Toyama Noborikoi 昇鯉

Syuuji Toyama is a blacksmith from Sanjo, Niigata. He works alone — every knife made entirely by himself, from start to finish.

My connection with Toyama goes back a long time. He made some of my earliest Zensho knives. I have watched his work closely and his single bevel knives in particular are exceptional — the Ura and hollow back are on the same level as Shigefusa. That is not a comparison I make lightly.

The Noborikoi line — 昇鯉 — is made exclusively for JNS. Noborikoi means Rising Carp, a symbol of perseverance and achievement in Japanese culture. I simply asked Toyama to make what he considers his best work — his best heat treatment, the steel he loves most, better fit and finish than his standard line. That is what Noborikoi is.

Available in Blue steel, White steel and Honyaki. All carbon steel — they can rust and need basic care after use.

Every knife is handmade one by one. Sizes and thickness can vary slightly.