Yamagata Uchihamono refers to forged bladed tools whose blacksmithing techniques have been passed down mainly in Yamagata City. Its origins are said to trace back to 1356, during the Nanboku-cho period, when Shiba Kaneyori, the founding ancestor of the Mogami clan, brought blacksmiths with him when he entered Yamagata; they formed a blacksmithing settlement and made weapons and farming tools. During the Edo period, Yamagata domain lord Mogami Yoshiaki established a blacksmiths' district in the castle town and gave preferential treatment to smiths, and the craft was refined under the patronage of successive lords. In the late Edo period, the district produced the renowned swordsmith Shoji Naotane, and from the Meiji era onward, as demand for swords declined, the focus shifted to blades rooted in daily life, such as kitchen knives, sickles, scissors, and hoes. The technique known as 'jiyu-tanren' (freehand forging), in which soft iron and hard steel are joined by fire-forging and carefully hammered together, is still practiced today, and the resulting blades are prized for combining sharpness with toughness.
Origin
The origins of Yamagata Uchihamono are said to trace back to 1356, during the Nanboku-cho period, when Shiba Kaneyori, the founding ancestor of the Mogami clan, brought many blacksmiths with him when he entered Yamagata in Dewa Province. The smiths are said to have settled in the castle town, forming a blacksmithing settlement and making weapons and farming tools, laying the foundation for the blacksmithing industry in Yamagata.
History
During the Edo period, Yamagata domain lord Mogami Yoshiaki established a blacksmiths' district in the castle town and gave generous protection to smiths. The craft was refined under the patronage of successive lords, and in the late Edo period the district produced the renowned swordsmith Shoji Naotane. From the Meiji era onward, as demand for swords declined, the focus shifted to everyday tools such as farming implements, kitchen knives, and pruning shears, and these techniques continue to be passed down today.
Features
The greatest characteristic is the forging technique known as 'jiyu-tanren' (freehand forging), in which soft iron and hard steel are joined by fire-forging and carefully hammered together, achieving both toughness and sharpness. A wide range of blades continue to be made today, including kitchen knives, sickles, scissors, hoes, and small knives, and the pruning shears favored by fruit farmers are especially well regarded.
Materials Used
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Artisans & Workshops
東北打刃物株式会社（新国光）
A blade manufacturer headquartered in Miyamachi, Yamagata City, known by the brand name Shin-Kunimitsu. While carrying on the tradition of swordsmith forging, it manufactures and mail-orders Yamagata Uchihamono products such as pruning shears, saws, and kitchen knives.
Official site →（有）月山和久打刃物
A blade workshop in Kitamachi, Yamagata City, founded more than 100 years ago. Operating under the name Gassan Kazuhisa, it produces saws, kitchen knives, and makiri knives used for preparing mountain-stream fish, passing on the traditional techniques of Yamagata Uchihamono to this day.
工藤製鋏所
A workshop in En'oji-machi, Yamagata City, specializing in pruning and gardening scissors. It makes scissors favored by fruit farmers throughout Yamagata Prefecture, known as a kingdom of fruit orchards.
How to Buy
- Shin-Kunimitsu Online Shop (Tohoku Uchihamono)
- The official online store of Tohoku Uchihamono Co., Ltd. It offers Yamagata Uchihamono products under the 'Shin-Kunimitsu' brand, including kitchen knives and scissors, for sale nationwide.Where to buy →PR
- Yamagata Prefecture Tourism and Products Hall (Gutto Yamagata)
- A Yamagata Prefecture products store that carries fully hand-forged kitchen knives and other items made by Gassan Kazuhisa Uchihamono. Items can be purchased both in the physical store and by mail order.Where to buy →PR