Ryoma Kurosan

Ryoma Kurosan – Japanese Excellence Between Tradition and Modernity

Ryoma Kurosan is the second kitchen knife collection from the Ryoma brand. Designed for both professionals and home cooks, this new range has a clear ambition: to push the boundaries of artisanal cutlery by blending technical precision, tradition, and contemporary design.

A Black-Forged Blade Enhanced by a Striking "Hamon" Pattern

The blade of Ryoma Kurosan knives features the raw, black-forged look typical of handcrafted blades on its upper section. It is further enhanced with a hammered finish, commonly known as Tsuchime in Japan. Both aesthetic and functional, the hammered texture reduces food adhesion during slicing by creating small air pockets—particularly effective with water-rich foods like vegetables.

The core of the blade is crafted from high-carbon Japanese Damascus steel, recognizable by its layered, wavy patterns known as hamon. This ancestral technique is difficult to achieve and serves as a true signature of our craftsmanship.

The hamon pattern, inspired by traditional samurai swords, is a sinuous line near the edge of the blade. More than a decorative element, it represents historical and technical mastery, a nod to the expertise of both ancient and modern blacksmiths. It gives the blade a distinct, almost sculptural character.

A Traditional Walnut Wood Handle

Each blade is hand-mounted onto a traditional Japanese octagonal handle, carved from natural walnut wood. This noble material is prized for its resistance to moisture, durability, and elegant deep grain, ranging from warm brown to chocolate hues.

The octagonal shape ensures a stable, comfortable grip suitable for both right- and left-handed users. It offers optimal control, especially during long or repetitive cutting sessions.

Traditional Assembly & Hand Sharpening

The handle is constructed with a partial tang: the blade is inserted into the wood and securely sealed to ensure a perfect balance between lightness, strength, and stability. Each blade is hand-sharpened at the end of production to guarantee flawless cutting performance.

Kurosan – The Black Man

The name "Kurosan" literally means “man in black” in Japanese. It pays tribute to the historical figure Yasuke, an African slave who rose to serve the renowned daimyo Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century. Yasuke’s mysterious and legendary story perfectly embodies the spirit of our range: powerful, unique, and rich in symbolism.

Care & Storage

Each knife comes in a silver-grey storage box—perfect for keeping it safe from kitchen splashes and humidity, or for gifting.

Maintenance is simple: rinse with water and dry immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid the dishwasher to preserve the quality of both blade and handle.

To maintain a razor-sharp edge, we recommend using sharpening stones. Honing rods and manual sharpeners can be used occasionally, but only a whetstone truly sharpens by removing material and reshaping the edge. Start with a #1000 grit for regular upkeep and move to finer grits as needed.

You’ll find our full selection of sharpening stones in the dedicated section on our website.