Sakai Kikumori Kikuzuki Uzu 180mm Santoku Aogami 1 with Saya

Sakai Kikumori 'Kikuzuki Uzu’ 180mm Santoku. Double bevel aogami #1 core blade with suminagashi iron cladding. Octagonal magnolia wood and water buffalo ferrule handle. Comes with saya.

The double bevel knives from this series cut nearly effortlessly but still have an authoritative solid feel. However, these knives are ground very thin behind the edge and will not tolerate mistreatment.

Kikuzuki series knives represent some of the best of Sakai’s knife making. Made by craftspeople who are well respected for preserving demanding traditional techniques, they also contribute their own refinements and creativity to the craft.

Kikuzuki Uzu knives are forged at Tanaka Hamono, led by Yoshikazu Tanaka. Tanaka-san holds the title of Dentoukougeishi and is one of the most experienced and highly regarded blacksmiths in Sakai City. He combines temperature control during forging with thorough heat treatments and a charcoal quench. This coaxes excellent edge formation, edge retention and toughness from Aogami #1, with a smooth, easy sharpening feel. We have been fans of Tanaka-san's work for a long time.

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 materials and styles to more modern, western influenced styles and materials.

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.

*Actual weights and measurements may vary piece to piece

These knives come from the maker with lacquer on the blade for corrosion protection during shipping. It can be removed using acetone or lacquer thinner (follow manufacturers instructions for use).

If you would like us to remove it prior to shipping, enter "Please remove lacquer" in the +Special Instructions on the Cart page. This could delay shipping by up to 5 days.