Goh Umanosuke Yoshihiro 郷右馬允義弘 - Yoshihiro 義弘 by Yamawaki Cutlery MFG., LDT - Hamono 山脇刃物

With direct lineage from sword-smithing from the 13th century, Yamawaki Cutlery was established in 1927 in Sakai Japan. Yamawaki Hamono produces knives under ‘Goh Umanosuke Yoshihiro (郷右馬允義弘)’ & ‘Yoshihiro (義弘)’ brands, named after the famous swordsmith, Goh Yoshihiro of the Kamakura period. He is famous for mastering the Mizu-Honyaki process, regarded as the most challenging blade construction, quenching and heat treatment processes. Yamawaki Hamono combines Sakai's centuries-long history of knife-making techniques combined with modern metallurgy and modern technologies, thus creating superior cutlery. The current owner of Yamawaki Hamono - Mr. Ryoyo Yamawaki - is also a lecturer at several culinary schools. Having apprenticed under Sakai blacksmiths, the new generation of craftsmen, Igarashi Nori (五十嵐 宣) and Masaya Shimizu (清水 将矢) lead Yamawaki Cutlery in creating incredible knives that are well recognized among Sakai artisans and chefs around the globe.

Goh Yoshihiro, was one of the greatest and most important sword-smiths of Japan, and his 13th century swords, many of which have been designated ‘priceless national treasures’, are considered among the rarest and most precious artifacts in Japan. Coming from Uozu (Matsukura) city in Toyama (Etchu) prefecture, he was a student of Masamune who is considered the greatest Japanese swordsmith of all time. Subsequently, he became the most skilled of Masamune Juttetsu’s 10 greatest students and was reputed to make blades so fine that they were often confused with the works of his master. Due to his death at a young age, he produced only a limited number of blades, and it is this rarity and exceptional craftsmanship that make Goh Yoshihiro swords so valuable today. Throughout time, his works have been highly sought after and held in the highest regard. Even during his lifetime, his swords were snapped up and added to the collections of the wealthiest (Daimyo) clan leaders. His legacy lives on today through the dedicated craftsmen and blade-smiths of Yamawaki Cutlery MFG., LTD.

Kikuichi Monju Shiro Kanenaga – A Family Tradition of Fine Craftsmanship Dating Back Seven Hundred Fifty Years.

Kikuichi Cutlery has a very unique and distinguished history. They are the oldest knife maker in the world, tracing their roots to the year 1267. This is the earliest documentation of their ancestor, Shiro Kanenaga who made samurai swords for the Emperor & his Monk Soldiers of Japan. Over 750 years of bladesmithing experience sets Kikuichi Hamono apart from other cutlery companies. Kikuichi Samurai swords bear the emperor’s Chrysanthemum symbol as a mark of excellence, and their knives still carry this symbol of quality. Today, Kikuichi's ancestor’s swords are registered national treasures of Japan. Kikuichi continues the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Their knives are not manufactured in a large factory, instead, their production method is similar to the old guild style of manufacturing in Japan and Europe where artisans specializing in specific parts of the process excelled at just one thing. Blade forging, sharpening, handle making, and fit & finish. A minimum of 4 master craftsmen work on each knife before it is ready for the recognizable chrysanthemum logo. Today, Kikuichi continues its legacy of sword making as a cutlery company and many highly regarded professional chefs cherish their knives as their most prized possession.

Proper Apron Company

Made in Denver Colorado by Chef Jamey Freeman, Proper Apron Company takes great pride in creating quality handmade aprons, knife rolls and tool rolls.

Their aprons, available in various colors of American-made denim, are built to last and keep you clean for years to come. They’ve spared no detail with adjustable leather straps and antique brass hardware, giving you not only durable handmade aprons, but beautiful ones.

When it comes to your craft, they know you must protect your tools and take care of them if you want them to last. A chef knife roll helps to maintain the lifespan of your knives while also providing an easy, portable, and head turning carrying case. Care, style and efficiency are all key components of each product at Proper Apron Company.

As an American company based in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, we take pride in our craft. From workman’s aprons to chef knife rolls, our goal is to create products that will outfit your daily work and stand up to the wear and tear each day brings.

