Collection: Yoshihide Masuda

Yoshihide Masuda is a Japanese blacksmith and knife maker, born in 1976. He is the third-generation owner of Masuda Hamono, a knife-making workshop located in Sanjo City, Japan, specializing in the craft of making kiridashi knives. The Masuda family business was established in the late 1940s during the early Showa period, showcasing a legacy of over 70 years in the craft.

Yoshihide joined the family business in 2017 and works alongside his father, Ken Masuda, a designated Traditional Craftsman by Niigata Prefecture. As part of Masuda Hamono, Yoshihide continues the tradition of crafting high-quality kiridashi knives. While specializing in kiridashi, Yoshihide has also crafted various knives for farming and woodworking. This diverse experience has broadened his expertise beyond the workshop's primary focus, providing him with a solid foundation in crafting a wide range of blade types.

Since joining Masuda Hamono, Yoshihide has quickly distinguished himself with exceptional work, showing a natural aptitude for the craft. He has been instrumental in introducing new ideas and technologies to the traditional craft. In 2023, he embarked on a project to expand the workshop's product line beyond kiridashi knives. This led to the creation of a select number of kitchen knives in 2024, featuring beautiful twisted damascus. These carefully crafted knives showcase Yoshihide's remarkable skill in traditional Japanese blacksmithing techniques.