Master Shin’s Anvil

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009, and Master Shin’s Anvil is one of the few brands where one master’s hands are on every piece. The Anseong workshop, founded in 1845, is known as South Korea’s oldest blacksmith shop.

Shop by type

Kitchen knives: Large chef's knife · #62 medium kitchen knife · #60 small kitchen knife · #63 vegetable knife · #61 sashimi knife · #57 bread knife · #59 large paring knife · #58 small paring knife.

Carving: carving knife and fork set.

Garden hand tools: #69 hand trowel · #71 hand fork · #70 3-tine cultivator · #68 winged hoe.

Sickles: #66 sickle · #67 sickle.

Care in one minute

Hand wash, dry immediately, oil the blade lightly now and then, cut on wood and sharpen on a whetstone every two to three years. IC Design adds: no frozen food and no honing steel.

Brand facts: Workshop founded 1845 in Anseong, South Korea (known as Anseong Daejanggan). Master Shin In-Young became a master smith at 17 (1969); Anseong Intangible Local Heritage No. 1 (2011); Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 60 (2016). Restoration work on Sungnyemun (2009–2013) and the Mireuksa stone pagoda (2015). Exports to the US since 2019. Source: mastershinsanvil.com.

Frequently asked questions

Are Master Shin’s Anvil knives stainless steel?

No. They are carbon steel, which takes a keen edge and is easy to resharpen on a whetstone, but it must be dried after washing or it will rust.

Can Master Shin’s Anvil knives go in the dishwasher?

No. Wash them by hand with water or a little mild soap, dry them at once and oil the blade lightly from time to time.

Who makes Master Shin’s Anvil tools?

Master Shin In-Young, head blacksmith of the Anseong workshop founded in 1845. He became a master at 17 and was designated Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 60 in 2016.

Which Master Shin’s Anvil knife should I buy first?

For most home cooks, the #62 medium kitchen knife covers a whole recipe; add the #59 paring knife for small work. The large chef’s knife is heavy by design.

How fast do Master Shin’s Anvil orders ship?

In-stock pieces ship in 2–3 business days from the United States.