Union Stitch and Design

Union Stitch & Design is an independent sewing company based out of Denver, Colorado. Designer Melissa Roth creates custom textiles for both commercial businesses and anyone cooking at home. She specializes in and focuses on aprons to be used by chefs, bartenders and service staff. In addition to truly hand-crafted products, Union Stitch & Design creates and provides value in the form of flexibility and a willingness to execute clients’ differing visions through 100% customization. Melissa has developed two decade’s worth of contacts through her first-hand involvement in the service industry. Her close interaction with some of Colorado’s most talented chefs and mixologists has created a truly inspired and polished skill set, both technically and creatively. Everything is handmade in Denver.

Over the past 5 years, Union Stitch & Design has asserted its prominence and identity as an honest, long-lasting, and genuine entity that entices intrigue and assures satisfaction. In addition to her loyal clientele, of Denver’s most prosperous and progressive industry professionals wear her aprons.

Spyderco

Spyderco was founded in 1976 by Sal and Gail Glesser. In 1978, they settled in Golden, Colorado, and initially, the company focused on selling their first product: the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker™ which was primarily sold at fairs and trade shows around the country.

In 1981, Spyderco introduced their first folding knife, the C01 Worker. That knife pioneered the concept of a round hole in the blade for one-handed opening, a clip on the handle for carry at the top of the pocket, and the option of a serrated edge for aggressive cutting performance. Those features revolutionized the knife industry and literally defined the form of the modern folding knife.

Since then, Spyderco has steadily grown to become one of the leaders in the cutlery industry. In addition to a worldwide distribution network and manufacturing resources in the U.S., Japan, Taiwan, Italy, and China, their innovation has also earned them an impressive portfolio of patents, trademarks, and industry awards. More importantly, it has allowed them to earn the trust and loyalty of countless thousands of dedicated knife users around the world.

Yoshimune

Yoshimune knives are crafted by Ishizuchi 石鎚 smiths in the Tosa region of Japan. This small team of blacksmiths follow the region’s rich 400 year history of crafting edged tools. These blades are a workhorse for home and pro chefs alike. They have great balance and feel, and feature the traditional rustic blue/black kurouchi or blacksmith's finish. Yoshimune blade smiths use Blue & White high-carbon steels made by Hitachi Metals Ltd. These are popular among knife makers and chefs in Japan and globally due to its fantastic edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening.

Steelport Knife Co.

Founder & CEO, Ron Kormaei along with co-founder & bladesmith, Eytan Zias make the small team that is Steelport Knife Company. They are dedicated to reintroducing heirloom American-forged carbon steel cutlery imparting traditional hand craftsmanship. Their work combines premium materials, traditional forging technique, and American heirloom craftsmanship. Each piece is manufactured and sharpened by hand in Portland, Oregon.

Ittetsu

Ittetsu knives are forged by a guild of master blacksmiths working out of Sanjo City, Japan. They produce knives following master bladesmith Tadafusa's OEM designs. Tadafusa was founded in 1948 in Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture, a well known city referred to as " The Town of Smithing" for the last 350 years. The smiths of Echizen consistently provide customers with top-quality products by ensuring they follow traditional methods. Tadafusa is one of the most popular kitchen knife manufacturers in Japan.

Nano Hone

Nano Hone Advanced Abrasives is a family operated surfaces manufacturer designing every component of sharpening systems for chefs, woodworkers, and scissor sharpeners alike.

The designs are drawn and created by Harrelson "Hap" Stanley, and all machined parts are manufactured and processed in Massachusetts. Hap established and operated Shapton USA for over a decade, and now with over thirty years of experience in sharpening and design, his knowledge has culminated in the creation of Nano Hone products.

Offering stones, stages, ponds, and plates of various functions, they provide everything required for a substantial or casual sharpening station.

"Nano" is in reference to the small scale at which they take measurements to check the flatness of their stones and plates (most of which have height differentials of only a few microns!) To "Hone '' is to sharpen, and they believe that the lessons in sharpening apply to those of any zen practice. Sharpen your edge, sharpen your mind.

On another level, upon microscopic observations, Hap Stanley saw what happens to the consistency of performance of a ceramic whetstone over time. It has been shown that the flatter the stone, the more efficient each stroke is on the stone.

They believe that maintenance keeps your mind clean and your sharpening cleaner.

