The 240mm wa gyuto is the most capable format in the Saji Rainbow Damascus line - 250mm of actual blade length, 51mm of height, and the rosewood octagonal handle that shifts balance toward the blade for a more forward-weighted feel than the western ironwood versions. At this size the knife handles proteins, large vegetables, and extended prep sessions with genuine authority. The 50/50 symmetrical grind suits both right and left-handed cooks and the blade height gives solid knuckle clearance through the full stroke.
Takeshi Saji builds these in Takefu City, Echizen, using a Hitachi Blue #2 (Aogami #2) carbon steel core hammer-forged in san mai construction with alternating layers of rust-resistant stainless steel, brass, and copper. The interaction between those metals under hammer creates the multi-colored pattern - shifting copper tones, brass highlights, and steel gray across the blade road - that makes this line visually unlike anything else in the catalog. Saji is a third-generation blacksmith and certified Traditional Masters Craftsman who built his reputation in outdoor knives before moving to kitchen cutlery, and the aesthetic rigor of that background shows in every knife he makes. Please note that fine machining marks are visible on these blades - this is part of the finish and consistent across the line.
Care Instructions: The Blue #2 core is reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. Wipe and dry immediately after each use. Avoid acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The stainless cladding is low maintenance.
Takeshi Saji builds these in Takefu City, Echizen, using a Hitachi Blue #2 (Aogami #2) carbon steel core hammer-forged in san mai construction with alternating layers of rust-resistant stainless steel, brass, and copper. The interaction between those metals under hammer creates the multi-colored pattern - shifting copper tones, brass highlights, and steel gray across the blade road - that makes this line visually unlike anything else in the catalog. Saji is a third-generation blacksmith and certified Traditional Masters Craftsman who built his reputation in outdoor knives before moving to kitchen cutlery, and the aesthetic rigor of that background shows in every knife he makes. Please note that fine machining marks are visible on these blades - this is part of the finish and consistent across the line.
Care Instructions: The Blue #2 core is reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. Wipe and dry immediately after each use. Avoid acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The stainless cladding is low maintenance.
- 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: Wa Octagonal Rosewood
- Weight: 7.4 oz (210 g)
- Blade Length: 250mm
- Total Length: 405mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 51mm
