Motokyuuichi

Motokyuuichi — Shimabara's Swordsmith-Turned-Knifemaker

Born from samurai swordsmiths in Shimabara, Motokyuuichi Hamono carries the "Kyuichi" lineage since 1895. Forged by the Maeda family across five generations, these knives transform Edo-period swordcraft into exceptional kitchen blades. The secret lies in Shimabara's pristine volcanic spring water – famed nationally for its purity – used exclusively in the critical quenching process. This mineral-rich water, filtered through Mount Unzen's earth, imparts extraordinary resilience and a uniquely sharp, long-lasting edge to every blade.

Current masters Kiyonori (4th gen) and Yasuhide Maeda (5th gen) uphold their ancestors' ethos: quality craftsmanship, sincere service, and fair pricing. Each hand-forged knife embodies this promise – no flashy gimmicks, just honest durability and precision cutting performance. More than tools, Motokyuuichi knives are heirlooms connecting your kitchen to the soul of Shimabara’s 130-year forging tradition.

Motokyuuichi Hamono: Shimabara's Living Sword Legacy, Forged in Pristine Waters

In the shadow of Mount Unzen, within Shimabara's historic castle town, the Maeda family hammers a centuries-old legacy into existence. Motokyuuichi Hamono traces its spirit to the Edo-period "Kyuichi" swordsmiths of Hizen-Shimabara. When that lineage neared extinction, Maeda Shojirou answered the call in 1895. He transformed sacred sword-forging techniques into the creation of essential tools – kitchen knives, sickles, and hoes – birthing the Motokyuuichi ("Original Kyuichi") brand. Today, fourth-generation master Kiyonori Maeda and his son Yasuhide (fifth-gen) guard this heritage with reverence.

What defines a Motokyuuichi blade? Shimabara's water. Recognized among Japan's "Top 100 Waters," the region's volcanic spring water is the irreplaceable heart of their craft. Filtered through mineral-rich earth, this exceptionally soft, pure water is used in the critical quenching stage. The result? Blades achieve a remarkable harmony of hardness and flexibility, renowned for their fierce sharpness, bite, and uncanny edge retention. It’s a physical manifestation of Shimabara’s terroir – impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The Maedas operate by a simple, profound creed: "Quality Good, Sincere Service, Fair Price." Every knife reflects this. Hand-forged using techniques refined since samurai times, they prioritize functional perfection over ornamentation. Grinds are precise, handles are ergonomically sound, and heat treatment is meticulous. Whether it’s a nimble nakiri or a sturdy gyuto, each blade is built to endure decades of daily use.

Visiting their workshop means witnessing living history – the hiss of hot steel meeting Shimabara’s sacred water, the rhythmic hammer strikes echoing generations. Motokyuuichi offers no mass production, only authentic te-uchi (hand-forged) craftsmanship. Choosing their knife isn't just selecting a tool; it's preserving a legacy of resilience, honoring water's alchemy, and bringing the spirit of the samurai smith into your kitchen. It’s heirloom quality, forged by a father and son, one blade at a time.

“Samurai swordsmith lineage from Shimabara — five generations forging with volcanic spring water.”

Est. 1895 | 明治28年

Known for Swordsmith heritage, volcanic spring water quenching, father-and-son forge

People

Current Head: Kiyonori Maeda

Craft

Known For: Swordsmith heritage, volcanic spring water quenching, father-and-son forge
Steel: Blue Super, White #2

Location

Address: 6983-8 Sakauemachi, Shimabara, Nagasaki 855-0832, Japan
Region: Nagasaki, Japan
Coordinates: 32.7783522, 130.3706397

Brand

Logo

Native Name

本久一刃物

Why Motokyuuichi Matters

The "Kyuichi" name prospered as a swordsmith in Shimabara during the Edo period. In 1895, Shojiro Maeda took over the lineage and transitioned to kitchen knives. Now in its 4th and 5th generations — father Kiyonori Maeda and son Yasuhide Maeda — they use Shimabara's pristine volcanic-filtered water in quenching, which they consider essential to their blades' signature resilience.

Does Motokyuuichi Allow Unsolicited Visits?

Not open to public visits.

Knives by Motokyuuichi

Hatsukokoro Motokyuuichi Kurosagi AS

This isn’t a knife for Instagram – it’s a hardworking Aogami Super beast with a cult following among chefs who care more about cutting than cosmetics. Master... Read more

This isn’t a knife for Instagram – it’s a hardworking Aogami Super beast with a cult following among chefs who care more about cutting than cosmetics. Master smith Motokyuuichi (of "Tsubaya Black" fame) applies his legendary low-temperature, long-soak heat treatment to Hitachi’s premium steel, achieving a 64+ HRC edge that stays viciously sharp yet resists chipping.The hand-forged AS core is clad in soft iron, with a deliberately rustic finish – uneven hammer marks, subtle warps, and all. These aren’t flaws; they’re proof of real workshop craftsmanship over factory perfection. Expect stellar food release from the coarser finish, and a thin-but-sturdy grind that handles everything from herbs to squash.Why it’s a sleeper hit: → Unmatched edge retention – "Stays sharp longer than knives twice its price" (Reddit user) → Forgiving toughness – Motokyuuichi’s tempering prevents AS’s usual brittleness → Zero pretension – No fancy branding, just a fierce cutter that pros quietly recommendFor those tired of overpolined "luxury" blades, this is the anti-status-symbol workhorse – rough around the edges, relentless where it counts. Read less

Pros

Budget friendly
Excellent performance
Workhorse grind

Cons

Relatively hard to sharpen
Prone to rust
Fit and finish can be improved

Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad Kurouchi

Frequently Asked Questions about Motokyuuichi

Who is Motokyuuichi ?

Motokyuuichi is a Japanese knife maker based in Nagasaki, Japan , established in 1895. They are known for Swordsmith heritage, volcanic spring water quenching, father-and-son forge. Their signature steels include Blue Super, White #2. Available at Knives and Stones Australia.

What knives does Motokyuuichi make?

Motokyuuichi produces the following knife lines: Hatsukokoro Motokyuuichi Kurosagi AS. We currently carry 5 products from Motokyuuichi at Knives and Stones. They specialise in Swordsmith heritage, volcanic spring water quenching, father-and-son forge.

Where is Motokyuuichi located?

Motokyuuichi is located in Nagasaki, Japan. Japanese knife-making regions each have distinct traditions.

Where can I buy Motokyuuichi knives in Australia?

Knives and Stones is an authorised Australian stockist of Motokyuuichi . 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.