Piotr The Bear

Piotr The Bear’s founder, Mikael Gröndahl designs and produces small batches of various handmade knife storage blocks, wall mounted strips, and kitchen equipment in his woodshop, located in Pripps brewery’s old premises in Stockholm. Founded in 2016, Piotr the Bear designs, develops, and manufactures kitchen products, maintaining the highest standards. Mikael carefully selects his materials to become more beautiful over time, such as oak wood and leather.

Kyocera

Kyocera’s comprehensive experience and capabilities in advanced ceramic technology have enabled them to develop kitchen tools and cutlery that are of high-quality and performance. Developed and manufactured in Japan, Kyocera’s proprietary blade technology has become the benchmark in many key industries and is considered the leading brand in ceramic knives and kitchen tools.

Like diamonds and sapphires, the elements of ceramic are formed in nature through thousands of years of crystallization, extreme temperatures, and literally tons of pressure. The result is a pure, dense, unrelenting material that is 50% harder than steel and close to diamond in hardness. Long-wearing and corrosion-free, ceramic parts, many manufactured by Kyocera, are often used in bone replacement procedures, satellites, race car brake pads and many other applications that require extreme wear-resistance. For those components that would virtually disintegrate if made from metal, ceramic is the material of choice.

Kyocera advanced ceramic blades offer superior edge retention, holding their edge longer than traditional kitchen knives. Brand new ceramic, high carbon, and stainless steel knives were put to the test through a Honda testing machine. A stack of paper was used as the test subject matter due to its more abrasive nature over fruits and vegetables. The sharpness tester held each blade with a constant force against the paper producing a 3.5” slicing action. The test was repeated 1,000 times, and ultimately the Kyocera ceramic blade stayed sharper much longer than the other two blades.

In addition, to wear resistance, Kyocera advanced ceramic knives are chemically inert so foods look and taste the way they should. The smooth, polished surface resists germs and is impervious to acids, oils, and salts so cleaning up is easy to do, simply wash and let dry. Because they are ceramic, Kyocera knives and kitchen tools won’t brown foods, won’t transfer a metallic taste or smell, and will never rust.

Half the weight of traditional knives and kitchen tools, Kyocera’s products provide a new experience in cutting fruits and vegetables. Perfectly balanced and lightweight, their ceramic knives reduce fatigue during repetitive cutting tasks and make meal preparation easy and fun.

Messermeister

Founded in 1981 by Bernd Dressler, Messermeister is a leading manufacturer of premium handcrafted chef’s knives, kitchen cutlery and cooking tools, the go-to brand for everyone from professional chefs to at-home cooks. A women-owned, California-based company with German heritage, Messermeister (“messer” meaning knife and “meister” meaning master) is committed to delivering sustainable best-in-class chef knives, kitchen accessories and award- winning culinary tools, sourcing the world to find the very best manufacturing quality at the right price for the market.

Located in the heart of Ojai, California, Messermeister is now led by Dressler’s wife Debra and daughters Kirsten and Chelcea, who continue the second generation company’s mission to bring innovation and creativity to kitchens around the world.

Motokyuuchi

During the Edo period, families with the Surname 'Kyuuichi' were famous sword makers in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Since 1895 their legacy lives on by Motokyuuchi's founder, Shoujirou Maeda. Today, out of Shimabara City, Motokyuuchi 4th & 5th generation blade-smiths are keeping with family traditions of good quality, and service.

The James Brand

Created in Portland, Oregon in 2012, The James Brand is comprised of a group of designers and adventurers who were looking for something better. Based on the adage that if you can’t find what you want, you might have to make it yourself. They decided to put pen to paper and design something new: products made with premium materials, a minimalist design aesthetic, and clear attention to detail. They make knives and tools that better reflect modern day values and lifestyles. Minimal everyday carry is what the James brand is all about.

Metalwork by Meola

Based in Berthoud, Colorado, Akiva Meola of Metalwork by Meola is the definition of an in-house single artisan knife company. Taking strong influence from the japanese tradition, and being a bladesmith for nearly a decade, Akiva prefers to forge all of his blades by hand to finished dimensions, often leaving a forge texture finish near the spine of the knife. Artistically speaking, Akiva can often be seen using compound curves, rarely using straight lines in his blade profiles. His handles are hand selected, and the wood is often sourced and stabilized in house, along with hand selecting color combinations. All blades are forged, ground, hand polished, and the handles are sculpted in-house. With a personal background in food service as well, the blades function matches the quality of their form.

