Sakai Kikumori Tanaka x Bernal Cutlery Sori 225mm Kiritsuke Gyuto Aogami 1 Suminagashi W/ Saya

The Sori 225mm Kiritsuke Gyuto is a collaboration between Sakai Kikumori and Bernal Cutlery, made to our specifications. Sori means bent or curved, and the curved spine adds clearance while the extra curve in the edge keeps the kiritsuke tip high off the board during a forward push cut. Hand forged in aogami #1 with iron and mild steel suminagashi cladding, finished with an octagon magnolia wood and water buffalo ferrule handle. These knives represent some of the best of Sakai's knife making.

Aogami #1 has the best edge formation of the aogami steels. It typically works best at slightly finer finishes and has excellent edge life when finished well. It is a highly reactive carbon steel, so extra care is required. The blade is not stainless, so do not put it in the dishwasher, soak it or leave it wet, and dry it immediately after use. It will develop a dark patina with use, especially with acidic foods, but any orange rust should be removed with a light abrasive.

Sori 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.