Doi Mirror Blue #2 Yanagiba 270mm

Blacksmith Itsuo Doi makes some of the most beautiful knives we carry. His attention to detail in every regard of design and execution is exceptional. Growing up with a father as famous as his will either make you or break you, but is very obvious that Itsuo-san has learned well and used those experiences to great effect. His creations stand tall against those of his illustrious father. The new Mirror Blue #2 line of knives is a testament to the years of hard work that he has put into his craft.

This stunning knife is hand-fashioned from Blue Paper #2 steel with a ni-mai awase cladding (a single-sided layer of iron). Doi-san is recognized as one of the masters of this steel. He hardens the core to approximately 61 Rockwell. The blade is single-beveled and features some beautiful hand chiseled kanji script on the front side. The grind is a lovely single bevel from the shinogi line to the edge. The blade face above the shinogi is mirror polished to a high level. The blade path is given a satin finish from the shinogi to the exposed Blue #2 edge where it is again given a high polish. Talk about a looker! This knife is simply beautiful in every way.

Fit and finish echo the care and attention to detail evident in every aspect of this fine instrument. Yanagiba knives are the most recognized and admired of all the Japanese kitchen knife genres. This classic example pays homage to the breed and the father who taught his son the art and science of the blacksmithing to perfection.

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: 7.2 ounces

Blade Length: 265 mm

Total Length: 422 mm

Spine Thickness at Base: 4.4 mm

Blade Height: 34.3 mm