The Endeavor Works

The Endeavor Works is located in Fort Collins, Colorado and all its heritage cooking tools are made by Aaron C. Williams, former master luthier, blacksmith, and fine woodworker. The Endeavor Works brings the music and mathematics of musical instrument creation to the wooden components of each hand carved spoon and spatula handle. Their flagship legacy tool is based on the maker’s pioneering great-grandmother’s spatula which features a super flexible 1095 carbon steel blade, elegantly forged tang, and hand-carved wooden handle. The Endeavor Works spatula is an indispensable, yet beautiful, object every kitchen needs.

Benriner

In 1940, founder Uyuki Yamamoto first invented a radish slicer following his own idea in Iwakuni City in Japan. Five years later, the company was established officially as “BENRINER” after the product's name. The very first model was wooden and sold mainly to restaurants and hotels. Today, Benriner products are produced in Yamaguchi Prefecture and are revered globally by professionals as the sharpest mandolins on the market. The stainless steel blades are compressed, heat treated, then sharpened by hand.

Axe Wax

Whether it's the heirloom quality tools we create or the vintage tools we restore, they all deserve to be maintained for current and future generations. Based on an antique recipe, the Axe Wax blend brings ancient ingredients into the modern world. Axe Wax dries fast, is entirely natural and food-safe, and provides excellent resistance to water.

From your favorite axe that you got from your grandfather, your stunning custom chef's knife, or your 'everyday carry,' Axe Wax provides unparalleled protection against the elements and the tests of time.

Hasegawa

The Hasegawa Corporation was founded in the summer of 1955 in Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, as a ski materials manufacturer. Skis have a wooden core sandwiched between plastic sheets which should never separate, as that can cause injury to skiers. In order to keep skiers safe, they started focusing on the technology of adhesion. The ‘invisible quality’ of their adhesive technology method has been built on unique techniques and know-how which has been cultivated in-house. With these techniques, they have developed a cutting board that cannot be imitated by competitors. Their cutting boards have a wooden core structure, which is similar to that of skis. Its advantages in hygiene, rigidity, and usability makes it a leading product globally.

Kitchen wares are often made of plastic, wood, or metal. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Using these materials with their ‘adhesive lamination technology’ allows for highly functional kitchen wares that have not existed before. This technology is applied to many Hasegawa products, not just cutting boards. Furthermore, Hasegawa products focus on ‘safety & security’. As hygiene control in restaurants and food factories gets stricter every year, their products are demanded by more customers both at home and professionally.

Tripod Leather

Kelsey Bailey has maintained a lifelong passion for quality and creativity. She operates Tripod Leather in her studio, located in Aurora, Colorado. Tripod Leather is named after one of her cats, Roe, who is a rescued 3 legged cat. Kelsey draws inspiration and determination from the thousands of cats’ lives she helped save as a Certified Veterinary Technician for 6 years in Feline Rescue Medicine. Kelsey (and Roe) specialize in wallets, cardholders, coin sleeves, knife sleeves, journal covers, and custom made goods to order. Tripod Leather uses premium vegetable tanned leather from the top tanneries in the US and Italy. Tripod Leather strives to make quality leather goods that will last a lifetime for everyone to enjoy.

Higonokami Sada Kanekoma

In 1894, Mr. Tasaburo Shigematsu, a hardware wholesaler, introduced a new pocket knife with its blade and sheath folded by installing a small handle, “Chikiri (tail)” on the blade. This was inspired by a knife he brought back from Kagoshima. He named it “Higonokami Knife” because many of his customers were in the Kumamoto area (formally Higo country).

In 1899, the "Higonokami Knife Union" was established. In its golden age it had 40 member companies with more than 200 workers in the industry.

However, so many imitations of the famous Higonokami knife with inferior quality came into the market which caused various problems. This prompted obtaining a trademark registration of Higonokami in 1910. Subsequently, the use of “Higonokami Brand” became restricted to the members of Miki Knife Manufacturers Association.

Moving into the 20th century, the introduction of utility knives and electric pencil sharpeners together with the social campaign against knives in the 1950’s gave the industry a severe blow. More and more manufacturers changed jobs or went out of business and as a result, Nagao Kanakoma Knife became the only manufacturer that can use “Higonokami” trademark.

