Tosa Tadayoshi 180mm Ikasaki squid knife with Aogami 1 blade and walnut handle. Meant for breaking down squid.
Hand forged knives from the Tosa area of Shikoku Island, Japan's least populated island with a long history of smithing. Shikoku's thick forests, agriculture and fisheries have led to a local style of smithing that is characterized by rustic free forged knives and tools. Many Tosa knives are ryoba style; forged and ground symmetrically and are suitable for both right and left hand users.
Carbon steel will develop a patina with use, especially with acidic foods. Special attention is needed to keep from rusting. Do not leave wet. Hand wash & dry, no dishwasher. Hardwood-end grain or softwood long grain cutting boards are preferred; avoid bamboo and plastic cutting boards. Rust can be removed with a light abrasive.
Free forged knives vary slightly in weights and measurements, expect small imperfections in finish or small amounts of waviness in blade or roughness in finish.