Masakage Kumo 27cm 63-layer damascus Japanese sujihiki handmade knife

Masakage Kumo knives are traditional knives, handcrafted by master blacksmith Takumi Ikeda san.

A little background information: Katsushige Anryu works in the Takefu Knife Village, which is home to many traditional blacksmiths. Gathered in the same place, they can share their know-how with each other. That's why it's such a popular area for apprentice blacksmiths, who can be taken care of by a master who will teach them every step of the knife-making process! Katsushige Anryu san has been forging knives for over 50 years. He began his apprenticeship in the 60s with his father, himself a blacksmith, to continue the family tradition (Katsushige Anryu currently represents the 4th generation). Drawing on this extraordinary experience, this traditional blacksmith offers exceptional knives that will delight the most uncompromising of cooks.

When it came time to retire, Katsushige, who owned his own brand of knives, didn't know to whom he could pass on his blacksmithing skills. Having only daughters and wishing to preserve the Japanese tradition of handing over his forge to his eldest son, he turned to his nephew Takumi Ikeda.

This blacksmith's apprentice began training with his uncle in the 2000s, and went on to become a blacksmith for some fifteen years. In 2021, Katsushige bequeathed his forge to his nephew Ikeda, who became a master blacksmith. Since then, he has been perpetuating his uncle's skills in meticulous work that demands great precision.

Katsushige Anru on the left / Takumi Ikeda on the right

The Sujihiki Masakage Kumo 27cm knife is ideal for finely slicing meat and fish. You can make perfect slices, or effortlessly slice through the fat.

Blade:

Its forged blade has a core of VG10 Japanese steel, an alloy much appreciated by blacksmiths for its many advantages. VG10 contains 1% carbon, for example, enabling it to achieve a Rockwell hardness of around 60/61 HRC. The result is a rigid wire that can withstand further sharpening to a razor-sharp edge. The VG10 also has the ability to hold its edge longer, so you space out sharpening sessions. Finally, thanks to its high chromium content, it is also more resistant to corrosion than other carbon steels.

The VG10 core is then surrounded by several superimposed layers of softer steels: this is damascus. The Masakage Kumo knife has a 63-layer damascus (31 layers folded into 2 on the core + the core, which is counted in the calculation).

To create such a nuanced effect, Takumi Ikeda san used a stainless steel and a nickel steel. It's the variation in steels that creates the unique waves rippling across the cutting surface. The stainless steel has the advantage of increasing the steel's corrosion resistance, while the nickel steel gives it greater mechanical strength. The contrast in color brings a great deal of originality to the knife. The mix of steels can also be seen on the back of the knife.

Finally, the brand name has been engraved on the cutting surface, for added authenticity. It blends in well with the various damascus colors and remains discreet.

Kumo means "cloud" in Japanese, and this range is aptly named, as the random patterns of the damascus are reminiscent of clouds blending together in the wind just before a storm.

Handle:

The handle is made of Sandalwood, a pleasantly light, grit wood. Its octagonal shape hugs the palm of your hand, so it's comfortable to hold whether you're right- or left-handed.

A black Pakkawood bolster (a moisture-resistant, antibacterial composite material) links the blade to the handle. The junction between the blade and the bolster is filled with a wood paste that seals the whole, and prevents small scraps and cleaning water from penetrating the inside of the handle.

General :

The knife can be cleaned by hand. You can use a mild soap and run it under lukewarm water, without using an abrasive sponge. Then wipe with a soft cloth to remove all traces of moisture from the blade and wooden handle. It comes in a sober, traditional blue box.

See our selection of Masakage knives here!