Masamoto Sohonten
A Legacy of Japanese Knife Craftsmanship Since 1866
Founded in Tokyo in 1866, Masamoto Sohonten is one of Japan's most respected and historic knife makers. For generations, the brand has been dedicated to producing professional kitchen knives that embody precision, craftsmanship, and uncompromising quality.
Favored by many professional chefs in Japan and abroad, Masamoto Sohonten has earned a reputation for creating knives that perform with exceptional precision while maintaining the traditions of Japanese blade making.
The Origin of Masamoto
The name Masamoto® has its roots in the company's founder, Minosuke Matsuzawa, who engraved the character 「正」 (Masa) on every knife he crafted as his personal mark of authenticity.
When Japan introduced its trademark registration system, the second-generation owner, Kichizo Hirano, sought to register this mark. Since the name was already in use by another knife business, the character 「本」 (Moto)—meaning "genuine" or "authentic"—was added, creating the name Masamoto (正本).
Registered as a trademark in 1903, Masamoto® has since become one of Japan's most respected names in professional kitchen cutlery.
Crafted with Tradition and Precision
Every Masamoto knife reflects a commitment to careful craftsmanship, from the selection of materials to forging, heat treatment, grinding, sharpening, handle fitting, and final finishing.
For more than 150 years, Masamoto Sohonten has preserved the traditional techniques established by its founder while continually refining its knives based on the needs of professional chefs. Rather than pursuing mass production, the company has built its reputation by maintaining exacting standards and producing knives that meet the demands of professional kitchens.
This dedication to quality has made Masamoto one of the most respected names in Japanese culinary cutlery.
Trusted by Professionals Worldwide
Masamoto Sohonten offers a comprehensive range of Japanese kitchen knives, including both traditional single-bevel knives for Japanese cuisine and double-bevel knives suited to a wide variety of culinary styles.
The brand is respected for its:
- Outstanding craftsmanship
- Precise blade geometry
- Excellent edge retention
- Superior sharpening characteristics
- Exceptional balance and handling
- Professional-grade fit and finish
- Long-standing reputation among professional chefs
- Traditional Japanese manufacturing philosophy
For many chefs, owning a Masamoto knife is not simply about performance—it is about using a knife crafted by one of Japan's most respected names in professional cutlery.