For over 30 years, Hideo Kitaoka has been making high-end Japanese knives from his small shop in Takefu Village, Echizen, Fukui Prefecture. He is known for his beautiful, skillful use of the suminagashi cladding technique, and this 270mm kiritsuke - the largest in the Damascus White #1 line - shows that skill clearly.
This is a completely handmade knife, with the core built from Shirogami #1 steel and a multilayer cladding of soft carbon steel that forms a beautiful Damascus pattern while enhancing strength and durability. Hardened to 63-64 HRC, the blade carries a 12-layer cladding of softer carbon steel applied in a stunning Damascus finish. Traditional kiritsuke knives are sharpened on one side only, with the reverse side featuring a slight concave profile - because the edge is sharpened on the left side of the blade, this knife suits right-handed users only. The shape and size give a kiritsuke its dual personality, working like an usuba for vegetables or a yanagiba for raw fish, though the skill required to use one effectively means they are usually reserved for executive chefs in Japanese kitchens. The blade is finished with a traditional octagonal sandalwood handle and black pakka wood ferrule.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer calls it absolutely beautiful, a genuine work of art that redefines what sharp means to him - he also praises the overall CKTG experience, from service and knowledge to pricing and expedited shipping, and says he has recommended the shop to friends. A second reviewer agrees the knife and finish are beautiful, but notes it needed some attention on the stones to reach full sharpness - once properly sharpened and stropped, he calls it a genuine thing of beauty.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a highly reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use - this is normal and helps protect the steel. Hand wash only and dry immediately after use. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and twisting cuts. Use wooden or rubber cutting boards. Store carefully in a saya or blade guard when not in use. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
This is a completely handmade knife, with the core built from Shirogami #1 steel and a multilayer cladding of soft carbon steel that forms a beautiful Damascus pattern while enhancing strength and durability. Hardened to 63-64 HRC, the blade carries a 12-layer cladding of softer carbon steel applied in a stunning Damascus finish. Traditional kiritsuke knives are sharpened on one side only, with the reverse side featuring a slight concave profile - because the edge is sharpened on the left side of the blade, this knife suits right-handed users only. The shape and size give a kiritsuke its dual personality, working like an usuba for vegetables or a yanagiba for raw fish, though the skill required to use one effectively means they are usually reserved for executive chefs in Japanese kitchens. The blade is finished with a traditional octagonal sandalwood handle and black pakka wood ferrule.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer calls it absolutely beautiful, a genuine work of art that redefines what sharp means to him - he also praises the overall CKTG experience, from service and knowledge to pricing and expedited shipping, and says he has recommended the shop to friends. A second reviewer agrees the knife and finish are beautiful, but notes it needed some attention on the stones to reach full sharpness - once properly sharpened and stropped, he calls it a genuine thing of beauty.
Care Instructions: White #1 is a highly reactive carbon steel and will develop a natural patina with use - this is normal and helps protect the steel. Hand wash only and dry immediately after use. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and twisting cuts. Use wooden or rubber cutting boards. Store carefully in a saya or blade guard when not in use. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
- Blacksmith: Hideo Kitaoka
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Cladding: Carbon Steel Damascus (12-Layer)
- Edge Steel: White #1
- HRC: 63-64
- Grind: One-Sided Traditional, Right-Handed
- Handle: Sandalwood Octagonal
- Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
- Engraving: Hand Engraved
- Weight: 7.1 oz (202 g)
- Blade Length: 259mm
- Total Length: 414mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 4mm
- Blade Height: 36mm
- Please Note: We only ship Kitaoka knives within the USA
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Kitaokasumi-Kiritsuke270Posted By: Jeff - verified customer
6 people found this review helpful
Absolutely beautiful. What a work of art. Gives a new meaning to sharp.
The service and knowledge, the price compared to other sites, the expedited shipping, the overall experience, it was 10 star. I have recommended CHEFSKNIVESTOGO to friends and will purchase again from them.
6 people found this review helpful
Absolutely beautiful. What a work of art. Gives a new meaning to sharp.
The service and knowledge, the price compared to other sites, the expedited shipping, the overall experience, it was 10 star. I have recommended CHEFSKNIVESTOGO to friends and will purchase again from them.
