In Anseong, south of Seoul, one forge has been working since 1845. Master Shin In-Young apprenticed there at 13, became a master at 17, and today shapes kitchen knives and garden tools from recycled railroad rail, quenched in water and fitted to chestnut or oak handles shade-dried for years. Nothing is stamped or polished away: forge marks stay on the steel, and every piece darkens into its own patina.
Explore the Collection
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.
Living With Carbon Steel
Treat it like a cast-iron pan: rinse, dry right away, a drop of oil now and then, never the dishwasher. A whetstone every couple of years keeps the edge.
At a glance: Anseong, South Korea · forge founded 1845 · Master Shin In-Young, Gyeonggi Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 60 (2016) · recycled railroad rail, water-quenched · ironwork for the Sungnyemun gate restoration (2009–2013).
Questions We Hear Most
What makes Master Shin’s Anvil different from other Korean knives?
Each piece is forged by hand by Master Shin In-Young in a workshop founded in 1845, and handles carry the shop’s burned-in X, a mark earlier masters reserved for their best steel. The steel band where blade meets handle, the daenggi, is shaped as a decorative detail in its own right.
How do Master Shin’s Anvil tools age?
Carbon steel darkens with use into a patina that is unique to each piece. Dry it after use and give it a drop of oil now and then, and it lasts for decades.
Which Master Shin’s Anvil piece makes the best gift?
For a cook, the #59 paring knife or the #62 kitchen knife; for a host, the carving set with its leather pouch; for a gardener, the #69 trowel or #71 hand fork.
Where are Master Shin’s Anvil pieces made?
In Anseong, South Korea, in the blacksmith shop the maker dates to 1845. We ship new pieces from the United States within 2–3 business days.
Is Master Shin’s Anvil steel recycled?
According to the maker, the workshop has used recycled railroad rail for over a century, quenches its blades with water only and packs in recyclable paper.
