Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

The M series of knives is a real joy, their laser thin profile and no taper from heel to just before the tip are great fun to use and that distinctive sweeping heel design is (we think) very cool!

Beauty

The clean lines of the blade and very subtle angled hairline polish across the cladding running down to a hazy and finally polished finish on the exposed core steel is great.

It's abundantly clear that a lot of effort and time goes into each knife.

In Hand

The knives are impressively light in hand, thanks to their thin laser like blade profiles and also because the magnolia wood used in the handles is light so they feel nimble in hand and in use.

A spine and heel haven't been rounded off so are a little of a hard angle but it's not a significant problem for comfort and use and is to be expected when so much work has gone into the blade that small finishing touches like this are skipped.

Miyawaki-san also chooses a stylistic design for his handles which feature a small "step" round where the hood of the handle meets the bolster.

Durability

SKS (SK Special) is a durable Japanese high-carbon tool steel favored for its toughness and resistance to chipping. With a heat treatment to around 60 HRC, this offers an ideal balance of edge retention and impact resistance. Because it is a reactive carbon steel with minimal chromium, it requires diligent care; the blade must be wiped clean and dried immediately after use to prevent rust or corrosion.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

The SKS core steel is clad with stainless and that core can be quite reactive so it's definitely a knife to expect patina and visual changes when it reacts with your ingredients so it's one to keep a cloth handy to wipe between uses and ensure you wash and dry after use.

For long term care and maintenance we recommend our carbon steel care kit bundle.

Our Verdict

Lightweight, impressively thin and very well finished at an affordable price point that's hard to beat for a knife that's entirely handmade and sharpened in very small batches by Yamato Miyawaki.

Grab one while they're available!

Meet the maker

Misuzu Hamono

Located in the historic blacksmithing hub of Miki City, Misuzu Hamono is a family-run forge that blends mid-century innovation with traditional Banshu craftsmanship. Founded in 1946 by Shinji Suzuki, the workshop earned its place in Japanese cutlery history by pioneering the stainless steel warikomi method - a revolutionary technique at the time that sandwiched a high-carbon steel core between rust-resistant stainless layers.

Today, the legacy is carried forward by Yamato Miyawaki, a third-generation master who took an unconventional path to the anvil. Originally a professional in the advertising industry, Miyawaki committed himself to the craft to save the family business when his father-in-law fell ill. He underwent rigorous training in Sakai to master the nuances of blade geometry and sharpening.

What truly distinguishes Misuzu knives is their exceptional thinness and lightness. Miyawaki-san hand-forges and sharpens each blade to a profile so slim it glides through produce with minimal resistance. Combined with unique touches like his signature big-wa handles and distinct bolster designs, Misuzu knives offer a soulful, handmade alternative to mass-produced blades, prioritising effortless cutting performance above all else.

View all Misuzu Hamono products