Mikisyo Hamono is a multigenerational blacksmith shop in Miki City, Japan — a town with a centuries-long tradition of blade making that extends from kitchen knives into woodworking tools, agricultural blades, and traditional craft knives. The kogatana is among the oldest and most specialized of these traditional forms, and Kohsetsu Nagaike is one of only two remaining kogatana blacksmiths still working in Miki today. Born in 1939, Hiroyuki Nagaike takes the craftsman name Kohsetsu in his professional capacity — a traditional Japanese practice that reflects the depth of his dedication to the craft. Where there were once dozens of kogatana makers in this town, his work now represents one of the last direct links to that tradition.
The kogatana — meaning small knife in Japanese — is a compact, single-bevel utility blade with roots in woodworking, crafts, and fine detail work. At 42mm, this one is a precise, purposeful tool built for tasks that demand control over raw cutting power. It is forged in a ni mai construction — meaning two layer — with a White #2 carbon steel edge clad in soft iron, ground to a traditional single bevel on the right side. White #2 is prized for its purity and the exceptionally keen edge it produces, and the single bevel geometry gives it a level of precision that is simply not achievable with a double bevel grind. This is a working tool made by one of the last true masters of its form.
Carbon steel care is straightforward. Wipe the blade clean during use and dry it immediately after. Avoid leaving water or moisture on the blade for any length of time. As a single bevel knife, sharpening is done on the flat side and the bevel side separately — take care to maintain the original geometry. The soft iron cladding will develop a natural patina with use, which adds character and provides a measure of protection.Business Name: Mikisyo
Location: Miki City, Japan
Blacksmith: Hiroyuki Nagaike (Kohsetsu Nagaike)
Construction: Hammer Forged, Ni Mai (Two Layer)
Edge Steel: White #2 Carbon Steel
Cladding: Soft Iron
Edge: Single Bevel, Right Sided
Weight: 4.3 oz (122 g)
Blade Length: 42 mm
Total Length: 172 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm
Blade Height: 31 mm
Here is a video of the master of kogatanas:
The kogatana — meaning small knife in Japanese — is a compact, single-bevel utility blade with roots in woodworking, crafts, and fine detail work. At 42mm, this one is a precise, purposeful tool built for tasks that demand control over raw cutting power. It is forged in a ni mai construction — meaning two layer — with a White #2 carbon steel edge clad in soft iron, ground to a traditional single bevel on the right side. White #2 is prized for its purity and the exceptionally keen edge it produces, and the single bevel geometry gives it a level of precision that is simply not achievable with a double bevel grind. This is a working tool made by one of the last true masters of its form.
Carbon steel care is straightforward. Wipe the blade clean during use and dry it immediately after. Avoid leaving water or moisture on the blade for any length of time. As a single bevel knife, sharpening is done on the flat side and the bevel side separately — take care to maintain the original geometry. The soft iron cladding will develop a natural patina with use, which adds character and provides a measure of protection.
Here is a video of the master of kogatanas:
