The Homura Guren line is where Itsuo Doi's Blue #2 work takes a different direction. Where the Homura Kasumi line features a polished, refined kasumi finish and a high primary grind that gives the blade an almost formal appearance, the Guren line is built around the kurouchi (black finish, as-forged surface) and tsuchime (hammered) aesthetic - darker, more tactile, and with the kind of rustic handmade character that comes from leaving the forge finish largely intact. The convex grind used across the Guren line, combined with Doi-san's personal engraved seal on each blade, makes these knives immediately distinguishable from anything else in the lineup. Each one is a signed piece of work.
The petty is the most compact knife in the Guren range - 140mm of blade length at 34mm height, forged from Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC and clad in iron with a convex grind that concentrates cutting geometry at the edge rather than behind it. At 100g the knife is light and nimble, which is what a petty needs to be. The kurouchi and tsuchime cladding surface adds food release and gives the blade a tactile, three-dimensional quality that a polished surface lacks. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle is finished with an urushi lacquer coat that protects the wood and contributes a warm, deep color to the overall aesthetic. One reviewer describes the experience of handing this knife to a partner who immediately understood what quality Japanese knives feel like - which is as clear a testimonial as a petty can earn.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner describes this as their favorite knife - light and nimble yet feeling substantial and well-made. The moment they handed it to their partner to cut some vegetables produced an immediate and visible reaction to the quality of the edge and the feel of the knife. The urushi handle and kurouchi finish are praised for the character they bring to what could otherwise be a utilitarian format.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel. The iron cladding is also reactive and will develop its own patina over time. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after every use and avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. Apply camellia oil before extended storage. Sharpen on quality water stones.
The petty is the most compact knife in the Guren range - 140mm of blade length at 34mm height, forged from Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC and clad in iron with a convex grind that concentrates cutting geometry at the edge rather than behind it. At 100g the knife is light and nimble, which is what a petty needs to be. The kurouchi and tsuchime cladding surface adds food release and gives the blade a tactile, three-dimensional quality that a polished surface lacks. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle is finished with an urushi lacquer coat that protects the wood and contributes a warm, deep color to the overall aesthetic. One reviewer describes the experience of handing this knife to a partner who immediately understood what quality Japanese knives feel like - which is as clear a testimonial as a petty can earn.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner describes this as their favorite knife - light and nimble yet feeling substantial and well-made. The moment they handed it to their partner to cut some vegetables produced an immediate and visible reaction to the quality of the edge and the feel of the knife. The urushi handle and kurouchi finish are praised for the character they bring to what could otherwise be a utilitarian format.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel. The iron cladding is also reactive and will develop its own patina over time. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after every use and avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. Apply camellia oil before extended storage. Sharpen on quality water stones.
- Brand: Sakai Takayuki
- Line: Homura Guren
- Blacksmith: Itsuo Doi
- Location: Sakai, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami 2)
- Cladding: Iron
- Finish: Kurouchi (Black Finish), Tsuchime (Hammered)
- HRC: 62-63
- Edge Grind: Even, 50/50, Convex
- Engraving: Doi Personal Seal
- Handle: Urushi Oak Octagonal, Burnt Finish
- Weight: 3.5 oz (100g)
- Blade Length: 140mm
- Total Length: 279mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 3mm
- Blade Height: 34mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Favorite knifePosted By: Brent
34 people found this review helpful
This has become my favorite knife. It's light and nimble, yet looks and feels substantial. My wife picked it up to cut some vegetables, and after a couple of slices, had the biggest grin on her face. She now understands the pure joy in using quality Japanese knives such as this.
34 people found this review helpful
This has become my favorite knife. It's light and nimble, yet looks and feels substantial. My wife picked it up to cut some vegetables, and after a couple of slices, had the biggest grin on her face. She now understands the pure joy in using quality Japanese knives such as this.
