Makoto Tadokoro started his training as a knife sharpener at age 15, he now has 30 years’ experience and is considered one of the best sharpeners in Japan. He does not forge his blades, that is done by smiths such as Satoshi Nakagawa, but takes them through 30-40 different sharpening stages. In Japan it is said the sharpener not the blacksmith decides if the knife is good. Makoto Tadokoro’s knives have a very high fit & finish and are some of the best in Japan.