{"title":"Nao Yamamoto","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNao Yamamoto | Forging His Own Path in Echizen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNao Yamamoto is the founder of Yamamoto Knives and a certified Traditional Craftsman of Japan. Born in Toyonaka, Osaka, in 1979, he began his career at Asai Hamono in 1998 before joining Kamo To Hamono the following year, honing his skills within Echizen’s longstanding bladesmithing tradition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith roots stretching back some 700 years, Echizen blade making has evolved alongside the people who use its tools. Yamamoto carries that tradition forward through his forged double-bevel kitchen knives and other knives, bringing experience across both fields to his craft.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn 2013, he received the ARS Award at the All Nippon Knife Show in Kobe and established his own workshop, Yamamoto Knives. He was certified as a Traditional Craftsman in 2019.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis work offers knife enthusiasts a distinctive expression of Echizen craftsmanship—shaped by years of workshop training, an independent maker’s perspective, and a practice that extends beyond the kitchen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"nao-yamamoto-kuro-uchi-ken-nata-4-5-sun-yasuki-steel","title":"Nao Yamamoto Custom Kuro-uchi Ken-Nata 4.5 Sun – Forged Yasuki Steel \/ Hammered Guard \/ Oiled Wood Sheath \/ Japan","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA traditional Japanese Ken-Nata custom knife by Nao Yamamoto, featuring forged Yasuki steel and a distinctive Kuro-uchi finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRooted in traditional Japanese blade craftsmanship, this 4.5-sun Ken-Nata brings together a substantial blade profile, natural materials, and understated handmade details.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe blade is crafted from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eforged Yasuki steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, featuring a traditional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKuro-uchi (black-forged) finish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Its dark, rustic surface contrasts with the cutting edge, giving the piece a distinctive character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeasuring approximately 135mm in blade length and 5.5mm in thickness, with an overall length of 252mm, the knife has a bold yet well-proportioned silhouette.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehammer-textured guard\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e adds another layer of visual detail, complementing the rugged appearance of the blade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe handle is made from natural wood, bringing warmth and organic texture to the overall design. The exact wood species has not been identified.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe knife comes with an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoiled wooden sheath accented with black cord\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, creating a cohesive combination of steel, wood, and traditional detailing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the forged blade to the hammered guard and wooden sheath, this custom Ken-Nata reflects the enduring appeal of Japanese blade craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA distinctive piece by Nao Yamamoto, combining traditional Japanese design with rustic, handcrafted character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaker: Nao Yamamoto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel: Kuro-uchi Ken-Nata 4.5 Sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eType: Custom Japanese Ken-Nata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Steel: Forged Yasuki Steel (Exact Grade Unspecified)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Finish: Kuro-uchi (Black-Forged Finish)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandle Material: Natural Wood (Species Unknown)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGuard: Hammer-Textured Finish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSheath: Oiled Wood with Black Cord\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Length: Approx. 135mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: Approx. 252mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Thickness: Approx. 5.5mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight: Approx. 229g (Without Sheath)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight with Sheath: Approx. 262g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCountry of Origin: Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNotes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSale to minors is prohibited.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease comply with applicable laws regarding the purchase, possession, and transportation of knives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Kuro-uchi finish may show natural variations in texture and appearance. Clean and dry the blade after handling or use, and store it in a dry environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"山本直","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68017794908482,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0851\/5620\/0770\/files\/nao-yamamoto-kuro-uchi-ken-nata-yasuki-steel-custom-knife-japan.jpg?v=1793786369"},{"product_id":"nao-yamamoto-shirogami-2-kuro-uchi-nakiri-180mm","title":"Nao Yamamoto Shirogami #2 Kuro-uchi Nakiri Knife 180mm – Japanese Carbon Steel Vegetable Knife \/ Natural Wood Handle \/ Made in Japan","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA traditional Japanese 180mm Nakiri knife by Nao Yamamoto, crafted with Shirogami #2 carbon steel and a rustic Kuro-uchi finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCombining traditional Japanese kitchen knife design with natural materials, this Nakiri reflects the understated beauty of Japanese blade craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe blade is made from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a traditional Japanese high-carbon steel valued for its ability to take a fine, sharp edge and its ease of sharpening.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKuro-uchi (black-forged) finish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e gives the blade a rustic appearance, creating a distinctive contrast between the dark surface and the exposed cutting edge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe classic Nakiri blade profile is designed for vegetable preparation, making it well suited for slicing, chopping, and preparing a variety of vegetables.