The raw elegance of Japanese craftsmanship
This handcrafted Japanese knife embodies the very essence of Japanese tradition. Forged in Japan by craftsman Toru Tamura and then sharpened by Tateo Myojin, it reflects a collaboration of experts passionate about precision and cutting quality. This 29cm yanagiba is designed for long, smooth and perfectly clean cuts, especially on fish. Its authentic aesthetic, marked by a rough-forged finish and hand-engraved kanji, makes it as powerful as it is unique.
A long, precise blade for clean cuts
The 29cm blade rests on a San Maï structure, composed of three layers of steel. Its central core is made of Aogami #2 steel, a Japanese alloy renowned for its purity, containing around 1.2% carbon. This high carbon content results in a hardness of 62 HRC, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and excellent cutting quality.
This construction offers an interesting balance: the hard core guarantees cutting performance while the softer outer layers provide impact resistance. The asymmetrical cutting edge, typical of yanagiba, enables clean cutting in a single movement, ideal for preserving the texture of delicate foods such as raw fish.
The rough forged finish emphasizes the blade's handcrafted appearance. Hand-engraved kanji reinforce the knife's Japanese identity, making each piece unique.
A dense, ergonomic ebony handle
The handle is made from ebony wood, renowned for its high density and natural resistance to humidity. Its dark color brings a sober elegance, while guaranteeing excellent durability over time.
Its octagonal shape ensures a comfortable, intuitive grip. This geometry allows good weight distribution and facilitates control during precise cutting.
The assembly between blade and handle is carefully crafted, ensuring a watertight seal and limiting infiltration of water or food residues.
Key points to remember
- Japanese Aogami #2 carbon-rich steel: long-lasting cutting edge
- San Maï structure: balance of strength and "suppleness"
Hardness
- 62 HRC: excellent cutting edge retention
- Rough forged finish: unique traditional style
- Asymmetrical cutting edge: clean cut in a single movement for right-handed cooks
- Ebony handle: robustness and natural elegance
- Handcrafted: authentic Japanese know-how
How to use and care for your blade
This carbon knife requires careful maintenance. Clean only by hand with a soft sponge, then dry immediately after washing. Avoid prolonged immersion in water or the dishwasher.
A patina may appear over time: this is a natural phenomenon and protects the blade. To maintain optimum sharpness, use a stone sharpening technique adapted to Japanese steels.
Toru Tamura's precise work
Toru Tamura san is a Japanese craftsman trained at Takefu Knife Village, a mecca for traditional cutlery. Inspired by ancient techniques, he develops blades that respect traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
For this model, he collaborates with Tateo Myojin san, renowned for his sharpening expertise. The result is a precise cutting edge, perfectly mastered from the very first use.
To care for your Japanese knife, choose from our superb collection of sharpening stones!