Introducing swordsmith Masashige Kudoh. On our last visit in Japan (2025) we visited the forgery and home of Masashige Kudoh in Kiryu, Gunma prefecture. Our visit to Kudoh-san’s swordsmith workshop was a humbling and memorable experience.
Kudoh-san generously demonstrated parts of the forging process, like folding tamahagane and shaping the blade. His focus and precision stood out, not a single blow or energy was wasted. Watching him work was like watching a chess game with 100% accuracy. It was clear how much skill and experience go into each step.
The craftsmanship in his swords was astounding. The polish, the shape, the detail, each element was executed with incredible perfection. Seeing one of his swords up close as impressive as inspiring, to chase and achieve such a level of perfection is remarkable.
Kudoh san’s creativity drives him to other projects next to his sword making. He has been experimenting with numerous items such as Kiridashi, paperknives and even kitchen knives to perfect his skills while using swordsmithing techniques.
We are extremely proud to be the first one to receive a very special Kiridashi from him. I have decided to keep it in the store (for now) to showcase his work and share his story. In the future we will receive more items by his making.
Masashige Kudoh (birth name: Yoshihiro Kudo) was born in 1976 in Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture, and raised in Iruma, Saitama. He discovered swordsmithing in high school and was inspired to pursue it immediately. While still a student, he began training under Master Swordsmith Masahira Fujiyasu in Fukushima, officially becoming an apprentice in 1995.
His graduation sword won the Effort to Sword and Newcomer Award in the Long Sword category at the 2004 NBTHK National Competition, his first time exhibiting.
In 2005, he opened the Masahira Swordsmithing Workshop in Kiryu City. He won the Excellence Award in the Long Sword category in the same year, followed by the Effort to Sword in the Short Sword category in 2006. In 2021, he again received the Excellence Award (Long Sword) and third place in Effort to Sword (Short Sword). That same year, a swordsman using his blade won first place in the 2nd and 3rd Dan Practical Division at the Japan Batto-do Federation National Tournament.
Kudoh aims to create elegant, functional swords inspired by the Heian and Kamakura periods. He also explores new methods, including his own tatara ironmaking and the use of overseas Tamahagane steel.
Detailed Spec
Brand: Masashige Kudoh 将成鍛刀場 工藤
Smith: Masashige Kudoh 工藤 将成
Producing Area: Kiryu/ Japan
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Steel: Yasuki White (Shirogami) #1, Soft Iron Clad
Total Length: 212mm
Edge Length: 53mm
Blade Thickness: 3.2mm
Handle Length: 148mm
Weight: 60g
Hand Orientation: Right-Handed
Come with Kiri Box
Update: March 24, 2025
*Please understand that all pictures on our website are made of random samples and as most products are made with natural materials by hand. The colour, appearances and even measurements can slightly vary. Please contact us if you wish to see the exact item we have on hand.
