Between the incredible toughness of Nihei's forging, and the thicker spine he gives this blade, the Sumiiro feels very mighty to hold. ButFor the surface of the Sumiiro, Nihei employed a beautiful Kurouchi Nashiji finish- a specialty that was actually passed down to him by his Master. When it came time to name the project, it was actually at looking to this finish that Nihei found his inspiration. In Japan, the word 'Sumiiro' means "the color of India ink", as is seen in Japanese hand-painted calligraphy.

二瓶氏の鍛造技術と厚めの峰により、その力強さを感じて頂けると思います。 平 (ひら) の仕上げは師匠から受け継ぎ、独自の改良を加えた”黒打梨地”です。 「墨色」と名付けられたのは、二瓶氏がその仕上がりが墨の色に似ていることに気付いたことがきっかけでした。

A craftsman from the Fukushima Prefecture, Nihei trained for years in Sanjo to develop his skills. As is customary from that region, this means Nihei is responsible for all the forging, sharpening, and engraving on his knives. At that time, when he and Kosuke first met, Nihei was introduced by his Master as a promising up-and-coming talent. Working with him now as a part of Konosuke, it is great to see his Master's trust was well placed. His attention to detail; his passion to improve; and his desire for knowledge all show through in his work to extraordinary effect.

二瓶氏は福島県の鍛冶職人ですが、数年間三条市に通い、そこでの研修を重ねました。 三条の慣習に従い、鍛造・研ぎ・切銘の全工程をご自身でこなします。当時僕たちが初めて会った時は、師匠から『今後有望な若手職人』と紹介されました。 今、二瓶氏から継続的に包丁を受け取る中で、師匠の言葉は本当だったと感じています。 細部に至るこだわり、品質向上にかける思いなど、常に高みを目指して日々精進されています。