Takahiro Nihei 二瓶 貴大

Takahiro Nihei (二瓶 貴大), a skilled Japanese knife maker from Fukushima City, has made a name for himself in the world of hand-forged kitchen knives. Trained under Yamamoto san of Yoshimitsu in Sanjo City, a renowned blacksmithing hub, Nihei honed his craft before establishing his own workshop in Fukushima in 2019. His work blends traditional techniques with modern materials, earning him recognition among chefs and collectors. Nihei is best known for his contributions to the Hatsukokoro Shinkiro series, crafting knives from Aogami Super carbon steel with a kurouchi finish and damascus cladding. These blades, featuring robust spines and precise tapering, offer exceptional sharpness and a rustic aesthetic, with a hardness of 63-64 HRC. Additionally, under his own name, Nihei produces knives using SLD tool steel, prized for edge retention and finished with a nashiji pattern and mirror polish. His versatility caters to diverse preferences, from traditional carbon steel enthusiasts to those seeking semi-stainless durability. Praised for their thin grinds and cutting performance, Nihei’s knives reflect Japan’s rich blacksmithing heritage, merging functionality with artistry. Though still emerging, his craftsmanship is celebrated as exceptional, making him a notable figure in contemporary Japanese knife-making.