Japanese Artisan Yanagiba Knife 27cm Sakai Takayuki Honyaki Shoryu VG10

Sakai Takayuki is a Japanese company whose origins date back to the 1950s, in the Sakai region. With decades of experience behind it, Sakai Takayuki has developed considerable expertise in the art of forging. She also benefits from the region's heritage in knife-making, a tradition inherited from the blacksmiths of yesteryear who were renowned for creating Japan's famous swords. Thanks to this knowledge, Sakai Takayuki now offers high-quality Japanese knives, combining authentic and modern styling.

The Yanagiba knife is a model used for cutting fish! Its long, thin blade enables you to produce fine, even slices with ease. Be careful not to use it on excessively hard foods such as squash, bones, etc.

A VG10 steel blade for a high-performance honyaki knife

This 27cm Yanagiba knife features a blade crafted using the Honyaki technique, an ancestral method used to make the katanas of the Japanese samurai, considered to be the most accomplished sword of all civilizations. This handcrafted knife is forged from a single piece of high-grade steel, with a meticulous, multi-step tempering process that only an experienced blacksmith can perform. This is authentic, high-precision craftsmanship inherited from the blacksmiths of yesteryear.

For the manufacture of this Sakai Takayuki knife, we have chosenJapanese VG10 steel, an alloy produced by the renowned Takefu Special Steel company. With a high carbon content of around 1%, this is the crucial element that increases the steel's hardness. A high level of hardness ensures a long-lasting, high-performance cutting edge. For example, the hardness of this Japanese kitchen knife reaches 60HRC on the Rockwell scale, proof that its cutting edge is efficient and durable. Conveniently, this means you can space out your sharpening sessions!

The VG10 alloy also includes 15% chromium, improving resistance to oxidation. However, due to its high carbon content, this blade remains prone to oxidation and requires careful maintenance to avoid any risk of corrosion.

The blade is sharpened on one side only, giving it a bevelled edge. This feature makes it easy to spread the slices of food you're cutting, facilitating cutting.

In addition to its polished surface, this honyaki knife blade is engraved with a Shoryu, hence the name of this range. This is a flying dragon, an emblematic symbol of Japanese mythology.

A noteworthy detail is the deliberate gap between blade and handle, known as machi. This is a tradition inherited from the town of Sakai, whose aim is to optimize the balance of your handcrafted Japanese knife by acting on its center of gravity.

The handle of this Sakai Takayuki knife is solid

The handle of this handcrafted Japanese knife is made of wenge wood, a durable, dense species ideal for resisting humidity. Native to East Africa, this tropical wood has a dark hue and a unique grain on each piece.

To complete the handle, an equally sturdy black buffalo horn bolster joins the blade to the handle. It reinforces the character of your Japanese knife, adding a highly successful visual touch.

The handle of this knife is octagonal in shape, offering ergonomics suited to all hands. This design guarantees a comfortable grip, ensuring perfectly controlled handling, especially during prolonged use.

To reinforce watertightness, wood putty has been added to the junction between blade and handle, filling any small gaps. This prevents the ingress of water or small foodstuffs.

This Japanese knife comes with a protective wenge wood saya. This sheath adjusts perfectly to the curves of the blade, ensuring optimum protection while preventing the risk of injury!

To care for your VG10 knife, wash it exclusively by hand with a non-abrasive sponge and mild detergent, avoiding wetting the handle. After washing, dry immediately with a clean cloth, then store in a dry place. Do not use the dishwasher, or leave the knife to soak in the sink.

Discover the rest of the Honyaki Shoryu knife range on KnifeLeader.eu!