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Masutani

Masutani Hamono — Echizen Performance Without the Premium

Masutani Hamono, leveraging both VG-1 and VG-10 steel, has established itself within the competitive sphere of Japanese knife-making by offering a cutting feel comparable to premium Echizen brands such as Kurosaki and Takamura. This alignment in performance with high-end brands, despite their more accessible price point, positions Masutani knives as exceptional within their category. Their craftsmanship ensures a blend of traditional skill and modern technology, making Masutani knives highly regarded for their sharpness and durability, leading the way in value-for-money within the Japanese knife market.

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Masutani Hamono, nestled in the historic knife-making region of Echizen, Japan, has carved a niche for itself by merging traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations. Utilizing high-quality VG-1 and VG-10 steels, Masutani creates knives that are not only durable and sharp but also provide a cutting experience comparable to the much-admired Echizen brands like Kurosaki and Takamura. This blend of heritage and innovation allows Masutani knives to stand out in the market, offering unparalleled value within their price range.

The company’s dedication to excellence is evident in every knife produced, ensuring each piece embodies the perfect balance between age-old techniques and cutting-edge steel technology. As a result, Masutani knives are celebrated for their exceptional performance and affordability, appealing to a wide range of users from professional chefs to culinary enthusiasts. This reputation for quality, coupled with a cutting feel reminiscent of more premium brands, positions Masutani as a leading choice for those seeking the best Japanese knives without the premium price tag.

Masutani — Echizen
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“Echizen's quiet overachiever — premium cutting feel at an honest price, from the brother forge of Ryusen.”

Est. 1974 | 昭和49年
Known for Affordable high-performance stainless knives, excellent grinding and OOTB sharpness
Website masutani-hamono.shop

People

Founder
Kunio Masutani 増谷 訓生
Current Head
Kunio Masutani 増谷 訓生

Craft

Known For
Affordable high-performance stainless knives, excellent grinding and OOTB sharpness
Steel
VG1, VG10

Location

Address
2-16-7 Kitago, Echizen, Fukui 915-0802, Japan
Region
Echizen, Japan
Coordinates
35.9165592, 136.1677682

Brand

Logo

Native Name

増谷打刃物

Why Masutani Matters

Kunio Masutani is a 4th generation Echizen blacksmith and brother to the owner of Ryusen Hamono. After training under his father from age 15, he opened his own smithy in the Takefu Knife Village in 1974. While Ryusen pursued the higher-end market, Masutani focused on producing affordable, high-performance stainless knives for everyday use — delivering a cutting feel that rivals brands like Kurosaki and Takamura at a fraction of the price. He is hoping to pass the business to his grandson in the coming years.

Does Masutani Allow Unsolicited Visits?

Not open to public visits.

Knives by Masutani

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime

Masutani's VG1 Tsuchime (Hammered) line probably offers one of the best price / performance ratio amongest all the K&S offerings. The VG1 steel in st... Read more Masutani's VG1 Tsuchime (Hammered) line probably offers one of the best price / performance ratio amongest all the K&S offerings. The VG1 steel in stainless clad with hammered finish brings a simple and classic look to the knife.VG1 is very much similar to its favorite rival VG10 steel in terms of durability and corrosion resistance. With thin grind behind the edge, the Masutani is more like a laser to allow you can cut through food effortlessly.  Read less

Pros

  • Budget friendly
  • Excellent performance
  • Great OOTB

Cons

  • Non-premium steel
Sanmai - Stainless Clad Tsuchime
Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

The Masutani Hamono "Sairyu VG10" series offers an exceptional balance of performance, beauty, and value. Crafted with VG10 steel, a state-of-the-a... Read more The Masutani Hamono "Sairyu VG10" series offers an exceptional balance of performance, beauty, and value. Crafted with VG10 steel, a state-of-the-art cutlery material known for its sharpness and durability, these knives provide outstanding edge retention and ease of maintenance, making them perfect for both home cooks and professional chefs.The blade showcases a stunning Damascus pattern, adding visual appeal to its impressive cutting performance. Each knife in the Sairyu series is designed with a Western-style handle that is incredibly light and comfortable, ensuring a balanced and effortless grip even during extended use.What truly sets the Masutani Hamono Sairyu VG10 series apart is its exceptional value. With a combination of high-quality materials, beautiful craftsmanship, and thoughtful design, these knives are perfect for household use but also hold up to the rigorous demands of professional kitchens. Read less

Pros

  • Budget friendly
  • Excellent performance
  • Great OOTB

Cons

  • Fit and finish can be improved
Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad Migaki
Frequently Asked Questions about Masutani
Who is Masutani?

