Doi Blue #2 Yanagi 300mm Mirror Ebony

Doi Blue #2 Yanagi 300mm Mirror Ebony. Blacksmith Itsuo Doi is rapidly becoming one of the most respected knife makers in Sakai City. His father, Keijiro Doi, casts a giant shadow when it comes to knife making. He is regarded as one of the all-time greats of the last century. Following in the footsteps of such a master is a hard task, but the blades being forged by Itsuo-san reveal all of the exceptional attributes of his father.

The beautiful yanagiba featured here is made under the Sakai Takayuki brand umbrella. Like all knives made in this famous knife city, it is worked on by several specialist artisans to arrive at the finished product. Blacksmith Doi makes the knife from Aogami #2 carbon steel. This was one of his father’s favorite alloys to work and the son has taken all he learned and put it to great use. The soft iron cladding will require care in use. It is beautifully finished with a lovely satin look on the lower blade road which contrasts perfectly with the polished edge steel, emphasizing the shinogi.

The fit and finish of the knife is exemplary, as one would expect from this maker. Considering the craftsmanship, quality of materials, outstanding grinds, and fit and finish, the Doi Mirror Blue #2 Yanagiba 300mm could actually be considered a bit of a bargain!

Brand: Takayuki

Location: Sakai, Japan

Blacksmith: Itsuo Doi

Construction: Japanese Traditional Single Bevel Grind, Hammer Forged

Cladding: Soft Iron

Finish: Mirror Polish

Edge Steel: Blue #2

Weight: 8.3 ounces

Blade Length: 290 mm

Total Length: 455 mm

Spine Thickness at Base: 4.6 mm

Blade Height: 35.0 mm

Handle: Ebony Octagonal

Ferrule: Black Buffalo Horn