Since the founder, Komataro Nagao, started up "Hirata Knife" in Miki, Hyogo Prefecture over 100 years ago, the manufacturing skill of 5 generations of tradition and craftsmanship has developed to make us the only successor of Higonokami. Higonokami knives made by Nagao Kanekoma Knife are the one and only Higonokami brand.

Bits & Pieces Con Cerveza

Bits & Pieces Con Cerveza specializes in Latin inspired sauces, spices, and tortillas from all regions of Mexico to Chef Orlando’s home state of New Mexico. All products are vegan, vegetarian friendly, Colorado-made and Colorado Proud Certified, and all ethically sourced ingredients.

Park Hill Woodworks

David Haas Howard designs and builds unique wooden art in his Park Hill studio. He specializes in using reclaimed hardwoods for his wall art, cutting boards, tables and other interesting creations. All of his art is created using various species of reclaimed hardwoods. He fuses together the natural colors, textures and grain patterns of the woods into intricate designs. By showing the end grain of the wood, he is able to add even more complexity and depth, highlighting this amazing medium.

Misoheat Chili Paste

Miso Heat is your new go-to & all-purpose spicy condiment! Made in small batches in Denver Colorado by Chef Curtis Bell, the idea came from a craving for a spicy flavor boost for fresh ramen. It was quickly discovered that the combination of umami rich miso and six varieties of roasted peppers elevates just about any savory food and can take your meal to the next level. Hot enough for spicy lovers to crave but not too hot for your not-too-spicy-loving friends. Put it on your eggs and sandwiches, make a marinade for chicken and steaks, even add it to your pasta sauce! But most importantly, get creative. This stuff is good on everything! This product is gluten free, vegan, non-GMO, and does contain soy. Refrigerate after opening.

The Spice Guy

The Spice Guy works directly with farmers and distributors all over the World. They purposely skip countries like China and Brazil because of modern day slave practice. They visit many of their farm partners and are in constant communication to ensure that they get nothing but the best from them. From simple spices (garlic, onion, oregano, paprika, etc.) to specialty (chiles, saffron, fine salts, tellicherry peppercorns, etc.) they have access and can source almost any ingredient for you. All products are processed in the USA to ensure quality control and purity. Look no further for straight from the source ingredients for your amazing products.

John Wenzel Pottery

John Wenzel studied art at Ohio University, USC and California State College earning Bachelor and Master degrees. He opened his first Studio in Los Angeles, then one in Boulder, Colorado, and finally his current location in Louisville, Colorado. He continues to create stoneware pottery, sculptures, and tiles. Through it all, he has designed and built kilns, with his first one made of red bricks when he was 10. It was in the backyard of his family home in Lorain, Ohio. It was a crude wood/charcoal fuel pit to fire small pinch pots he made from muddy yellow clay that he dug up in the back yard. It was pure joy for him, a turning point that led to a pursuit of working in clay to the present. He shares his love of art with his spouse, Sharon, who works with fiber. Both have been successful in selling their art, and raising a family in Louisville, Colorado since 1970. Inquiries: 303-666-6307.

Zingari By Sharon Wenzel

ZINGARI are spirit friends who bring good fortune, health, joy, and wisdom to those who delight in their company.

Artist's Statement: Since childhood, I have had a natural affinity for fabric and sewing, and thoughout my adult life, fiber has been my working medium. Although I was trained in drawing, painting and design, and have enjoyed experimenting and exploring in two dimensions, I always return to the elements of fabric’s rich textures and colors, and combine them to create the best symbols that I know with which to express myself. My inclination has always been to arrange these symbols into a language of whimsy, fantasy, humor, and playfulness.

Inspiration comes from many sources, including but not exclusive to, the works of Joseph Cornel, Alexander Calder, Saul Steinberg, Paul Klee, Lori Anderson, and the worlds of animation and the Circus, which bring to light zaniness and absurdity.

The greatest influence on my current work comes from my love for the Folk Arts of all cultures. Primitive Art is imbued with a genuine affection for the materials, and a directness of message. I find guidance from its legacy and look forward with great anticipation to creating new works with fabrics and other “oddments” that together, bring fun and humor into our complex “technocratic" lives.