Our in-depth range review

First Impressions


We're in love. There's a simplicity to the Sumi range with the classic kurouchi finish and simple single piece handle which is paired with an excellent edge and finish.

Beauty

If the kurouchi blacksmith finish is something that takes your fancy, this is going to be a knife you're going to enjoy looking at and we love the simplicity of the single piece wa handles. 

In Hand

You'll notice that the Sumi much like all Hado's knives shows off real attention to detail in the fit and finish, small touches like the subtle rounding of the spine and heel make it a very comfortable knife to hold and use.

Durability

A White #2 core and robust soft iron cladding and the protective kurouchi finish are a widely used and durable combination offering ease of sharpening and edge retention and develops a lovely patina with use.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

This is a reactive knife, you can expect a lovely patina along the core steel edge and the one the soft iron cladding.

Follow our normal and carbon steel care tips to keep your knife in tip top condition for many years. 

Our Verdict

These are fabulous knives, forged by Yoshikazu Tanaka and sharpened by Tadataka Maruyama, the attention to detail is top notch all the way from the finish of the blade, the simple but stylish handle and Hado's stunning presentation boxes.

The Sumi is a collection that's excellent value for money if you're looking for a carbon steel knife to start or add to your collection.

Meet the maker

Hado Knife

HADO is a Japanese kitchen-knife brand based in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. Their founding philosophy revolves around 石 “the road of blades”, combining the heritage of Sakai craftsmanship with the meticulous finish of modern forging.

HADO works with master blacksmiths to produce a wide range of knives—from single-bevel Japanese styles to high-performance double-bevel chef’s knives—using premium steels such as SG2, Ginsan and Shirogami.

Every blade undergoes careful hand-sharpening and finishing, with particular attention paid to edge geometry, balance and polished details. HADO’s dedication to quality and artistry reflects Sakai’s long legacy of professional knife making, anchored now in a distinctive contemporary collection.

View all Hado Knife products