The Kitaoka factory was founded in 1868, the production of knives has been going on for 3 generations. Master Hideo Kitaoka was born in 1950, 50 years have passed since he took over the family business. The viewer was passed from father to son. As he says, traditional work is work that cannot be done if techniques are not accumulated and taught with hands and body. He cultivates the traditional production of knives made for fish and sushi such as Yanagiba, Deba, Usuba and many other specialized shapes.
His work and tradition are continued by his son Hideharu Kitakoka, born in 1977. He joined the knife production in 2020. Hideo Kitaoka collections are carbon knives made of Shirogami#2 steel, depending on the series, we distinguish Damascus knives covered with iron and raw knives with a kurouchi layer. Shirogami #2 steel, thanks to the high iron and carbon, allows for very high hardening, which translates into a high HRC. Carbon steel, however, requires a lot of care and we dedicate these knives to more experienced users.