Blue #2 (Aogami #2) is the steel at the heart of the Saji Rainbow Damascus line - a Hitachi carbon steel known for its fine grain structure, excellent edge retention, and responsiveness to sharpening. Around that core Takeshi Saji builds something unlike any other knife in the catalog: a hammer-forged san mai construction with alternating layers of rust-resistant stainless steel, brass, and copper that produce the multi-colored pattern the line is named for. Warm copper tones, brass highlights, and steel gray shifting across the blade road - the pattern changes with the light and deepens over time.
Takeshi Saji is a third-generation blacksmith in Takefu City, Echizen, who built his original reputation as a maker of high-end outdoor knives before turning his craft to kitchen cutlery. He holds the title of certified Traditional Masters Craftsman. The gyuto at 209mm blade length is the all-purpose chef knife format - long enough for slicing proteins and breaking down large vegetables, with a 48mm blade height that gives solid board presence and knuckle clearance. The 50/50 symmetrical grind suits both right and left-handed cooks. The western ironwood handle is dense, stable, and pairs visually with the Damascus blade road in a way few knives at any price point can match.
Care Instructions: The Blue #2 core is reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. Wipe and dry immediately after use. Avoid acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The stainless cladding is low maintenance. Fine machining marks are present on these blades as part of the finish.
Takeshi Saji is a third-generation blacksmith in Takefu City, Echizen, who built his original reputation as a maker of high-end outdoor knives before turning his craft to kitchen cutlery. He holds the title of certified Traditional Masters Craftsman. The gyuto at 209mm blade length is the all-purpose chef knife format - long enough for slicing proteins and breaking down large vegetables, with a 48mm blade height that gives solid board presence and knuckle clearance. The 50/50 symmetrical grind suits both right and left-handed cooks. The western ironwood handle is dense, stable, and pairs visually with the Damascus blade road in a way few knives at any price point can match.
Care Instructions: The Blue #2 core is reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. Wipe and dry immediately after use. Avoid acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The stainless cladding is low maintenance. 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: 8.5 oz (240 g)
- Blade Length: 209mm
- Total Length: 340mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 48mm
