Sakai Kikumori Choyo 300mm Yanagi Shirogami 2 with Saya

Sakai Kikumori ‘Choyo’ 300mm Yanagi. Single bevel shirogami #2 core with mirror polish iron cladding. Octagonal magnolia wood and water buffalo ferrule handle. Comes with saya.

These have a light blade with a thin, low beveled kireba so the yanagis — that usually rely on weight to help propel a pull cut — slice just as easily as heavier ones.

Shirogami #2 is very responsive to sharpening stones, taking an extremely fine but biting edge easily. It is a highly reactive carbon steel.

Choyo series knives represent some of the best of Sakai’s knife making. They are made by craftspeople who are highly respected for preserving demanding traditional techniques while contributing their own refinements and creativity to the trade.

Choyo Shirogami 2 knives are forged by Tanaka Hamono. Tanaka-san’s top level forging and heat treatments make for unusually easy sharpening, superb edge life and toughness.

Choyo grinder and polisher is Morihiro Hamono. Morihiro-san's grinding is superb; he pioneered this low kiriba grind on wa-gyuto. The characteristic result of this grinding and polishing are the even, wide bevels, chamfered spine and brilliant mirror polish.

Sakai Kikumori was started in 1926 and draws on Sakai's 600 year history as the major center of traditional Japanese cutlery manufacturing. They work with a large variety of Sakai's best smiths, sharpeners and small factories to offer a wide variety of knives ranging from traditional to modern.

This knife has a hard carbon steel core with iron cladding for added durability. The entire blade will develop a patina with use, and especially so with acidic foods. Special attention is needed to keep from rusting. Hand wash and dry before storing. Do not leave wet and do not use a dishwasher. Rust can be removed with a light abrasive.

Hardwood-end grain or softwood long grain cutting boards are preferred. Avoid bamboo and plastic cutting boards.

Steel Type Shirogami 2
Handle Material Magnolia Wood & Water Buffalo Horn
Weight 186 g
Height at Heel 35 mm
Overall Length 450 mm
Cutting Edge Length 292 mm
HRC 60-61

*Actual weights and measurements may vary piece to piece