Masakage Zero 13cm handmade japanese utility knife

Masakage Zero Japanese knives are hand-forged with exceptional craftsmanship by master blacksmith Takeshi Saji. Renowned for his expertise and attention to detail, he skilfully combines traditional forging techniques with modern, refined designs, winning over cutlery enthusiasts!

Since the 90s, Takeshi Saji has held the prestigious title of Master Traditional Craftsman. This Japanese blacksmith practises his art in the famous TakefuKnife Village, a mecca for Japanese cutlery. Here, renowned craftsmen preserve and perpetuate the heritage of Japanese blacksmithing. Thanks to this collaborative environment, they share their know-how and contribute to the training of new generations of blacksmiths.

The Japanese kitchen knife made by a Japanese blacksmith

Takeshi Saji has designed this universal knife using a blade forged using the traditional Japanese San Mai technique. This method consists of inserting a rigid steel core between two layers of softer steel, offering an optimal balance between strength and flexibility. For this handcrafted Japanese knife, we chose Aogami Super Steel(also known as Blue Super Steel), a top-of-the-range alloy produced by the famous steelmaker Hitachi, renowned for the excellence of its materials.

With a carbon content of 1.5%, well above the Western average of around 0.5%, Japanese Blue Super Steel gives the blade a high hardness of 65HRC on the Rockwell scale. This characteristic guarantees excellent edge retention and optimal cutting performance, particularly on fibrous foods.

Despite its high hardness, theAogami Super remains relatively easy to maintain with a whetstone, making daily care a breeze. What's more, the grind on your blade is flat (known as flat grind), making it robust and easy to reproduce during your sharpening sessions!

To complete the San Maï structure, a layer of softer stainless steel envelops the core. This design effectively protects the core of the blade against corrosion, while at the same time giving it a slight suppleness, thus avoiding the risk of breakage during use.

Finally, the blade features an unpolished finish, giving it an authentic, rustic appearance. Its original hammering, characterized by round patterns, adds a unique, handcrafted touch that reinforces its traditional aesthetic.

The handle of this Japanese kitchen knife is made from ironwood, a species prized for its high density and strength. Its natural appearance, with warm nuances and subtle variations in grain, gives each Masakage knife a unique and authentic character!

The full-silk blade is firmly anchored in the handle by three rivets, guaranteeing optimum stability and durability. The central rivet, adorned with a mosaic pattern, adds a refined touch and creates an elegant contrast with the deep hue of the ironwood.

A gilded stainless steel bolster reinforces the junction between blade and handle, while adding an elegant finish. Thanks to its Western shape, this handcrafted Japanese knife offers a comfortable and secure grip, suitable for both right- and left-handed users.

Care and maintenance of a handcrafted Japanese knife

To preserve the quality of your carbon knife, wash it only by hand with a soft sponge, avoiding exposing the wooden handle to too much moisture. After cleaning, dry immediately with a dry cloth before storing in a dry place. It is essential not to soak it in water or put it through the dishwasher.

Over time, the blade may change color slightly, which is a natural phenomenon. This patina forms in reaction to the acidity of food and ambient humidity, without altering the performance of your Japanese utility knife!

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