Timeless Objects of Ancient Provenance.

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Seeking the exceptional in the everyday;

Hinoki craft highly-refined kitchen instruments that fit seamlessly into hands and hearts.

We find purpose in the belief that well designed products inspire the mind, stimulate the senses and ultimately enhance the way we live.

A TALE OF TWO CITIES AND TWO FAMILIES.

2つの都市と2つの家族の物語。

Each Hinoki Knife goes through over 100 individual production steps at our family run workshops in Sakai, Osaka and Seki, Gifu — both cities renowned internationally for their knifemaking prowess with their roots in the art of Japanese metalsmithing directly dating back to the time of the samurai and their armaments. A time whose technique and devotion we still draw on today and imbue into every blade.

THE STORY OF HINOKI

ひのきの物語

14th Century

SAMURAI BEGINNINGS

Legendary swordsmith Naoe Kanetsugu begins smithing in what was then Mino province, now modern-day Seki, Gifu Prefecture.

1916

LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS

Our partner workshop responsible for the production of Hinoki’s signature S1 Gyuto is established in Sakai, specialising in producing only the finest handmade ‘hamono’.

1918

THE MASTERS DESCENDANT

Naoe Kanetsugu’s descendant — and grandfather of Hinoki’s own President Kawamura — Matsujiro-san, founds the family cutlery company in Seki that in 2020 will begin crafting our new Essentials line.

1990

A QUEST BEGINS

President Kawamura has the idea for a specific convex angle that would provide incredibly long lasting sharpness and begins obsessively prototyping.

1995

A DREAM REALISED

After years of toil, President Kawamura completes development of his signature convex blade with the goal of sharing this around the world.

2017

600 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Hailing from Hinoki’s workshop in Sakai, our flagship product, the S1 Gyuto Chef’s Knife is released drawing on centuries of lineage in bladesmithing distilled into the ultimate blade for modern living.

‘An expert craftsman never skips a step, every step of our production process is meticulously calibrated’ President Kawamura