Precision With Purpose: Introducing the Miyabi Hisho Knife Series

Sharp lines. Sleek balance. Serious performance.

The new Miyabi Hisho Knife Series is where traditional Japanese craftsmanship meets contemporary design. Every knife is handmade in Seki City and finished with the attention to detail that makes Miyabi a favorite among professional chefs and passionate home cooks alike.

Now available at Sur La Table, we’ll take a closer look at what sets the Hisho Series apart—from its hand-hammered finish to its sleek, octagonal handle—and how it compares to other knives in the Miyabi lineup.

You’ll also learn what defines Japanese craftsmanship and why so many serious cooks trust Miyabi in their kitchens.

Crafted for those who take cutlery seriously. Explore the full Miyabi Hisho Series and experience precision without compromise.
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A New Chapter in Japanese Craftsmanship

For centuries, the city of Seki has been known as the birthplace of Japan’s finest blades—a place where samurai sword-making traditions evolved into modern precision cutlery. Every Miyabi knife carries that heritage forward, and the Hisho Series builds on it with a new perspective: timeless technique refined through a contemporary lens.

The word Hisho means soaring, a nod to the collection’s light, balanced feel and fluid movement. Each knife is forged by hand, combining layered Damascus steel with clean, architectural lines. The result is a tool that looks as sophisticated as it performs—a fusion of art, precision and everyday usability that defines the next generation of Miyabi craftsmanship.

What Makes the Hisho Series Different?

Blade Construction & Performance

At the heart of every Hisho knife is a blade crafted from FC61 fine carbide stainless steel, a resilient super steel prized for its hardness, edge retention and ease of sharpening.

Each blade is ice-hardened using Miyabi’s FRIODURx2 process, which strengthens the steel and enhances corrosion resistance. Finished with a 3-layer, hand-hammered (tsuchime) pattern, no two blades are identical. The rippled surface reduces drag as you cut and stands as a visible mark of the artisan’s hand.

Handle Design & Ergonomics

Hisho pairs its high-performance blade with a triple-riveted, glass-fiber-reinforced POM handle that’s shaped for control and comfort.

The wide-blade profile is balanced by an ergonomic handle design that maximizes knuckle clearance, giving you a confident, natural grip even during extended prep work. Polished endcaps and clean, modern lines complete the look—melding Japanese craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic that feels as refined as it performs.

Comparing Hisho to Other Miyabi Series

Every Miyabi collection expresses a different harmony of heritage, steel, and design philosophy.

While all are handcrafted in Seki, Japan, each line embodies a unique interpretation of precision and artistry. The Hisho Series stands out for its wide-blade silhouette, clean modern lines and balance between performance and approachability.

Here’s how it compares:

• Kaizen II: An evolution of Miyabi’s original Kaizen, this line uses the same FC61 super steel as Hisho but features a layered Damascus finish and rounded pakkawood handle. It’s classic and balanced. Where Kaizen II feels traditional, Hisho feels modern, with a hand-hammered finish and broader blade that offer more control and clearance.
• Artisan SG2: Handmade from SG2 micro-carbide steel and finished in a dramatic Damascus texture, Artisan reflects centuries of Japanese sword making. Its cocobolo rosewood handle adds warmth and detail. Compared to Artisan, Hisho is sleeker and more understated, emphasizing toughness and easy care over ornate design.
• Evolution: Forged from FC61 steel and double-hardened for strength, Evolution merges Japanese precision with Western comfort. Its smooth, mirror-polished blade and contoured handle differ from Hisho’s textured finish and wide, traditional shape.
• Koh: Meaning “light,” Koh showcases minimalism with a mirror-polished FC61 blade and faceted pakkawood handle. Hisho takes the opposite approach—more substantial in the hand, with a wider blade and hammered surface that adds texture and presence.
• Hibana: Featuring a 49-layer Damascus “spark” pattern and brass-accented handle, Hibana brings weight and showmanship. Hisho offers a subtler interpretation of modern craftsmanship, with clean lines and a softer, organic feel.
• Birchwood SG2: The pinnacle of Miyabi artistry, Birchwood’s SG2 steel and 101-layer Damascus blade are paired with a natural Masur birch handle. It’s ornate and heirloom-worthy, while Hisho delivers similar precision through simpler, more functional elegance, crafted for everyday excellence.

The Art of Japanese Knife Making

Behind every Miyabi knife lies a process rooted in centuries of skill.

In Seki City, master artisans follow more than 100 individual steps—from forging and tempering to grinding and polishing—to bring each blade to life. Techniques once reserved for swordsmiths are now dedicated to culinary precision, resulting in tools that are both functional and deeply personal.

That dedication to craft is what gives Japanese knives their reputation for balance and beauty. The Hisho Series embodies this spirit, merging hand-finished artistry with innovation that makes it a standout in the modern kitchen.

Start Your Hisho Collection

Every cook’s collection begins differently.

Some start with a single chef’s knife—the most versatile tool in the kitchen—while others prefer a matched set that covers every task. Hisho offers options for both, making it easy to build your ideal lineup over time.

If you’re looking for the best Japanese kitchen knives to start your collection, check out these favorites:

• 8″ Chef’s Knife: The foundation of any kitchen, built for everything from chopping vegetables to carving meat.
• 5.25″ Prep Knife: Perfect for smaller ingredients and quick, precise cuts when a chef’s knife feels too large.
• 9″ Bread Knife: The essential serrated blade for slicing through crusty loaves, pastries or delicate tomatoes.
• Knife Block Sets: A ready-made collection that keeps your knives organized, protected, and beautifully displayed.

Why Serious Cooks Choose Miyabi

Miyabi knives earn their place in kitchens where precision and beauty both matter. Each blade reflects centuries of Japanese craftsmanship refined through modern engineering. They’re incredibly sharp and balanced, built to move effortlessly through any ingredient and feel comfortable and secure in your hand.

What sets them apart is the quiet attention to detail you notice every time you cook:

• A polished spine that rests easily under your thumb for added comfort
• The shimmer of Damascus steel catching the light as you work
• A razor-sharp edge that stays true through countless prep sessions
• Perfect balance that turns even everyday chopping into a smoother, more mindful experience

Miyabi knives don’t just announce their quality, they reveal it with every cut. For cooks who value the process as much as the result, they bring both artistry and intention to the table.

Crafted for those who take cutlery seriously. Explore the full Miyabi Hisho Series and experience precision without compromise.
Shop the Collection