Motokyuuichi

Motokyuuichi (本久一刃物), Shimabara, Nagasaki

Motokyuuichi (本久一刃物) is a family forge in Shimabara, Nagasaki, also known as the Maeda forge (前田鍛冶工房). Its own page says the Kyuichi (久一) name flourished among sword smiths in Hizen Shimabara in the Edo period, and that in 1895, as that line faded, the first generation of the Maeda family took over the name and turned the sword forging skills to knives, sickles and hoes.

The forge's page says the fourth and fifth generations of the family run it today, at the site in Shimabara City where the Maeda family took over the name.

We stock the Kurosagi knives it makes with Hatsukokoro, in Aogami Super with a kurouchi finish.

“A Shimabara family forge that says it took over a sword smiths' name in 1895 and turned to knives.”

Est. 1895 | 明治28年

Known for Kitchen knives from a Shimabara forge with a sword smiths' name

Instagram @motokyuuichi

Craft

Known For: Kitchen knives from a Shimabara forge with a sword smiths' name
Steel: Aogami Super

Location

Address: 6983-8 Sakauemachi, Shimabara, Nagasaki 855-0832, Japan
Region: Nagasaki, Japan
Coordinates: 32.7783522, 130.3706397

Brand

Logo

Native Name

本久一刃物

Why Motokyuuichi Matters

Motokyuuichi says the Kyuichi name belonged to sword smiths in Hizen Shimabara in the Edo period, and that the Maeda family took it over in 1895, turning to knives, sickles and hoes; the fourth and fifth generations run the forge today.

Does Motokyuuichi Allow Unsolicited Visits?

Not open to public visits.

Knives by Motokyuuichi

Hatsukokoro Motokyuuichi Kurosagi AS

This isn’t a knife for Instagram – it’s a hardworking Aogami Super beast with a cult following among chefs who care more about cutting than cosmetics. Master... Read more

This isn’t a knife for Instagram – it’s a hardworking Aogami Super beast with a cult following among chefs who care more about cutting than cosmetics. Master smith Motokyuuichi (of "Tsubaya Black" fame) applies his legendary low-temperature, long-soak heat treatment to Hitachi’s premium steel, achieving a 64+ HRC edge that stays viciously sharp yet resists chipping. The hand-forged AS core is clad in soft iron, with a deliberately rustic finish – uneven hammer marks, subtle warps, and all. These aren’t flaws; they’re proof of real workshop craftsmanship over factory perfection. Expect stellar food release from the coarser finish, and a thin-but-sturdy grind that handles everything from herbs to squash. Why it’s a sleeper hit: → Unmatched edge retention – "Stays sharp longer than knives twice its price" (Reddit user) → Forgiving toughness – Motokyuuichi’s tempering prevents AS’s usual brittleness → Zero pretension – No fancy branding, just a fierce cutter that pros quietly recommend For those tired of overpolined "luxury" blades, this is the anti-status-symbol workhorse – rough around the edges, relentless where it counts. Read less

Pros

Budget friendly
Excellent performance
Workhorse grind

Cons

Relatively hard to sharpen
Prone to rust
Fit and finish can be improved

Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad Kurouchi

Frequently Asked Questions about Motokyuuichi

Who is Motokyuuichi ?

Motokyuuichi is a Japanese knife maker based in Nagasaki, Japan, established in 1895. They are known for Kitchen knives from a Shimabara forge with a sword smiths' name. Their signature steels include Aogami Super. Available at Knives and Stones Australia.

What knives does Motokyuuichi make?

Motokyuuichi produces the following knife lines: Hatsukokoro Motokyuuichi Kurosagi AS. We currently carry 5 products from Motokyuuichi at Knives and Stones. They specialise in Kitchen knives from a Shimabara forge with a sword smiths' name.

Where is Motokyuuichi located?

Motokyuuichi is located in Nagasaki, Japan. Japanese knife-making regions each have distinct traditions.

Where can I buy Motokyuuichi knives in Australia?

Knives and Stones is an authorised Australian stockist of Motokyuuichi . You can shop online at knivesandstones.com.au, with free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide, or visit our stores in St Peters (Sydney), Crows Nest (Sydney), Braddon (Canberra) and Prahran (Melbourne) to handle the knives before buying.

Where does the name Motokyuuichi come from?

In the Edo period, 久一 (Kyuichi) flourished as sword smiths in Hizen Shimabara. As that family line faded, in 1895 (明治28年) the first generation took over the name 本久一 at the present site in Shimabara City, Nagasaki, turning the sword-smithing skills to knives, sickles and hoes.

The workshop, 前田鍛冶工房, is run today by its fourth and fifth generations.