work no matter what... this is some kind of way for me to show the appreciation and respect for the people who put their heart in the work they do.
I always recognized the works and dedication of Japanese products. It came with quality and durability. Kudos to the whole family working together to run the business.
Thank you. It is the greatest pleasure to watch a craftsman at work. It is most unfortunate that a way has not been found to keep these skills and knowledge going past the next few generations. There will always be people who appreciate handmade items.
Amazing work of art! They are so dedicated to keeping this style of craftsmanship alive. If I could afford one it would truly be an honor to own.
Im a Knife-smith myself for a hobby that is, but I really feel like this is in my blood. It's really reassuring to see someone around the same age as me that does beautiful blades and even makes his own tamahagane. maybe I'll oneday try and get some steelsand and try this with my european clayfurnace (Renn-Ofen).
Good idea..then make the video..we'll love to see them
Think most of us knife makers have the same feeling, I'm 60% Viking so I really feel like I was a blacksmith in a past life.
@Primož Mikulin Germany.
Just amazing. The whole family works. And it shows pride in his work and dedication, also discipline.
I have wanted to visit Japan for many years as I admire the country, culture, people.
The best part of this documentary was seeing a traditional, happy family. The old ways are the way to go, traditions became traditional because they work!
What do you mean by traditional?
This comment is a little funny to me. You're not wrong about some of it, but the guy actually says at some point that one of the reasons they're so happy is because they are not following tradition. "Women were traditionally not allowed in the workshop," and yet they are happily working together as equals, something fairly new in Japan, apparently.
@@titusdaniel sure, there are little changes here and there, everything evolves. They're keeping a craft alive that would otherwise die out due to industry. Are modern swords stronger and sharper? Sure, but they don't have the heart, soul and beauty that these do because of genuine passion.
@@JP-rg1yj they're keeping an art that dates back hundreds of years alive. They're specializing in it because they have real love for the craft. Modern Japanese society could learn from them.
@@chemistryofquestionablequa6252 Agree, it is the same in Europe. We need to save traditional craftmanship before it's too late. Industrial revolution demolished some traditions that every country had. We need to restore those back. Cheers
Awesome video! "When making a katana, we use everything in the natural world. Fire, water, earth, and wind. On top of that, our heart..."
I truly appreciate so much more around me, after witnessing this incredible family forge an exquisite Katana blade from rare metal with love and respect. Truly inspiring!
Love his attitude and humbleness. No matter how good you are there’s always room for improvement
Very good video, I am glad to see younger people continuing these traditions, I know the likes of Alec Steele and other youtubers have attempted to recreate the Japanese style but it all comes from the source material and methods / tools Worth every penny
Thanks for watching! Yes I've found that these blades are so famous worldwide but you can only create them authentically if you have the right material. Considering only 3 workshops in Japan are still making Tamahagane steel, it's very rare indeed! - Julian
Thank you for the video As a hobbyist knifemaker I love watching artists practice their craft in the traditional ways where everything is made by skilled manual hand work.
The fact they're so young doing this in my eyes shows the trend isn't dying, I think what they need to do is spread the word and teach it to more people who are interested in blade smithing.
技術後継、美しい刃物、ご夫婦での仕事、家族を作業場に置く事。。。全てが素晴らしい
Absolutely a work of art that they are making! From the beginning to the end! I completely understand the marvels and wonders of the modern manufacturing world, that itself is also very amazing, but to see knives done the traditional way where they have direct involvement in quality (very high quality!) assurance, nothing can ever beat that. Thank you Japan Go! for this video! Greetings from the tiny islands of Palau in the Pacific!
Thank you! It’s great to hear that you’ve enjoyed watching the video throughout 👍
While I appreciate the art of it almost everything this guy said was marketing bullshit. Modern steel manufacturing and metallurgy can produce perfect pure steel with whatever hardness the customer asks for. Whatever traits the customer wants can be made to order. The level of skill and technology used in quality assurance can not be matched by a blacksmith. What he's making is an impure high carbon steel blade. You can tell because he has to protect the blade from corrosion. High carbon steel knives are great for cutting and you don't even have to have a Japanese blacksmith make it. The problem is that they have a high level of maintenance between uses. That's why stainless steel exists to protect from corrosion but adding chromium to steel makes it brittle. You can achieve the same edge retention and cutting potential as high carbon steel but without the corrosion or brittleness of stainless steel buy adding silicon to the steel. This makes a superior steel to this guy's work at a fraction of the cost. Just because something is rare doesn't mean that it's better.
@@Verdigo76 Yawn
@@gomer6477 Don't like it don't read it but you better believe it.
@@Verdigo76 glad someone said it. Ppl dont understand tamahagane steel and how low quality it actually is. Is an awesome feat however creating a decent steel from so lowgrade iron. But yea even Middleage western steel (crucible steel) is far superior steel. What id love to see is japanese craftsmen with this astonishing knife/sword making skills start using perfect steel and then make masterworks from that instead of keep using inferior steel in their otherwise wonderful creations.
It is amazing. They are a dedicated couple who are passionate about their skills. I want to say I have great respect for such people and to wish them both success in their business together.
Japanese Tools are in a class all by themselves. Some of the best in the world ❤
Thank you so much for your family’s hard work and dedication to your craft .
