Hasu Seizo Blog

Miki Hamono Seisakusho: Family-Run Craftsmanship from Japan’s Oldest Blacksmith Town

From Japan’s oldest blacksmith town comes a family-run workshop dedicated to tradition, performance, and honest craftsmanship. Discover how Miki Hamono Seisakusho preserves centuries-old forging te...

Shirogami #1 vs Shirogami #2 vs Shirogami #3: A Complete Breakdown

Shirogami steel is the gold standard of traditional Japanese carbon steel—but not all White Steel is the same. This in-depth guide breaks down Shirogami #1, #2, and #3 to help chefs and enthusiasts...

Itsuo Doi: The Legacy of a Sakai Master Blacksmith and His Carbon Steel Knives

Forged in Sakai and rooted in generations of craftsmanship, Itsuo Doi knives represent the pinnacle of Japanese carbon steel performance. Discover why chefs and collectors alike seek out his blades.

Whetstone Grit Explained: Choosing the Right Grit for Japanese Knives

Confused by whetstone grit numbers? This in-depth whetstone grit guide explains exactly which grit you need for Japanese knives—whether you’re restoring an edge or refining razor-sharp performance.

Ginsan vs AUS-10: Choosing the Right Stainless Steel for Your Needs

Choosing between Ginsan and AUS-10 stainless steel can shape how your knife feels, sharpens, and performs over time. This in-depth comparison explains the real-world differences so you can choose w...

Isamitsu Knives: A New Generation of Japanese Blades Trained Under Teruyasu Fujiwara

Forged under the demanding eye of master blacksmith Teruyasu Fujiwara, Isamitsu knives represent a rare balance of uncompromising tradition and modern performance. These handmade Japanese chef kniv...

Common Knife Sharpening Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Sharpening a knife shouldn’t feel mysterious—but small mistakes can quietly ruin your edge. Learn the most common knife sharpening errors home cooks make and how to fix them for cleaner cuts, longe...

Fujiwara Yasuhiko: A Dento Kogeishi Master Preserving Miki’s Blacksmith Legacy

A rare title. A living tradition. Discover how Fujiwara Yasuhiko, one of Japan’s officially recognized master blacksmiths, preserves centuries of Miki craftsmanship through his hand-forged kogatana...

Meet the Makers: Profiles of Japan’s Most Influential Contemporary Knife Artisans

Behind every exceptional Japanese knife is a master artisan whose philosophy, training, and dedication shape the blade. Meet the makers defining modern Japanese knifemaking.

How to Flatten a Whetstone (And Why It Matters for Sharpness)

A flat whetstone is the foundation of a sharp knife. Learn how to flatten a whetstone properly, how often it’s needed, and why uneven stones sabotage your sharpening results—no matter your skill le...