craftsman
Sharpener Makoto Tadokoro (President of Tosa Knife Studio Tadokoro Cutlery Co., Ltd.)
Entered the kitchen knife industry at the age of 16 and became independent in 2010, establishing Tosa Knife Studio Tadokoro Hamono.
In Sakai City, Osaka, the home of cutlery, he trained under the top sharpener in Sakai and launched his own brand "Marushin".
As a sharpener for more than 28 years, the skills that have been handed down as a Japanese tradition are highly evaluated in the domestic and overseas industries, and his passion for kitchen knives is unparalleled, so he is highly trusted.
Today, he has grown into one of Japan's leading sharpeners, recognized by his masters, top Japanese cutlery craftsmen, and chefs. We continue to strive every day to create even better products.
A sharpener is a craftsman who specializes in sharpening the prototype of a knife made by a blacksmith.
The sharpener carefully sharpens each knife through 20 to 30 processes while observing the peculiarities and condition of each knife.
The skill of the craftsman has a lot to do with "sharpening," which has the greatest effect on the finish of a knife.
Tadokoro Makoto's Thoughts and Commitments
Japanese knives have been made since the Edo period, and are roughly divided into three processes: blacksmithing, sharpening, and attaching the handle.
There are specialized craftsmen in each process, and the technology, experience, and knowledge are inherited, and the quality level is top class in the world.
However, like other traditional industries, the cutlery industry is also facing the problem of an aging population and a decline in the industry due to a shortage of workers.
Some people say that the one who stays wins, but I want to compete with young craftsmen as the number of craftsmen increases. believe.
At the same time, it is a very important mission of our generation, who are the bearers, to pass on the traditional Japanese cutlery making and techniques that have been handed down from ancient times to the next generation.
First of all, I am always conscious of having as many people as possible recognize my work as a “grinder” and making it an attractive profession so that people can aim for it.
"It's our job to make our work attractive."
“My strength is that I can not only sell but also create.”
There are many patterns in which various intermediaries are involved in the process from manufacturing to sales, but the most important thing is the opinion of the user.
There are various types of knives, from 100 yen to expensive ones, but the people who come to visit me and the people who contact me have their own preferences for knives.
What everyone has in common is the idea that “knives are important”.
It is my commitment to sincerely face the thoughts of everyone who uses our products, whether they are ordinary people or professionals.