I love how the Japanese respect their heritage and keep ancient techniques alive much respect
Julian, I saved this video all week for Friday night. Well done sir, Japanese blade smithing is such a beautiful art form. As always you and Yasu really come up with some great content. Thanks 😊
Thank you so much! This one was definitely a lot of work but it was worth it to see the entire process of how these knives are made. Truly fascinating. I hope it was a good start to your weekend! - Julian
Very impressive work. I enjoyed watching your love and devotion made into something we can all enjoy for years to come.
one of the most relaxing videos ive watched and beautiful see such an art still being performed, a lovely family to go with the tradition to, thankyou for sharing a rare piece of art.
I am so impressed. Much respect to you both. You could see the love and respect through out the entire video.
I liked the way the video was laid out and it was very easy to watch and stay interested. I hope they continue to make their art for many years.
Japan truly has the best people.
I have the highest regard for Japanese steel 🔪 🇯🇵 What a down to earth family & a great team. Thank you so much for this docu-film - fantastic! 🍻 Gus
What’s amazing is that blacksmiths developed making Tamahagane over the centuries without knowing all the metallurgy & scientific principles. The somehow intuited it & learned from practice. For example, Japanese blacksmiths figured out how to create very pure steel during the smelting process, how to fold it & make the blade more uniform, how to mix hard & soft steels for various parts of the blade, etc. it’s nothing short of amazing & an art form. I’m from New York but Half-Japanese & grew up with a lot of Japanese culture in the house though I’m American. I always love to learn more about part of my ancestry & heritage.
This has got to be the most Japanese process I've ever seen in my life - total perfection. Brilliant and one day I would love to own one.
Was awesome seeing them work together to make this amazing knife!
Pure unadulterated art. Absolutely love the workshop, nothing is artificial, it is what it is. Together you make a great team, so warming to follow the steps throughout this wonderful video. Subscribed with notifications, would not want to miss the opportunity to eagerly watch more. Greatest respect to both of you, many you live long healthy prosperous lives, thank you.
Kudos to them for working together. Great craftsmanship and skill!
It is like attending a class, information, demonstration and explanation, all in a way to leave its message locked in the mind. Many thanks for the work you do to teach us.
So nice to see old ways surviving, something about is so relaxing. Greetings from Croatia.
When i saw his wife using the magnet to separate iron from other materials while holding their baby. That was so touching, i really respect all mothers who take care of their families like that. A mother like that is not as strong as her husband. However, she is much more "giving" to her family.
My first time watching these videos. Thank you for sharing with us novices. Beautiful work/art forms.
I have always loved Japanese traditional techniques, the blacksmith, ceramic, food... etc
I have a lot of respect for the two because they are both hard workers and they try to be great parents for their daughter
Woow, thank You for making this video. I am glad that such old traditions are still existing and are used.
Hard working couples. Your family deserves better life, all the best and luck!
Incredable craftsmanship. Its great to see old methods being kept alive. God bless
A true artist and perfectionist. Great work. Keep up your traditions.
Couple building up their future with a craft they commit to is what defines family.
I love everything about this guy and his hard working family. The steel turned out awesome.
Simply wonderful. The skill, dedication and the overall philosophy is exactly what human beings can bring to the party. Very rarely achieved but truly fantastic to witness.
Beautiful family first and foremost. Absolutely amazing watching you and your wife make the steel and then the blade work. I fully enjoyed this video.
A great video. Thank you for sharing. And i hope these skills remain in practice long into the future. There is nothing else like good steel. There is no better feeling than having a steel blade/tool that preforns exactly how its supposed to, and even suprises you with its resilience, and functionality.
I really love how japanese craftsmen are so humble. When I am teaching i feel the same way. I could always improve.
Ive always wondered how tamahagane is made.. This showed a glimpse .. That it can be made with enough will and knowledge.
You should check the ancient version of making it, that takes more people and 3 days
We need to value families working together like this in our culture more here in the US. Love from America!
I never saw something like that, made onde of the best knives in the word starting with sand and coal... That knife is for life...
Very talented and humble young couple. Excellent choice of subject and production.
Always enjoyable to watch a skilled craftsman at work.
Both are a wonderful inspiration and work in hatmony together. I love japanese blacksmithing.
This is amazing. I've been making knives for aver 10 years and this is skill on another level. I forge most of my knives out of round bar or flat bar. The steel is already ready to go. I only know 1 bladesmith who makes his own steel and he is a master smith named Raymond Rybar. Great job sir.
Bob Watters the only reason I could think would be because water is used to blow the scale off when the blade is at forging temperature. I have seen bladesmiths put water on the anvil surface just before placing the hot steel on it and striking it. The water is blown away from the steel and carries scale with it.
Lovely video respectfully made with a deep appreciation for this artist's work and ethos. The artist/maker is more of a zen master than a mere knife fabricator. His life philosophy and his relationship with his family are both exemplary. Loved it!
What an amazing process, so glad to see it is still being done in this fashion! I'll have to save up a while but it'd be worth it to have one of your wonderful creations. Hopefully the little one will train to do this as well 😁
My heart goes out to all the honest craftsman making perfection over profit. I am also working on opening my own shop making all from scratch, i hope the market will be generous to sustain such delicate endeavor!
great documentary, when I was in Sakai city I went into a shop and met a Mr Fujii, I bought a really nice knife and took a picture with him, then I bought two really pretty Yu Kurosaki knives. I wasn't even into knives into I went into that shop. Now they are mounted on my kitchen wall, no one is allowed to use them except me. :)