Mikisyo Hamono operates out of Miki City in Hyogo Prefecture, a region with a centuries-long history of blade and tool production that runs parallel to the better-known knife-making centers of Sakai and Echizen. The kogatana is one of the most traditional Japanese utility knife formats — a compact single-bevel tool used historically for a wide range of tasks including woodworking, bamboo crafting, leather cutting, and general fine work. Mikisyo produces these using the same hammer-forged construction and quality steel that defines their other work, and this left-handed version is a rare find for southpaws who have struggled to use tools ground for the right hand.
The blade is forged from Aogami (blue paper steel) #2, one of the benchmark carbon steels in Japanese cutlery, known for taking an exceptionally keen edge and holding it well through sustained use. The chisel grind is relieved for left-handed use — the flat side faces left, allowing a left-handed user to work with the same precision and control that a right-handed kogatana provides to its intended user. At 58mm the blade is compact and purpose-built for detail work rather than heavy cutting, and at 2.1 oz total the knife is light enough to use for extended periods without fatigue. The 180mm total length keeps it maneuverable. This is a niche tool, but for the left-handed craftsperson, woodworker, or knife collector, it fills a gap that very few makers bother to address.
Care Instructions: Aogami #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will rust if left wet. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after each use. A light coat of camellia oil before storage will protect against oxidation. Hand wash only — never leave in standing water or on a drying rack. Sharpen on the bevel side only on quality water stones; the flat side requires only light lapping to maintain its geometry.Maker: Mikisyo Hamono
Location: Miki City, Japan
Steel: Aogami #2 (Blue Paper Steel)
Construction: Hammer Forged
Edge Grind: Chisel Grind, Left-Handed
Weight: 2.1 oz (62 g)
Blade Length: 58 mm
Total Length: 180mm
The blade is forged from Aogami (blue paper steel) #2, one of the benchmark carbon steels in Japanese cutlery, known for taking an exceptionally keen edge and holding it well through sustained use. The chisel grind is relieved for left-handed use — the flat side faces left, allowing a left-handed user to work with the same precision and control that a right-handed kogatana provides to its intended user. At 58mm the blade is compact and purpose-built for detail work rather than heavy cutting, and at 2.1 oz total the knife is light enough to use for extended periods without fatigue. The 180mm total length keeps it maneuverable. This is a niche tool, but for the left-handed craftsperson, woodworker, or knife collector, it fills a gap that very few makers bother to address.
Care Instructions: Aogami #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will rust if left wet. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after each use. A light coat of camellia oil before storage will protect against oxidation. Hand wash only — never leave in standing water or on a drying rack. Sharpen on the bevel side only on quality water stones; the flat side requires only light lapping to maintain its geometry.
