AUTUMN SALE - 15% OFF Knives & Accessories - Use code AUTUMN-15 during checkout

Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

Superb. The knife is very sharp out of the box - up there with some of the best and the balance point feels just right at the heel of the blade. 

If you're looking for a robust workhorse that's going to be your everyday knife then look no further.

Beauty

The nashiji finish combined with high polish finish of the core SKD steel create a great looking knife with the pattern and finishing being completely unique to every blade.

In Hand

Nicely balanced and nimble and with a classic octagonal wa handle it's a breeze to use on a range of ingredients and prep jobs. 

Durability

The core SKD steel is a great choice and retains an edge well. The stainless cladding with its nashiji finish protects the core nicely and you'll be using this knife for many years.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

While it is a reactive knife it's easy enough to care for and maintain. The SKD steel is pretty easy to sharpen and as long as you follow the standard care instructions and store your knife safely when it's not in use, this is one that's going to last you as long as you need.

Our Verdict

The sharpness out of the box and finish quality are excellent and it's a great knife from a very skilled blacksmith so for the money we think you get a get a great looking knife that's going to perform very well for many years.

Yoshikane knives are some of our best sellers among both professional chefs and home cooks seeking exceptional performance and finishing standards.

Meet the maker

Yoshikane Hamono

Yoshikane Hamono is a distinguished family-run forge based in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, an area celebrated for its long tradition of metalworking and tool making. Founded in 1919, the company has spent over a century refining the art of hand-forged blades that combine traditional techniques with exceptional precision.

Now led by fourth-generation craftsman Kazuomi Yamamoto, Yoshikane continues to uphold its legacy of craftsmanship while embracing modern advancements in steel and design. The workshop is known for its meticulously forged kitchen knives made from premium steels such as SKD and Shirogami #2, finished with fine attention to balance, geometry, and aesthetic detail. Every Yoshikane knife reflects the forge’s philosophy of honest workmanship, creating blades valued by chefs worldwide for their sharpness, durability, and understated beauty.

View all Yoshikane Hamono products
  • 5 stars: 4 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
K
Kayle

Great knife, and great help, thanks so much for the advice glad i got this knife

K
Kayle

Great knife, and great help, thanks so much for the advice glad i got this knife

A
Anonymous
What a cracker!

Super happy with my new laserhorse. Flies through carrots and leaves a glass-like cut plane. Great edge out of the box, and a quick strop brought it up even better. Holds its edge very well.
CEK gave quick responses to enquiries (I also got a new WA handle which James fitted before shipping), well priced, prompt delivery. I love the detailed listings with CEK views on the knife, pics showing important aspects like choil shots, and the videos. Makes the decisions so much easier. Not that there is ever much to decide about picking up a Yoshi. Always a solid choice. :)
Will definitely be ordering from CEK again.

I
Irene L.

What a beautiful knife. Perfect sharpness.
Nice detail the blue plaster as usual.
Great website