What does 銀嶺 on a Japanese knife mean?

銀嶺 reads Ginrei. It is a brand name used by Hatsukokoro (初心) of Amagasaki, Hyogo, in the Hyogo (brand) region. Hatsukokoro series: Ginsan nashiji, made in Seki. Asked about on r/japaneseknives, 2026-09.

English · Deutsch · Français · Español · Italiano · Português · 한국어 · 繁體中文

Home › Mei search › 銀嶺

銀嶺 Ginrei

Q: Who makes knives marked 銀嶺?

Hatsukokoro. Brand in Amagasaki. Steels: Ginsan, Aogami #2, Aogami Super, SG2 / R2, VG10, Shirogami #2. Knife types: Gyuto, Santoku, Petty, Nakiri, Bunka, Sujihiki, Kiritsuke.

Documented brand

Quick answer

MakerHatsukokoroRegionAmagasaki, Hyogo Marks初心 / 銀嶺SteelsGinsan, Aogami #2, Aogami Super, SG2 / R2, VG10, Shirogami #2 Knife types madeGyuto, Santoku, Petty, Nakiri, Bunka, Sujihiki, KiritsukeMain useWestern-style chef's knife: meat, large vegetables, rocking cuts. Recommended whetstone1000 → 3000–6000 JIS · how to sharpenMaintenanceRinse and wipe dry immediately after each use — never leave it wet or in the sink.

What this mark means

銀嶺 reads Ginrei. It is a brand name used by Hatsukokoro (初心), Amagasaki, Hyogo — the Hyogo (brand) region. Hatsukokoro series: Ginsan nashiji, made in Seki. Asked about on r/japaneseknives, 2026-09.

Other marks from the same maker

初心 Hatsukokoro

About the maker

Brand company near Osaka that has knives made by workshops around Japan (Seki, Sakai, Echizen, Sanjo …) and sells them under series names: 銀嶺 Ginrei (Ginsan nashiji, made in Seki), 雲影 Kumokage, 白梅 Shirobai, 黒龍 Kokuryu and others. The kanji on the blade is usually the series name plus 初心 — the smith is not named, so the series name is the clue.

Products carrying this mark

No product rows yet.

Full maker page Search eBay for Ginrei affiliate How to sharpen Not your mark? Send a photo