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-560 Koji Damascus Tanto "Air Step - Cross Road 2025"
This exquisite Custom Folding 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 is hammer-forged from SPG-2 Nickel Damascus Steel and shaped in a Short-Tanto style, harmonizing a powerful edge with graceful lines. The handle features 316 stainless steel elements carved with Air Step Design and technique, and Bamboo motif Gold or Black lip MOP Elegant slimline with Black lip MOP thumbstud,
Both the liner lock plate and the backspacer have been meticulously sculpted to complement the Air Step design, reflecting Koji Hara’s latest and most refined design sensibilities and thoughtful craftsmanship.
Koji's Hammer Forged Mirror Polished SPG-2 Nickel Damascus Blade in 3mm thick, 70mm blade, 105mm handle, 175mm overall, weight 120g
Specification
Knife Model: Koji Hara KH-560 Koji Damascus Tanto "Air Step - Cross Road 2025"
Blade Material: Koji's Hammer Forged Mirror Polished SPG-2 Nickel Damascus Blade
Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 62
Handle Material: 316 Stainless steel elements carved with Air Step Design and technique, and Bamboo motif Gold or Black lip MOP Elegant slimline with Black lip MOP thumbstud,
Overall Length: 175mm
Blade Length: 70mm
Blade Thickness: 3mm
Weight: 120g
