Description
Koji Hara: Japan’s Master of Custom Knife Artistry
Koji Hara stands as one of Japan’s most respected custom knife makers and designers, known for creating pieces that capture the spirit and soul of Japanese craftsmanship.
Since starting his journey of custom knife making in 1988, Koji Hara has carved out a reputation for his breathtakingly detailed work and his dedication to artistic excellence.
His knives are more than tools—they’re works of art, each one crafted with an extraordinary level of care and a touch of Japan’s traditional aesthetic.
Each knife is a reflection of Japan’s rich cultural heritage, carrying with it a sense of timelessness and artistry that sets his work apart.
Koji Hara & the "Air Step" Award Story
In 1998, Custom Knife Maker Koji Hara received the "Most Innovative Design" Award at the prestigious East Coast Custom Knife Show in New York, recognizing his groundbreaking work on a custom folding knife featuring his original "Air Step" technique. This award marked a significant milestone in Koji Hara's career, as it brought international recognition to his unique design philosophy and exceptional craftsmanship. The "Air Step" technique—Koji Hara’s signature innovation—involves meticulously carving the handle material in layered steps to create a striking three-dimensional effect. This approach not only enhances the visual elegance of each knife but also demonstrates a seamless fusion of function and artistry, qualities that define Koji Hara’s most celebrated works.
In 2024, we commissioned Master Koji Hara to create a new custom knife inspired by his iconic Air Step design.
As you may know, over the past 30 years, the knife market—and the design preferences within it—have evolved dramatically. Throughout his decades-long journey as a custom knifemaker, Koji Hara has continuously gathered inspiration, wisdom, new techniques, and experience.
The result of this incredible journey is a knife that beautifully fuses modern design, classical elegance, and the refined skills Koji has honed over a lifetime. Today we are proud to introduce Koji Hara New Masterpiece.
Koji Hara KH-590 Koji's Tanto "Air Step - 2025"
This exquisite Custom Knife represents the culmination of Koji Hara’s 76 years of life and craftsmanship — a one-of-a-kind creation that fuses elegance, tradition, and innovation. As one of Japan’s most revered custom knifemakers, Koji Hara brings his signature "Air Step" technique to this refined piece, which evokes both Japanese cultural motifs and modern slimline form.
The blade, made from Solid Cowry X Powdered High-Speed Tool Steel (HRC 63), is a prime example of the Japanese traditional Tanto blade. Perfectly Mirror Polished Cowry X Mono-Steel has 6mm Spine thickness, which makes sense of solidity and sturdiness. The graceful, flowing curves of the upswept and dynamic Tanto blade harmonize a powerful edge with elegant lines. The Hilt and Butt feature 316 stainless steel elements carved with Air Step Design and technique. The Main Handle Material is made from distinctive Red Coral which brings the natural and traditional modern taste for Koji's Tanto.
Both the Tang, Blade Choil and Blade Spine have been meticulously sculpted to complement the Air Step design, reflecting Koji Hara’s latest and most refined design sensibilities and thoughtful craftsmanship.
When we requested Koji Hara to create a custom knife with the Air Step design in 2024, our intention was to revive his memorable early collections. However, now in 2025, after Koji Hara has just finished this new masterpiece, we are truly impressed by his creation. At 76 years old, one of Japan’s most experienced and talented custom knife makers, Koji Hara has dedicated all his energy and time to creating his finest masterpieces, featuring the Air Step design motif. This is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind piece, which Koji Hara can create only a single piece in the globe.
Koji's Tanto, Solid Cowry X Blade in 6mm thick, 150mm blade, 118mm handle, 268mm overall, weight 301g
Specification
Knife Model: Koji Hara KH-590 Koji's Tanto "Air Step - 2025"
Blade Material: Perfectly Mirror Polished, Solid Cowry X Blade
Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 63
Handle Material: Custom "Air Step Design and Techniques" Red-Coral Handle
Overall Length: 268mm
Blade Length: 150mm
Blade Thickness: 6mm
Weight: 301g
