Hi all, new to the forum and was hoping I could appeal to some knowledge and investigative wisdom from more experience folks on the forum.
Last year in November I was on a two week visit to Japan and on my very last day (in Kyoto) I had a sudden urge to purchase some kitchen knives from one of the knife shops in Kyoto. Someone had recommended Hayakawa cutlery near Nishiki market to me, so I visited and picked up a Santoku and Nakiri. Very happy with the knives but unfortunately the chap at the store (the son, the owner wasn't around unfortunately) was unable to tell me the maker of the knives. I've been having a blast cooking with them, very happy with both, but I'd love to know if anyone recognizes the brand or knows enough Japanese to help translate the characters.
Some notes: both knives are medium quality (purchased for around $110 per knife). Both are double bevelled and subtly tapered towards the point and the blade edge.
I believe this is the knife maker's brand.
I suspect the left side engraving is the name of Hayakawa Cutlery
The scales are some type of cured wood but I’m not sure which.
The bolster is a decorative red resin/waxed wood of some type
The oval handle has an interesting shape to, not octagonal and not purely ovalm with a raised edge on the outside right of each knife (I assume to aid with grip)
Appreciate any help with this!
Al
Last year in November I was on a two week visit to Japan and on my very last day (in Kyoto) I had a sudden urge to purchase some kitchen knives from one of the knife shops in Kyoto. Someone had recommended Hayakawa cutlery near Nishiki market to me, so I visited and picked up a Santoku and Nakiri. Very happy with the knives but unfortunately the chap at the store (the son, the owner wasn't around unfortunately) was unable to tell me the maker of the knives. I've been having a blast cooking with them, very happy with both, but I'd love to know if anyone recognizes the brand or knows enough Japanese to help translate the characters.
Some notes: both knives are medium quality (purchased for around $110 per knife). Both are double bevelled and subtly tapered towards the point and the blade edge.
I believe this is the knife maker's brand.
I suspect the left side engraving is the name of Hayakawa Cutlery
The scales are some type of cured wood but I’m not sure which.
The bolster is a decorative red resin/waxed wood of some type
The oval handle has an interesting shape to, not octagonal and not purely ovalm with a raised edge on the outside right of each knife (I assume to aid with grip)
Appreciate any help with this!
Al
That certainly helps clear things up. 
