Overview

Located in the tranquil outskirts of Tokyo, Hirata Bladesmiths offers a rare and exceptional workshop led by Nodoka Hirata, the world's only female Murage (master of the traditional Tatara steel furnace), and her husband, the seasoned swordsmith Sukehiro Hirata.
In this workshop, you'll learn firsthand the ancient forging techniques once used to craft samurai swords, taught directly by the Hiratas, who produce their own Tamahagane—the legendary high-purity steel traditionally used in Japanese swords. Using a hammer and anvil, participants will go through an authentic forging process to create their own handcrafted kitchen knife. Furthermore, the use of a sacred shimenawa during the workshop will enhance this spiritual experience.
Each completed knife is marked with a special engraving chosen by the artisans themselves and will be delivered to you at a later date.
This is a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the soul of Japanese craftsmanship and witness the rare art of Tamahagane production up close. The chance to learn directly from this masterful husband-and-wife duo makes the experience all the more unforgettable.

At Hirata Bladesmiths, master artisans meticulously craft everything from iconic Japanese swords to kitchen knives and other blades, each piece made with utmost care. All their blades are produced using Tamahagane, a special steel made through the traditional Tatara ironmaking process, which is conducted entirely in-house using almost the same methods as traditional Japanese sword making.

While most of the approximately 170 swordsmiths in Japan use commercially sourced steel, Hirata Bladesmiths stands out by producing their own Tamahagane. This allows them to create truly unique blades that are unlike any other.

Swordsmith: Sukehiro Hirata
Sukehiro developed a passion for swordsmanship through kendo in his student days. Captivated by the enchanting beauty of ancient swords, he decided to pursue the path of a swordsmith. After high school, he moved to Okayama Prefecture, a renowned hub for swordsmithing, where he apprenticed for 13 years under a master of self-produced steel, a hallmark of the famous Bizen Osafune sword brand. His relentless dedication and perseverance paid off, making him one of only about 130 swordsmiths in Japan.

Murage: Nodoka Hirata
Nodoka is the world's only female Murage, a highly skilled artisan in the traditional Tatara ironmaking process. She possesses deep expertise in this ancient Japanese method, which is crucial for producing high-quality Tamahagane.