Founded in 1945 by Isamu Takamura, the Takamura forge has established itself as a premier knife maker in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture. Today, the forge is operated by second-generation Toshiyuki and his sons Terukazu and Hideo, maintaining the family's tradition of excellence. Under Toshiyuki's leadership over the past half-century, Takamura has earned widespread recognition for their exceptional stainless steel knives, particularly those crafted with SG2 powdered steel.
Takamura's signature "Chromax" core with stainless laminate offers impressive edge retention and corrosion resistance, perfectly aligning with Toshiyuki's vision of combining affordable pricing with superior performance. Despite his sons now leading day-to-day operations, Toshiyuki continues to work in the forge, crafting knives with the same dedication that earned him the prestigious Houshou (Japan Medal of Honor) from the Emperor—a testament to his mastery of traditional craftsmanship and innovation in Japanese cutlery.