Itsuo Doi / Sakai Takayuki "Hienn" Aogami #2 Mirror-Finish 300mm Kiritsuke Yanagiba with Ebony Handle and Kuroishime Saya

Sakai Takayuki’s “Hienn” Kiritsuke Yanagiba is handcrafted by the renowned Sakai blacksmith Itsuo Doi, son of legendary blacksmith Keijiro Doi. Itsuo Doi is a master of single bevel traditional Japanese knives. This Takayuki "Hienn" is a great example of Doi's extraordinary hand forging, welding and grinding works. The knife is hand-sharpened and mirror-polished by renowned Sakai sharpening and polishing master Mitsuo Yamatsuka. Comes with custom-fitted Kuroishime saya

Spec:

• Origin (Made in): Sakai, Japan
• Brand: Sakai Takayuki
• Model No.: 02235
• Craftsman: Mr. Itsuo Doi 土井逸夫
• Sharpener: Mr. Mitsuo Yamatsuka 山塚 光雄
• Knife Type: Kiritsuke Yanagiba
• Blade
• Construction: Awase (Kasumi)
• Grind: Single Bevel (Right-handed)
• Hagane (Core Steel): Aogami #2 (Blue #2)
• Jigane (Cladding): Soft Iron
• Hardness: 61-62 HRC
• Hand-forged, hand-grinded, hand-sharpened
• Blade Finishes:
• Kyomen (Mirror)
• Kasumi
  
• Blade Length: 300mm (11.8")
• Blade Height (at heel): 39mm
• Spine Thickness
• Above heel: 4.3mm
• Middle: 3.6mm
• Handle
• Shape: Hachikaku (Octagonal)
• Material: Ebony
• Kuchiwa: Black Buffalo Horn
• Length: 145mm
• Overall Length: 456mm
• Weight: 289g (10.19oz)
• Engraved Mark (Front): In Japanese Kanji "Trademark Sakai Takayuki" (登録 堺孝行)
• Engraved Mark (Back): In Japanese Kanji "Sakai Takayuki Blue#2" (堺孝行 青二鋼)
• Includes Custom fitted Kuroishime Saya made by Sakai Takayuki

About Itsuo Doi 土井逸夫

Born in 1948, Itsuo Doi is the third-generation Doi blacksmith who became an apprentice under his father - the celebrated Sakai blacksmith Keijiro Doi. Having mastered the secret techniques of the Doi family, Itsuo Koi has become a master of blade-making with a focus on Aogami steels and single bevel traditional Japanese blades. Certified as a traditional craftsman in 2013, Mr. Doi makes blade primarily for Sakai Takayuki.

About Sakai Takayuki 堺 孝行

Sakai Takayuki is Sakai's top knife maker and artisan workshop. Japan's Sakai region has a knife making history of 600 years. Among these knife makers, Sakai Takayuki is a representative of Sakai's long history of making blades. The quality of the finish and details of the forging technique are handed down over generations of fine craftsmen. Today Sakai Takayuki is sold to over 100 countries around the world. Their uncompromising knife making passion has attracted passionate customers beyond the border of Japan.

Care:

Aogami #2 (Blue #2) steel is a premium Japanese high carbon steel for knife making. Despite some corrosion resistant quality (for a carbon steel), it is not stainless, therefore you should wipe your knife dry after each use. Patina will develop over time. Rust may develop if left in prolonged contact with water or acidic food. Use a rust eraser to clean if rusts develop. Avoid cutting into bones, frozen foods, hard fruit pits.

Cutting Surface:

Recommended cutting surface: wood, rubberized boards and high-end composites, and quality plastics such as polyethene make acceptable cutting surfaces, and will help protect and prolong knife’s edge. AVOID glass, metal, countertops, and other rigid, non-forgiving surfaces.

Sharpening:

We recommend sharpening all quality Japanese knives on whetstones, as we believe they yield the best results for your knives.