Shimomura-Kogyo produces some of the finest machine forged knives available in Japan. They are not as well known as Tojiro internationally as they have been focusing on the domestic market. However, Yagi Hana Retail has been given the opportunity by the importer of these knives to market some of the range available.

The current knives we have do not represent the full range from Shimomura-Kogyo, but they are the knives we feel are best suited to everyday use in commercial and home kitchens.

Shimomura Verdun Series

Shimomura produces the Verdun knives which are known for their excellent price / quality ratio. The Verdun knives are made with Japanese steel (stainless molybdenum vanadium) with a hardness of 57-58 Rockwell and therefore remain sharp for longer than comparable (often more expensive) knives.

These light-weight Japanese Knives are available in a range of blade types, both double bevel and single bevel. Sizes range from the 125mm Petty knife up to the 225mm bread knife.

The core layer of the blade is made of stainless molybdenum steel for extra corrosion resistance. The handle of the knife is made of 18-8 stainless steel which is integrated with the blade for a total sanitation.

The blades of these knives are hand sharpened which provides a very fine cutting edge that hold its sharpness for longer than comparable (often more expensive) knives.

These knives as easy to clean, however due to the very sharp edge it is recommended that you hand wash them and dry straight away. The knives should be stored in a knife stand or have a cover on the blade to protect the edge.

Shimomura Neo Verdun Series

Shimomura produces the Neo Verdun knives which are a new generation of the Verdun Series which is known for its excellent price / quality ratio. The Neo Verdun knives are made with Japanese steel (stainless molybdenum vanadium) with a hardness of 57-58 Rockwell and the handle is made of SUS430 Stainless Steel. The knife has been forged as a one-piece structure with no joints or seams.

These light-weight Japanese Knives are available in a range of blade types, both double bevel and single bevel. Sizes range from the 125mm Petty knife up to the 225mm bread knife.

The core layer of the blade is made of stainless molybdenum steel for extra corrosion resistance. The handle of the knife is made of 18-8 stainless steel which is integrated with the blade for a total sanitation.

The blades of these knives are wet ground for the whole sharpening process of hand sharpened which provides an exceptionally fine cutting edge that hold its sharpness for longer than comparable (often more expensive) knives.

These knives as easy to clean, however due to the very sharp edge it is recommended that you hand wash them and dry straight away. The knives should be stored in a knife stand or have a cover on the blade to protect the edge.

Shimomura Teruhide Knives

Shimomura Kyogo is one of the largest Kitchen Knife manufacturers in Japan. The Teruhide range of knives are a quality, affordable range of knives that can be found in domestic kitchens all over Japan.

The blades of the knives are made from carbon steel which makes the blades extremely hard and durable. They retain their edge very well and require little maintenance if handled correctly. The handles are the traditional Japanese round handles made from natural wood which are very comfortable to hold.

This series only has 4 different knife styles, 2 double bevelled knives, Santoku (General Purpose knife) 165mm, Nakiria (Vegetable Knife) 165mm and 2 single bevel knives, Deba 155mm and the Yanagiba (Sashimi or Carving knife) 210mm

Carbon Steel knives are sharper than Stainless Steel knives but are less resistant to rust, it is important that the knives hand washed in warm soapy water, rinsed with very hot water and wiped well with a dry cloth after use to avoid any issues.

Murato Fit Series

The Murato Fit Series of knives are a beautiful range of all stainless-steel knives made with Japanese steel (stainless molybdenum vanadium) with a hardness of 57-58 Rockwell and therefore remain sharp for longer than comparable (often more expensive) knives.

The Fit Series is only available in double bevel knives that range from the Petty (130mm) through to the bread knife (210 mm). The one-piece structure of the knives makes them amazingly easy to maintain and even though they are Dishwasher safe it is recommended that you hand wash these knives due to their very sharp edge.

The handles are designed with a streamlined shape that enables your hand to easily mould to the knife for ease of use and are perfect for people with small hands. The arched lines on the surface of the handle prevents the knife from slipping out of wet hands and reduces the “cold” feel when you first pick up the knife.

The overall weight of the knives and the centre of gravity create a knife that is “not to light and not to heavy” ensuring that the knives are easy to use when dicing, slicing, or peeling but do not put any strain on the wrist.

The extremely hard blade ensures that the knife maintains its incredibly thin sharp edge created by the craftsmen in Tsubame Sanjo by using both grinding and wet grinding. This extremely sharp edge coupled with the thinness of the blade helps the knife glide through all types of food.

Murato Fine Series

The Murato Fine Series of knives are another example of the ability of Shimomura craftsmanship. The core of these knives is AUS 10 clad in stainless-steel which gives the blade hardness while making these knives easy to sharpen. The addition of Molybdenum and vanadium ensure the longevity of the sharpened edge of the knives.

The craftsmen of Tsubame Sanjo have created a Hamaguri shaped edge (resembling the cross section of a clam) using the “wet grinding” method. The gentle curve of this edge reduces the resistance when cutting food which makes this series of knives a joy to use.

The Fine Series is only available in double bevel knives that range from the Paring Knife (90mm) through to the Chef Knife (210 mm). The Integral bolster of the knives makes them amazingly easy to maintain and even though they are Dishwasher safe it is recommended that you hand wash these knives due to their very sharp edge.

These knives have a particularly good weight / centre of gravity which ensures there is no strain on your wrist or hand during prolonged use. The knives also have a curved handle that fits into your hand comfortably with the root of the handle being thinner than the end ensuring a good grip even when cutting through hard food with ease.  

The resin handle assists with grip whilst being hard wearing and heat resistant, attaching to the handle with a triple riveted tang and a stainless-steel bolster.  

