Takeshi Saji is a third-generation blacksmith working in Takefu City in Echizen, one of Japan dedicated blade-making regions and home to some of the most accomplished smiths in the country. He built his original reputation producing outdoor and hunting knives before turning his attention to kitchen cutlery, and the precision and aesthetic discipline he developed in that work carries directly into every kitchen knife he makes. He holds the title of certified Traditional Masters Craftsman - a recognition that reflects both the quality of his output and his mastery of the techniques behind it.
The Rainbow Damascus line is Saji most visually distinctive work. Each blade is built around a core of Hitachi Blue #2 (Aogami #2) carbon steel, hammer-forged in san mai style with alternating layers of rust-resistant stainless steel, brass, and copper. The combination of those metals produces the multi-colored pattern on the blade road - warm copper tones shifting through brass into steel gray, with a depth that changes in different lighting conditions. At 154mm blade length and 35mm height this petty is nicely proportioned - tall enough for knuckle clearance, with a well-pointed tip that makes it nimble for in-hand work. The ironwood western handle is dense, stable, and visually striking alongside the Damascus blade road. A knife that can genuinely become an heirloom.
Care Instructions: The Blue #2 core at the edge is reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The stainless cladding on the blade road is low maintenance - the edge is what needs attention. Please note that fine machining marks are present on these blades as part of the finish.
The Rainbow Damascus line is Saji most visually distinctive work. Each blade is built around a core of Hitachi Blue #2 (Aogami #2) carbon steel, hammer-forged in san mai style with alternating layers of rust-resistant stainless steel, brass, and copper. The combination of those metals produces the multi-colored pattern on the blade road - warm copper tones shifting through brass into steel gray, with a depth that changes in different lighting conditions. At 154mm blade length and 35mm height this petty is nicely proportioned - tall enough for knuckle clearance, with a well-pointed tip that makes it nimble for in-hand work. The ironwood western handle is dense, stable, and visually striking alongside the Damascus blade road. A knife that can genuinely become an heirloom.
Care Instructions: The Blue #2 core at the edge is reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The stainless cladding on the blade road is low maintenance - the edge is what needs attention. Please note that fine machining marks are present on these blades as part of the finish.
- Blacksmith: Takeshi Saji
- Location: Takefu City, Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2)
- Cladding: Hammer Rainbow Damascus (Stainless, Brass, Copper)
- HRC: 62-63
- Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
- Engraving: Laser Engraved
- Handle: Western Ironwood
- Weight: 5.3 oz (150 g)
- Blade Length: 154mm
- Total Length: 273mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2mm
- Blade Height: 35mm
