Shigemitsu Ito (伊藤重光) is a master Japanese swordsmith from Kōfu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, renowned for his uncompromising dedication to traditional metallurgy. Trained under celebrated smiths Miyairi Akihira and Enomoto Sadayoshi, Ito established his own forge in 1980 and has since earned repeated recognition at the Newly Made Japanese Sword Exhibition. His work is deeply rooted in classical techniques, including self‑produced tamahagane and forging styles inspired by the late‑Kamakura Soshu tradition. Ito’s blades are admired for their powerful presence, refined craftsmanship, and historical authenticity, qualities that have led to prestigious commissions such as the ceremonial sword used by Yokozuna Kisenosato.

Beyond swordmaking, Ito is one of the rare artisans who successfully forges blades from meteorite iron, a feat that requires extraordinary skill and metallurgical understanding. On occasion, he applies his swordsmithing expertise to create limited‑production kitchen knives made from tamahagane or meteorite steel, finished with traditional polishing stones and techniques normally reserved for nihonto. These knives—such as the Meteorite Tamahagane Black Finish Santoku—are not typical kitchen tools but miniature works of sword art, combining rarity, historical craftsmanship, and exceptional material purity.

Specifications:
Knife Type: Santoku
Steel Type: Tamahagane (Carbon Steel, Rust Prone)
Blade Hardness: HRC
Blade Type: Double beveled blade
Blade Length: 180mm (7.1")
Blade Height: 50mm (2")
Blade Thickness: 2.1mm (0.1")
Handle Material: Rosewood (ferrule: Black Pakka wood With Silver Lining)
Handle Length: 135mm (5.3")
Weight: 166g (5.9 ounces)

Use and Care
- Do not attempt to cut, hit or chop frozen products or bones. The blade can chip or break.
- Hand wash with warm water and towel dry.
- Use a sharpening stone to maintain the sharpness of the blade.
- Do not use a dishwasher to clean your knife.

Shigemitsu Ito

Shigemitsu Ito Tamahagane Meteorite Cladded Black Finished Santoku 180mm Rosewood (ferrule: Black Pakka wood With Silver Lining) Handle