Ono Knife

Ono Knife (大野ナイフ製作所), Seki, since 1916

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Ono Knife (大野ナイフ製作所) is a knife maker in Seki, Gifu, founded in 1916 and incorporated in 1953. It makes kitchen knives for other brands, and its own company page says that in 2000 it began full-scale OEM manufacture of the knife brand Shun (旬), which it says it developed.

We stock its Suzukaze SG2 tsuchime damascus knives, sold under the Ono name.

Ono's founder began making pocket knives for export in Kibune-cho, Seki, in 1916. Today the company handles each knife project for its clients in-house, from development and design through materials, manufacture and quality control, and it also makes industrial blades, among them blades for food factories.

Ono says it keeps more than 100 production steps in-house, using robots and machines, and that skilled inspectors check every knife. It describes two strands of knife work: damascus knives made in steady volume, and all-handmade knives that draw on craft handed down from Seki's swordsmiths.

“A Seki knife maker since 1916, making kitchen knives for other brands and under its own name.”

Est. 1916 | 大正5年

Known for Kitchen knives made for other brands (OEM)

Website onoknife.com

People

Founder: Raijiro Ono
Current Head: Takeshi Ono 大野武志

Craft

Known For: Kitchen knives made for other brands (OEM)
Steel: SG2

Location

Address: 4164-1 Shimouchi, Seki, Gifu 501-3217, Japan
Region: Seki, Japan
Coordinates: 35.4987227, 136.9108653

Brand

Logo

Native Name

大野ナイフ製作所

Why Ono Knife Matters

Ono Knife began in Seki in 1916 with pocket knives for export and was incorporated in 1953. Its company page says it began full-scale OEM manufacture of the knife brand Shun (旬) in 2000. Its kitchen-knife page says it keeps more than 100 production steps in-house.

Does Ono Knife Allow Unsolicited Visits?

Not open to public visits.

Knives by Ono Knife

Ono SG2 69-layer Damascus

The Ono Suzukaze series is Ono's own iteration of the Shun Fuji series. It is forged in Seki City, a centre of Japanese cutlery. The blade has a tall pro... Read more

The Ono Suzukaze series is Ono's own iteration of the Shun Fuji series. It is forged in Seki City, a centre of Japanese cutlery. The blade has a tall profile. It rocks smoothly through herbs and vegetables, with room for your knuckles. At its core is SG2 powdered steel, clad in 69 layers of contrasting Damascus, polished to show the pattern. A practical tsuchime (hammered) texture along the edge helps stop food sticking. The triangular Western WA handle combines the balance of a wa handle with the confident grip of a Western one. It is made from pakkawood for a secure, comfortable hold. Read less

Pros

Ideal for the household
Great artistic
Excellent fit and finish

Cons

Relatively hard to sharpen
High budget

Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad Tsuchime

Frequently Asked Questions about Ono Knife

Who is Ono Knife?

Ono Knife is a Japanese knife maker based in Seki, Japan, established in 1916. They are known for Kitchen knives made for other brands (OEM). Their signature steels include SG2. Available at Knives and Stones Australia.

What knives does Ono Knife make?

Ono Knife produces the following knife lines: Ono SG2 69-layer Damascus. We currently carry 4 products from Ono Knife at Knives and Stones. They specialise in Kitchen knives made for other brands (OEM).

Where is Ono Knife located?

Ono Knife is located in Seki, Japan. Japanese knife-making regions each have distinct traditions. Seki in Gifu Prefecture has a 700-year bladesmithing history and is Japan's largest knife production centre.

Where can I buy Ono Knife knives in Australia?

Knives and Stones is an authorised Australian stockist of Ono Knife. 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.

How old is Ono Knife?

Ono Knife (株式会社大野ナイフ製作所) dates its start to 1916, when its founder began making pocket knives for export in Seki, Gifu.

The same page records the company's incorporation in 1953, and says that in 2000 Ono began full-scale OEM production of Shun (旬), a premium kitchen knife brand it developed.