Michi Hamono Hook Carving Knife – Aogami #2 Steel, 160 mm

Michi Hamono Hook Carving Knife – Aogami #2 Steel, 160 mm

$85.00

Hook carving knife by Michi Hamono for precise spoon and bowl hollowing. Aogami No.2 laminated steel holds a fine edge, while the compact 160 mm form and zelkova handle give secure control. Dispatched from Perth across Australia with careful packing for makers and carvers.

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and support for exchanges or repairs when needed. Read the full policy here.

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We dispatch every weekday from Perth.
Orders over $250 ship FREE over $100 for our local legends.
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Description

Control and clean cuts for spoon bowls and hollows


Made in Miki, Hyogo and shipped from Perth, this Michi Hamono hook knife is designed for spoon carving, small bowls, and tight hollows. The short, curved blade offers precision for pull cuts and controlled hollowing, whether you carve at the bench or outdoors.


Forged from Aogami No.2 laminated steel, it combines fine edge retention with easy maintenance. The small-radius hook focuses the cut for smooth surface shaping, while the zelkova hardwood handle provides a secure, palm-filling grip for stable thumb-assisted strokes. Each knife includes a fitted blade cap for safe storage.


After carving, wipe the blade clean and dry fully. Maintain sharpness with regular stropping and touch up on waterstones only when necessary. Explore matching profiles in our Japanese Carving Knives collection or expand your setup with Japanese Woodworking Tools. Shipped Australia-wide from Perth.

Tip: Use steady pull cuts guided by your thumb on the spine to control depth and avoid chatter when working tight curves.

Specifications
  • Overall length: 160 mm
  • Blade length: ~50–60 mm
  • Blade width: 15–9 mm
  • Blade thickness: ~2 mm
  • Steel: Aogami Blue No.2 laminated
  • Handle: Zelkova hardwood, oval palm grip
  • Tang: Hidden tang construction
  • Accessory: Includes fitted leather protective cap
Maintenance

Wipe clean after each session and dry thoroughly. Strop on leather or fine compound to maintain sharpness. Re-sharpen on a medium or fine waterstone only when stropping no longer restores the edge. Store dry with blade cap in place.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hook radius used for?

A small radius focuses the cut for spoon bowls and tight hollows, allowing precise material removal with controlled pull strokes and clean surfaces.

Is the steel hard to sharpen?

No. Aogami No.2 steel takes a keen edge and responds well to stropping. Refresh on waterstones only when stropping no longer restores sharpness.

Does it come with a blade cover?

Yes. Each knife includes a fitted protective cap for safe storage and transport.

Can I carve both green and seasoned wood?

Yes. Green wood carves more easily. For seasoned wood, take lighter passes and strop more often to maintain a crisp edge.

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Michi Hamono Hook Carving Knife – Aogami #2 Steel, 160 mm East-West Tools

Introducing

Michi Hamono - Miki, Hyogo

Michi Hamono is a carving knife maker from Miki, Hyogo, a city with deep roots in blade work. The workshop shifted from agricultural sickles to specialist carving tools as craft needs evolved, building a range trusted by students and professionals for control, sharpness, and consistent finish.

Each hook knife focuses on handling and edge quality. Careful heat treatment of Aogami No.2 delivers keen bite, while shaped hardwood handles support stable pull cuts. The compact form suits close work, making it a dependable piece in a carver’s everyday kit.

Explore Japanese Carving Knives

What Sets Our Tools Apart

Built for tight hollows

The compact 160 mm format and small hook radius give confident control inside spoon bowls and small dishes. Guide the spine with your thumb for safe depth control and clean surfaces. The oval zelkova handle seats naturally in the palm so you can work longer with steadier pulls.

Aogami No.2 edge

Aogami No.2 laminated steel takes a fine edge and keeps working. Strop to maintain bite between sessions and reset on stones only when needed. The steel’s wear resistance reduces downtime, which matters when shaping curves where consistent sharpness shows in the finish.

Workshop ready from Perth

Each knife includes a blade cap for transport and storage. After carving, wipe clean and dry. Store lightly oiled if not used for a while. Ships from Perth across Australia, and pairs well with straight profiles and chisels in our Japanese Woodworking Tools range.

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