Sanjo Industry

  It is said that in the beginning of the Taisho period (1912 - ) Kuriyama Kyusaku and Imai Sakutaro whom were metal kettle handle makers, both recieved End-cutter pliers from a merchant whom has been to the Kansai region (around Osaka). They both begain attempting to replicate the Kuikiri (End-cutter plier) thus the beginning of Kuikiri production in Sanjo.

  From the two pioneers, their siblings and pupils became independent blacksmiths and the two blacksmithing styles continued to further their research and hone their skill and this has continued even to the present day. During the same period, there are reports of another school of End-cutter plier smiths, but they no longer exist today. Presently throughout Japan, Sanjo may be the only location which forges End-cutter pliers from traditional methods.

  With the introduction of pair of pliers and nippers after the Second World War, Japanese Kuikiris were soon called End-cutter pliers, and through many stamp forging and press proces, they are now manufactured for export.