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吉兼久作 Yoshikane Hisa saku
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MakerYoshikane HamonoRegionSanjo, Niigata (Tsubame-Sanjo)
Marks吉兼作 / 吉兼久作 / 吉金SteelsSKD, Shirogami #2
Knife types madeSantoku, Nakiri, Deba, Ika-saki, Gyuto, Bunka, Kiritsuke, Petty, SujihikiMain useAll-round home knife: vegetables, fish, meat. The first knife to buy.
Recommended whetstone1000 → 3000 JIS · how to sharpenMaintenanceRinse and wipe dry immediately after each use — never leave it wet or in the sink.
What this mark means
吉兼久作 reads Yoshikane Hisa saku. It is a chiselled or stamped kanji signature (mei) used by Yoshikane Hamono (株式会社吉金刃物), Sanjo, Niigata — the Tsubame-Sanjo region. Second Yoshikane mark; the maker's own site lists both.
Other marks from the same maker
About the maker
Company name 吉金 (Yoshikane), but the blade is marked 吉兼作 / 吉兼久作 — same reading, different second kanji. Their showcase card reads 「伝統の打刃物 吉兼作 吉兼久作」. Hammer-forged, ground thin, nashiji (pear-skin) finish; the SKD line is the one overseas shops fight over.
Products carrying this mark
- 吉兼作 SKD 梨地 — 牛刀 210
- 吉兼作 SKD 梨地 — 牛刀 240
- 吉兼作 SKD 梨地 — 菜切 165
- 吉兼作 SKD 梨地 — 文化 165
- 吉兼作 SKD 梨地 — 切付 210
- 吉兼作 SKD 梨地 — 筋引 240
- 吉兼作 白二 梨地 — 三徳 165
- 吉兼作 白二 梨地 — ペティ 150