Recognising Japanese Forging Excellence at the Tokyo Gift Show At the Tokyo International Gift Show in February 2025 — Japan’s largest trade exhibition featuring over 2,700 exhibitors—Yoshioka Hamono’s “Kuroco Pointed Tip Pruning Scissors” received the highly esteemed LIFE✖️Design Award for Best Takumi (Master Artisan) Craft. This award is given to a select few brands that represent the highest levels of traditional craftsmanship and innovation in design. This honour is far more than a trophy. It acknowledges a centuries-old Japanese forging technique that is now critically endangered—one that is rooted in samurai sword-making and carried forward by only a handful of blacksmiths. What Makes Kuroco Pointed Tip Pruning Scissors so Unique? The Kuroco Pointed Tip Scissors stand ... Continue Reading
Japanese Manufacturers
The Peculiar Connection Between Sumo Wrestlers and Grip Scissors
While sumo wrestling may seem worlds apart from the art of crafting with Grip Scissors, the two are connected through the traditional grooming and presentation of sumo wrestlers. The Importance of the "Mage" Topknot In sumo wrestling, a wrestler's appearance is integral to their identity. The traditional topknot hairstyle, or "mage", symbolises a wrestler's rank and discipline. Maintaining this iconic hairstyle requires precision and expertise, which is where specialised Grip Scissors come into play. How Grip Scissors Are Used Hairdressers for sumo wrestlers often use a type of Grip Scissors known as "katamaru". These scissors have a rounded tip on one blade, specifically designed to prevent damaging the scalp or the maticulously groomed hair while providing the precise cuts ... Continue Reading
How not to be “cheated” by your stainless steel products
I live in Sydney. My kitchen has a mishmash of stainless steel products - some I bring from Japan and some I buy from Australia (most of those are probably not made here I'd say). I don't think anybody checks what kind of stainless steel a dish rack or mixing bowl are made of when you buy them. Do you? I certainly don't. Even if I may know a bit more than your average consumer since steel is part of my business, I still get "cheated" by products in disguise. You only realise that some are better than others after a time. I took this photo as it shows my point; not all stainless steels are the same and kitchen products should not be made with low grade stainless steel that rust so easily. How long did I use these? Maybe 10 years. The main dish rack is from here in Sydney and I ... Continue Reading
Where do Japanese artisan steel products come from?
Scissors, knives, sickles, axes, chisels, nail clippers.... Japan and Germany are the two big names when it comes to good quality steel blade products. In Japan there has never been a clear distinction between art, craft and design. Generations of artisans have refined their skills, which are admired around the world, to the point where a product intended for everyday use could equally be worthy of museum display. There are seven regions that are famous for forged steel blade products in Japan. It is hard to determine which region is the best as each has their own strengths. Sakai, for example, is best known for professional chefs knives while Takefu, Yasugi and Tosa are more known for quality agricultural or forestry tools. Craftsmanship of Seki blades is derived from centuries of ... Continue Reading