Harutani Avis 

These knives are falsely advertised as being made in Japan. They use several "brand names" and are a fraud. The company goes to great lengths to fool customers with a legit Japanese shipping company, but the tracking # and links don't work. After digging further, I found the tracking # provided actually came from China and took over 2 months to arrive. The knife is not sharp, and who knows what chemicals they used to create the pattern on the "steel." Do NOT buy.

I wish I could do less than one star...This is a completely fraudulent company. They claim knives are made in Seki but that the makers mark is " confidential". Laughable excuse. The knives are made in China. The photos on the site are AI generated. They are running under 3 different brands that will likely change again. Masahira, Shirosuki, Harutani are all the same brand so be sure to take a look at reviews for those companies as well. Everything about them and what they claim is fake and a scam. If you are looking for a decent knife in the price range, look at MAC,Miyabi Shiro, or Miyabi Hisho

These knives are China made garbage. NOT made in Seki or Japan. No makers markings and arrive shipped from China

Handle surprised me, feels really solid.

What a fantastic knife! After decades with a classic Chinese cleaver, I wasn’t sure anything would feel right, but the Nishiki 7‑inch cleaver-style blade immediately impressed me upon opening the box. The balance and control are on another level compared to what I’ve been using. The longer Olivewood handle took a moment to adjust to, but it’s beautifully made and actually improves grip and leverage. The blade is completely smooth across its Damascus layering, as far as I know, it's not decorative etching, just clean craftsmanship from my inspection and feel. It cuts better than my old cleaver, especially with my faster chopping rhythm, and the cleaver profile makes transferring ingredients effortless. It’s gorgeous to look at and feels built for long-term use. Shipping takes a while, but that was expected with customs. Harutani delivered something special here. I’ll be recommending this knife without hesitation! Thanks again for a wonderful product, truly happy and it makes prep work in the kitchen a joy!

Wish the box was sturdier for shipping, the knife itself is great.

Drop shipped crap with AI assistance

First week I almost put it back in the box. I'm used to a lighter Western-style knife and this one felt front-heavy in a way that threw off my chopping rhythm, my wrist was sore after a couple of big prep sessions. Instead of giving up on it I started using it for smaller tasks first, mincing garlic, trimming herbs, just to get a feel for the balance. By week three something clicked and now it does most of the heavy lifting in my kitchen, the weight actually helps once you stop fighting it. I'd tell anyone switching from a lighter knife to give it more than a few days before deciding.

Efficient, does exactly what it needs to do.

I bought this as a Christmas gift for my mother-in-law, mostly because she'd mentioned wanting a better knife after using the same dull one for twenty years. I almost felt bad, it made her old knife look sad in comparison. She used it that same night to cut into a roast and kept turning it over in her hands at the table, asking where I found it. Now every time I visit she pulls it out to show whoever's cooking with her. Honestly wasn't expecting a knife to get that kind of reaction, but I get it now that I've used mine too.

Great knife, no complaints.