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith a blade length of approximately 180mm and an overall length of 330mm, this knife offers a practical size for everyday kitchen tasks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe blade features a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003egradually tapered cross-section toward the cutting edge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, reflecting the importance of blade geometry in traditional Japanese kitchen knives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enatural wood handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e complements the blade's rustic finish, bringing warmth and simplicity to the overall design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeighing approximately 178g, the knife combines a substantial 180mm blade with a relatively lightweight feel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA distinctive Japanese Nakiri by Nao Yamamoto, bringing together Shirogami #2 steel, a traditional Kuro-uchi finish, and classic kitchen knife design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaker: Nao Yamamoto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel: Shirogami #2 Kuro-uchi Nakiri 180mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKnife Type: Japanese Nakiri Vegetable Knife\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Steel: Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel #2 Carbon Steel)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Finish: Kuro-uchi (Black-Forged Finish)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandle Material: Natural Wood (Species Unknown)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Length: Approx. 180mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: Approx. 330mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Thickness: Gradually Tapered Toward the Cutting Edge (Exact Measurements Not Provided)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight: Approx. 178g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCountry of Origin: Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNotes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSale to minors is prohibited.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShirogami #2 is a carbon steel that requires regular care. Clean and thoroughly dry the blade after use, and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture or acidic foods to help prevent rust.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural wood grain and coloration may vary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease comply with applicable local laws and regulations regarding knife purchase, possession, and transportation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"山本直","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68019259670850,"sku":null,"price":258.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0851\/5620\/0770\/files\/nao-yamamoto-shirogami-2-kuro-uchi-nakiri-180mm-japanese-knife.jpg?v=1793788122"},{"product_id":"nao-yamamoto-aogami-kuro-uchi-gyuto-185mm","title":"Nao Yamamoto Aogami Kuro-uchi Gyuto Knife 185mm – Japanese Carbon Steel Chef's Knife \/ Natural Wood Handle \/ Made in Japan","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProduct Description\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA traditional Japanese 185mm Gyuto chef's knife by Nao Yamamoto, featuring Aogami carbon steel and a rustic Kuro-uchi finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCombining traditional Japanese knifemaking aesthetics with the versatility of a classic Gyuto profile, this piece offers a distinctive balance of craftsmanship and everyday kitchen functionality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe blade is crafted from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAogami (Blue Paper) carbon steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, a Japanese high-carbon steel valued for its edge retention and sharpening characteristics.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts traditional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKuro-uchi (black-forged) finish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e gives the blade a rustic appearance, creating a striking contrast between the dark blade surface and the exposed cutting edge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe classic \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGyuto profile\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is designed for versatile kitchen preparation, making it well suited for slicing meat, chopping vegetables, and handling a wide range of everyday ingredients.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith a blade length of approximately 185mm and an overall length of 335mm, this knife offers a practical size for daily cooking.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe blade features a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003egradually tapered thickness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, reflecting the attention to blade geometry found in traditional Japanese kitchen knives.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enatural wood handle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e complements the rustic blade finish, bringing warmth and simplicity to the overall design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeighing approximately 152g, this Gyuto combines a 185mm blade with a relatively lightweight construction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA distinctive Japanese chef's knife by Nao Yamamoto, bringing together Aogami steel, a traditional Kuro-uchi finish, and the versatility of a classic Gyuto.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaker: Nao Yamamoto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel: Aogami Kuro-uchi Gyuto 185mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKnife Type: Japanese Gyuto Chef's Knife\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Steel: Aogami (Blue Paper Carbon Steel; Exact Grade Unspecified)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Finish: Kuro-uchi (Black-Forged Finish)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandle Material: Natural Wood (Species Unknown)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Length: Approx. 185mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall Length: Approx. 335mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Thickness: Gradually Tapered (Exact Measurements Not Provided)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight: Approx. 152g\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCountry of Origin: Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNotes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAogami is a carbon steel that requires proper care. Clean and thoroughly dry the blade after use, and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture or acidic foods to help prevent rust.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural wood grain and coloration may vary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlease comply with applicable local laws and regulations regarding knife purchase, possession, and transportation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"山本直","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68019428426050,"sku":null,"price":330.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0851\/5620\/0770\/files\/nao-yamamoto-aogami-kuro-uchi-gyuto-185mm-japanese-chef-knife.jpg?v=1793788953"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0851\/5620\/0770\/collections\/DSC_2176.jpg?v=1793775968","url":"https:\/\/sunizumi.com\/collections\/nao-yamamoto.oembed","provider":"三泉商店","version":"1.0","type":"link"}