History

As the first generation Minosuke engraved the "正" ("Masa") character on his knives as proof that he had made them himself, the second generation knife craftsman Kichizo Hirano sought to register this character as the trading name when the trademark registration system began in 1884.

However, since a knife specialty store in Osaka was already using the name, it could not be used. After consulting with business partners, the suggestion was made that since the knives use genuine steel, why not place the "本" ("moto") character that forms part of the Japanese word "genuine" under the "正" ("masa") character? This advice was the origin of "Masamoto®."

Only Masamoto Sohonten has carried on the techniques and approaches to hardening, tempering and polishing created by the first-generation founder Minosuke.

As well as cutting well, boasting excellent durability and requiring little maintenance, the range of Masamoto® knives has expanded into various types based on feedback from the chefs using them even back in this time. Striving to create the perfect knife that meets the demands of users, Masamoto Sohonten works diligently on a daily basis, devoting itself to the task so that others cannot follow.