Sadao Nishihara is a renowned knife handle maker in Japan. His wood handles, using finest quality ironwood, birch wood or cherry wood, have known to be one of the most ergonomic and beautifully crafted knife handles in Japan. Mr. Sadao, aged over 80, has now retired, and have been making a very limited small number of handles each year for Kato Yoshimi due to their close relationship. His handle makes this knife a highly collectable and sought after item.