Nao Yamamoto

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Nao Yamamoto (山本直) founded Yamamoto Uchihamono (山本打刃物) on 1 April 2013 and is its first generation. His Takefu Knife Village profile lists him as a traditional craftsperson (伝統工芸士) and records that he joined Asai Uchihamono (浅井打刃物製作所) in 1998 and Kamotou Hamono (加茂藤刃物) in 1999, and won the Ars Award at the All Nippon Knife Show in Kobe in 2013.

We list his Blue Super Kurouchi Damascus gyuto in 210 mm and 240 mm.

Est. 2013 | 平成25年

Known for Blue Super kurouchi Damascus gyuto

Instagram @nao_yamamoto

Craft

Known For: Blue Super kurouchi Damascus gyuto
Steel: Aogami Super

Location

Region: Echizen, Japan
Coordinates: 35.876175, 136.147568

Brand

Logo

Knives by Nao Yamamoto

Nao Yamamoto AS Kurouchi Tsuchime Damascus

A substantial spine and a fine cutting edge can work very well together, and the Nao Yamamoto Blue Super Kurouchi Damascus line is a good example. These kniv... Read more

A substantial spine and a fine cutting edge can work very well together, and the Nao Yamamoto Blue Super Kurouchi Damascus line is a good example. These knives have a reassuringly firm feel in hand, with enough weight to help carry the edge through a cut. The blade thins aggressively from the thick spine towards the edge, keeping it very thin where it enters the food. That combination gives a smooth cutting feel while retaining the presence and stability of a more substantial knife. The core is Aogami Super, also known as Blue Super, paired with reactive Damascus cladding. It’s a carbon steel valued for taking a fine edge and holding it through extended preparation, though it takes a little more patience on the stones than simpler White steels. The kurouchi finish gives the blade its dark forge surface, while the tsuchime hammer marks add texture and the Damascus layers provide finer detail. Both the core and cladding can rust, so regular wiping during preparation and prompt drying after washing are essential. With use, a patina will gradually become part of the blade’s appearance. To sum up, Yamamoto AS line is a good choice for cooks who enjoy a firm, weighty knife with a smooth cutting feel. Read less

Pros

Excellent performance
Great artistic

Cons

On the thicker side
Prone to rust

Sanmai - Soft Iron Damascus Clad

Frequently Asked Questions about Nao Yamamoto

Who is Nao Yamamoto?

Nao Yamamoto is a Japanese knife maker based in Echizen, Japan, established in 2013. They are known for Blue Super kurouchi Damascus gyuto. Their signature steels include Aogami Super. Available at Knives and Stones Australia.

What knives does Nao Yamamoto make?

Nao Yamamoto produces the following knife lines: Nao Yamamoto AS Kurouchi Tsuchime Damascus . We currently carry 2 products from Nao Yamamoto at Knives and Stones. They specialise in Blue Super kurouchi Damascus gyuto.

Where is Nao Yamamoto located?

Nao Yamamoto is located in Echizen, Japan. Japanese knife-making regions each have distinct traditions. Echizen and Takefu in Fukui Prefecture are celebrated for high-quality double bevel forging.

Where can I buy Nao Yamamoto knives in Australia?

Knives and Stones is an authorised Australian stockist of Nao Yamamoto. 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 did Nao Yamamoto train?

Nao Yamamoto (山本直) joined the Asai Uchihamono workshop (浅井打刃物製作所) in 1998 and then Kamotō Hamono (加茂藤刃物) in 1999, as the Takefu Knife Village association's page for his company records it.

The same page lists him as a certified traditional craftsman (伝統工芸士) and records that he founded Yamamoto Uchihamono (山本打刃物) on 1 April 2013, as its first generation.