Sakai Takayuki is a name that is known by knife users and collectors worldwide. This is not surprising considering they have been making blades for over 600 years! The famed company started up in Sakai during the 16th century making blades to trim and cut tobacco. Sakai Takayuki is now owned by Aoki-Hamano Seisakusho Company. They work with some of Japan’s best blacksmiths to create their many different lines of knives including the Homura range made by famed blade maker, Itsuo Doi.
The core steel of this great looking
sujihiki is Hitachi Blue #2 high carbon steel. It is clad with a soft iron to protect and strengthen the blade. As it is an iron cladding it will need care with drying and cleaning after use. The cladding has a very nice brushed satin finish which highlights the polished Blue steel edge.
This is an unusual sujihiki in that it has an exaggerated curve to the cutting edge while boasting an almost flat spine all the way to the tip. It is a double bevel knife, so it is good to go for left- and right-handed users. The really fine handle is made from Japanese yew wood with buffalo horn ferrule. The fit and finish of both blade and handle are world class.
Brand Name: Sakai Takayuki
Blacksmith: Itsuo Doi
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Cladding: Soft Iron
Edge: Blue #2
Edge Grind: Double Bevel, Even (see photo)
Knife Type: Hien (Sujihiki)
Handle: Yew Octagonal
Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
Saya: Included
Weight: 7.4 oz (210 g)
Edge Length: 230 mm
Total Length: 390 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 3.3 mm
Blade Height: 41.3mm