TOJIRO (藤次郎)
Professional Japanese knives from Tsubame-Sanjo. VG10, Damascus, built to last.
Founded in 1953 in Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata — Japan's foremost hub for precision metalwork — TOJIRO has spent over 70 years perfecting the art of the kitchen knife. Their DP series (VG10 cobalt alloy steel clad with 13-chrome stainless) is among the most respected knife lines in professional kitchens worldwide. From the classic DP Gyutou to multi-layer Damascus and blackened blade models, every knife is made entirely in-house in Tsubame-Sanjo.
PROFILE Company & Brand Story
Founded in 1953, TOJIRO has grown from a small Tsubame-Sanjo forge into one of Japan's leading knife manufacturers — producing every step of the process in-house, from raw steel selection to final edge-finishing. Their vertically integrated production in Niigata's metalworking heartland means consistent quality and tight control over every blade that leaves the factory.
The DP series — with its VG10 cobalt alloy core clad in 13-chrome stainless — became TOJIRO's defining product and remains a global benchmark for professional-quality, rust-resistant knives at an accessible price. Beyond DP, TOJIRO produces Damascus multi-layer blades, black-oxide treated knives (Senkou series), and color-coded antimicrobial handles for commercial kitchens.
TOJIRO's KNIFE GALLERY and OPEN FACTORY facility in Tsubame-Sanjo is open to visitors — a rare chance to see Japanese knife manufacturing up close, try knives before buying, get custom engraving, and have blades re-sharpened on site. Gallery locations in Tokyo (Asakusa/Kappabashi) and Osaka (Namba) bring the TOJIRO experience to urban cooks.
VG10 Cobalt Alloy Steel — The DP Standard
TOJIRO's DP series uses a VG10 cobalt alloy core clad in 13-chrome stainless steel. VG10 holds a sharper edge than standard stainless and resists corrosion without the brittleness of high-carbon steel — the defining balance for a professional kitchen knife.
Fully Made in Tsubame-Sanjo
From steel procurement to final sharpening, every TOJIRO knife is manufactured within their Tsubame-Sanjo facility. No outsourced steps, no imported components — just controlled, consistent production in the city that defines Japanese metalworking.
KNIFE GALLERY & OPEN FACTORY
TOJIRO's Tsubame-Sanjo facility is open to the public: watch the manufacturing process, test knives in person, commission custom engraving, and get professional re-sharpening. A genuine knife enthusiast destination in the heart of Niigata.
PRODUCTS Featured Products & Services
TOJIRO DP Gyutou — VG10, IH Compatible Handle, Made in Japan
The DP series chef's knife (gyutou) — TOJIRO's most iconic product. VG10 cobalt alloy core clad in stainless, with a western-style handle. Available in 180mm, 210mm, and 240mm. The standard by which many professional stainless knives are measured.
View DetailsTOJIRO DP Santoku — VG10, Made in Japan
The DP santoku — a versatile all-purpose knife suited to the Japanese kitchen. The same VG10 clad construction as the gyutou, in a shorter, lighter form ideal for home cooks. Available in 170mm.
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