Both Nakagawa and Shimizu are well-known names in the knife world. Satoshi Nakagawa has a family of four children and is based in Sakai, Osaka. He became a master blade smith "Togishi" (研ぎ師) at a very young age, which is quite unique. In Japan, it is very common not to disclose the names of one’s teachers, which adds an element of mystery. He is especially known for his forging speed and his technique for heat-treatment process.

For this series, he collaborates with Shimizu, but he also works together with Morihiro, Myojin, and Tanaka. Shimizu is also a young craftsman and started working independently in 2025. . We know that both have followed a traditional apprenticeship path in Sakai, Osaka. Shimizu is known for the flawless grinding of single-bevel knives such as yanagiba, usuba, and kiritsuke. This is reflected in the crisp shinogi line and the beautifully finished ura (hollow back). Shimizu’s future goal is to also excel in double-bevel knives. Together, they represent a new generation of knife makers who have made a name for themselves in a short period of time.