Masutani is a Japanese knife maker based in Echizen, Japan , established in 1974. They are known for Affordable high-performance stainless knives, excellent grinding and OOTB sharpness. Their signature steels include VG1, VG10. Available at Knives and Stones Australia.

What knives does Masutani make?

Masutani produces the following knife lines: Masutani VG1 Tsuchime, Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western. We currently carry 14 products from Masutani at Knives and Stones. They specialise in Affordable high-performance stainless knives, excellent grinding and OOTB sharpness.

Where is Masutani located?

Masutani is located in Echizen, Japan. Japanese knife-making regions each have distinct traditions. Echizen and Takefu in Fukui Prefecture are celebrated for high-quality double bevel forging.

Where can I buy Masutani knives in Australia?

Knives and Stones is an authorised Australian stockist of Masutani. You can shop online at knivesandstones.com.au with free shipping on orders over $99, or visit our stores in St Peters (Sydney), Crows Nest (Sydney) and Braddon (Canberra) to handle the knives before buying.

Shop Masutani Knives

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Nakiri 165mm Slim
Sale

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Nakiri 165mm Slim

$2,525.00 $2,956.00
Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Gyuto 185mm Western Handle
Sold Out

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Gyuto 185mm Western Handle

$2,911.00 $3,410.00
Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Santoku 170mm Black Chacate Handle
Sold Out

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Santoku 170mm Black Chacate Handle

$2,706.00 $3,183.00
Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Nakiri 165mm Black Chacate Handle
Sold Out

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Nakiri 165mm Black Chacate Handle

$2,525.00 $2,956.00
Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Santoku 180mm Black Chacate Handle
Sold Out

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Santoku 180mm Black Chacate Handle

$2,525.00 $2,956.00
Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Santoku 170mm Western Handle
Sale

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime

Masutani VG1 Tsuchime Santoku 170mm Western Handle

$2,706.00 $3,183.00
Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Nakiri 165mm Black Chacate Handle
Sale

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Nakiri 165mm Black Chacate Handle

$3,093.00 $3,638.00
Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Slim Nakiri 165mm Western Handle
Sold Out

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Slim Nakiri 165mm Western Handle

$2,706.00 $3,183.00
Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Tsuchime Santoku 170mm WA Handle
Sold Out

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Tsuchime Santoku 170mm WA Handle

$3,093.00 $3,638.00
Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Nakiri 165mm Western Handle
Sale

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Nakiri 165mm Western Handle

$3,025.00 $3,547.00
Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Tsuchime Santoku 170mm Western Handle
Sale

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Tsuchime Santoku 170mm Western Handle

$2,911.00 $3,410.00
Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Tsuchime Gyuto 180mm Western Handle
Sold Out

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

Masutani Kokuryu VG10 Damascus Tsuchime Gyuto 180mm Western Handle

$2,911.00 $3,410.00
Masutani Sairyu VG10 Damascus Small Santoku 135mm Western Handle
Sale

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Damascus Small Santoku 135mm Western Handle

$2,525.00 $2,956.00
Masutani Sairyu VG10 Damascus Gyuto 180mm Western Handle
Sale

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Western

Masutani Sairyu VG10 Damascus Gyuto 180mm Western Handle

$2,843.00 $3,320.00
Our Locations

Visit Us In Person

Experience our knives hands-on at any of our three showrooms across Australia.

St Peters, Sydney

St Peters

HQ
Unit 2, 2 Bishop St
St Peters, NSW 2044
(02) 8234 8818 sales@knivesandstones.com.au
Mon–Fri 10am–5pm Closed weekends

Enter via Bishop St. Limited parking — please find nearby street parking.

Get directions
Crows Nest, Sydney

Crows Nest

Open Weekends
107 West St
Crows Nest, NSW 2065
(02) 8234 8848
Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am–6pm Closed Wed & Thu
Get directions
Braddon, Canberra

Canberra

Kakumei
Unit 3, 32 Lonsdale St
Braddon, ACT 2612
(02) 8234 8808
Wed–Thu 10:30am–4:30pm Fri–Sat 10:30am–6pm Sun 10:30am–4:30pm Closed Mon & Tue
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