Murato Sharp Series

The Murato Sharp Series of knives are another example of Shimomura craftsmanship. This series of knives also has a core of AUS 10 clad in stainless-steel which gives the blade hardness while making these knives easy to sharpen. The addition of Molybdenum and vanadium ensure the longevity of the sharpened edge of the knives.

The craftsmen of Tsubame Sanjo have created a thin, sharp edge by “grinding” and “sharpening by hand”. The narrow blade and the sharp edge minimize friction when cutting food and provides a clean smooth cut.

The Sharp Series is only available in double bevel knives that range from the Paring Knife (90mm) through to the Chef Knife (210 mm). The PP/Nylon of the knives makes them amazingly easy to maintain and even though they are Dishwasher safe it is recommended that you hand wash these knives due to their very sharp edge.

These knives also have a particularly good weight / centre of gravity which ensures there is no strain on your wrist or hand during prolonged use. The knives also have a curved handle that fits into your hand comfortably with the root of the handle being thinner than the end ensuring a good grip even when cutting through hard food with ease. 

The resin handle assists with grip whilst being hard wearing and heat resistant, attaching to the handle with a triple riveted tang. The Sharp series of knives are easy to maintain and even though they are deemed dishwasher safe we recommend that you wash by hand with warm soapy water and dry straight after use.

Murato Basic Series

The Murato Basic Series of knives show the continued skill of the Shimomura craftsmen. The Basic series has a blade of MoV stainless-steel, the molybdenum-vanadium helps to give longevity to the blades edge and makes maintenance extremely easy.

The craftsmen of Tsubame Sanjo have created a thin, sharp edge by “grinding” and “sharpening by hand”. The narrow blade and the sharp edge minimize friction when cutting food and provides a clean smooth cut.

The Basic Series is only available in double bevel knives and there are only 4 knives in the range; Petty (Utility Knife) (125mm), Santoku (General Purpose Knife) (145mm), Santoku (General Purpose Knife) (170mm) & the Gyuto (Chef Knife) (180 mm). The bolster and POM/Nylon handle of the knives makes them amazingly easy to maintain and even though they are Dishwasher safe it is recommended that you hand wash these knives due to their very sharp edge.

These knives also have a particularly good weight / centre of gravity which ensures there is no strain on your wrist or hand during prolonged use. The knives also have a curved handle that fits into your hand comfortably with the root of the handle being thinner than the end ensuring a good grip even when cutting through hard food with ease. 

The resin handle assists with grip whilst being hard wearing and heat resistant, attaching to the handle with a triple riveted tang and a stainless-steel bolster. The Basic series of knives are easy to maintain and even though they are deemed dishwasher safe we recommend that you wash by hand with warm soapy water and dry straight after use.

Tsunouma Series - TU9000

The Tsunouma Series is a very impressive series of knives that for me is the highlight of the Shimomura Kitchen Knife range. If you need a knife that will last and continue to give you the results you need and expect from a kitchen knife, then this is the series for you.

The knife blade is made from MoV stainless-steel, the molybdenum-vanadium helps to give longevity to the blades edge and makes maintenance extremely easy. The blades have been hand sharpened to an exceptionally fine edge which makes all forms of cutting easy and leaves an exceptionally smooth cut surface on the food.

The Tsunoma Series is available in double bevel knives & 2 single bevel knives creating a range of15 different knives from the Petty (Utility Knife) 125mm through to the Yanagiba(Sashimi/Carving Knife) (230 mm). With such a large selection this series has every possible knife you would want in the Kitchen. The Integral bolster of the knives makes them amazingly easy to maintain and even though they are Dishwasher safe it is recommended that you hand wash these knives due to their very sharp edge.

As with all the Shimomura knives these have a particularly good weight and balance with the centre of gravity at the blade end of the bolster. With these knives the bolster is integral with the blade which makes these knives perfect for a Chef working in a busy kitchen as well as the home cook preparing dinner for the family. The Pakka wood handle has a comfortable curve, that your hand seems to mould with as soon as you pick up the knife and is attached to the knife with either a double or triple riveted tang.

Ryuji Series

The Ryuji Series of knives has been created for use in Commercial kitchens as well as the home Kitchen.

The knife blade is made from MoV stainless-steel, the molybdenum-vanadium helps to give longevity to the blades edge and makes maintenance extremely easy. The blades have been sharpened with wet grinding which has created a sharp edge that reduces friction and allows the knife to smoothly cut food. The Wet Grinding whilst giving a very sharp edge also makes the knife extremely easy to hone when sharpening is required.

The Ryuji is only available in double bevel knives that have 13 different knives in the range from the Petty (Utility Knife) 125mm through to the Yanagiba (Sashimi/Carving) 270 mm. With such a large selection this series covers all the double bevel knives you would want in the kitchen. The design of the knives makes them amazingly easy to maintain and even though they are Dishwasher safe it is recommended that you hand wash these knives due to their very sharp edge.

This series comes in three different styles – Colour Grip, All Stainless Steel, Stainless Steel Colour.

The Colour Grip has an easy grip, anti-slip handle which is made of antimicrobial elastomer which comes in Seven colour options, white, red, yellow, green, blue, pink & black. We currently are only carrying the black option.

The All-Stainless Steel have a one-piece structure that prevents any form of germs/bacteria from finding gaps to grow in. The Handles are made lighter by creating a hollow handle which is made of SUS304 Stainless steel. The edges of the handle are rounded for a comfortable grip and the dimpled surface prevents the knife from slipping in your hand.

The Stainless-Steel Colour has the same handle as the All-Stainless Steel; however, the end of the handle has a durable baked-on urethane paint which comes in the same seven colour options as the Colour Grip, white, red, yellow, green, blue, pink & black.

For me, if I were to go back to cooking in a busy kitchen this Series provides the perfect option of knives for continued everyday use.