Enkyu

Enkyu (猿九) is an original high-end Japanese knife brand produced by the knife workshop CRAFT36 in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. The brand currently offers two main lines: the Atsumori (敦盛) series, featuring Western-style handles with bolsters, and the Homuragumo (焔雲) series, fitted with traditional Japanese octagonal handles.

From blade patterns and sharpening to fine finishing details and steel selection, every aspect of each knife is crafted with meticulous attention to quality.

Please find videos of the crafting process and detailed information about Enkyu knives in the sections below the product list on this page.

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Videos of the Making Process

Key Features of Enkyu Knives

Craftsmanship Philosophy

Enkyu knives are designed first and foremost as professional culinary tools. While visually striking, performance and usability always take priority.

A knife is a sacred tool that carries ingredients from one life to the next. With this belief, each Enkyu knife is crafted carefully and sincerely, one by one.

Knife making process at Craft36 workshop

Manufacturing Process

Machine grinding can introduce heat that reduces steel hardness in invisible ways. To avoid this, Enkyu knives are shaped and refined entirely by hand using water stones.

This approach preserves the steel’s full potential and allows precise control throughout the blade.

Blade Geometry & Edge Grinding

The cutting edge is ground extremely thin and finished with a subtle convex (hamaguri) profile, balancing sharpness with durability.

Although the blade spine measures 3 mm for strength, the blade is progressively thinned toward the tip, resulting in excellent balance without a forward-heavy feel.

Steel Selection

Enkyu knives use Super Gold 2 (SG2) powdered high-speed steel as the core, clad in 65 layers of stainless Damascus steel.

  • Hardness: HRC 62
  • Excellent toughness and wear resistance
  • High corrosion resistance

This steel represents the highest tier of modern knife materials.

Enkyu knives crafted at Craft36 workshop

Damascus Pattern

The multi-layered construction creates a three-dimensional wave pattern that enhances both food release and visual depth.

Each blade displays a unique pattern, and the raised etching ensures it will not fade with use.

Blade Finish & Detailing

The spine and heel are carefully rounded to remain comfortable even when used with wet hands.

A refined stainless finish improves resistance to rust and supports excellent hygiene.

Bolster Construction

In bolster-equipped mirror-finish models, the blade and bolster are welded into a single integrated structure. This eliminates gaps where debris could collect and improves hygiene.

The hand-centered balance further enhances control and reduces fatigue.

Handle Design

Handles are shaped for comfort and stability, allowing precise control during extended use.

Double-scale handles are secured with Japanese stainless steel screws rather than rivets, ensuring a firm attachment that will not loosen over time.