A top-of-the-range sujihiki knife
This Takeshi Saji R2 Damascus Mosaic 24cm sujihiki knife is a typically Japanese knife. The equivalent of the Western slicing knife, it enables you to make thin slices of meat, vegetables or fish. With it, you can lift fish fillets or cut slices of terrine with ease.
It features a damascened blade constructed from several alternating layers of steel. The core of the knife is made from a stiffer steel, then surrounded by several layers of different, softer steels to soften it and make the blade less brittle in use.
Here, the heart of the knife is made of Japanese R2 steel (also known as SG2). This is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel. Rare and expensive, it is rarely used in cutlery. R2 steel is appreciated by blacksmiths who like to work it, and by users who like its performance.
R2 steel has a hardness of 63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, synonymous with a long-lasting cutting edge for prolonged use. Note that its high rigidity remains easy to sharpen with a stone when the need arises.
The final advantage of this steel is its purity. Its microscopic structure is highly homogeneous, making it more resistant to the risk of chipping during use.
The core is then surrounded by several layers of stainless steel and nickel steel to balance its extreme rigidity. The blend of these steels creates a highly original blade with lots of character.
The knife's handle is made of magnificent ironwood, a dense, hard wood. Ironwood features warm nuances mixed with slightly lighter tones. Its grain is unique to each knife, so no two will be the same!
The full tang blade is attached to the handle with 3 rivets. The central rivet features a superb mosaic pattern which, in addition to providing an original visual, contrasts ideally with the darker hue of the ironwood.
The knife also features a stainless-steel bolster that links the blade to the handle. Perfectly suited to both left- and right-handed use.
Care and maintenance
This knife should be washed by hand in lukewarm water, using a non-abrasive sponge and mild soap. Do not put it in the dishwasher or soak it in the sink. As soon as you've finished cleaning, wipe the knife thoroughly dry to remove all traces of moisture, and store it in a dry place.
To do this, you can place it in its beautiful wooden case. You can also give this superb Japanese knife as a gift.
Find out more about Takeshi Saji
This knife is hand-forged by Takeshi Saji san, an expert knifemaker who has been practicing his craft for over 50 years. His experience has earned him a fine reputation in the field.
His knives are renowned for their aesthetic appeal and finesse. Takeshi effectively and elegantly combines traditional ancestral techniques with timeless designs. In fact, he was certified as a "traditional master craftsman" in the 90s, a testament to his expertise.
He works right in the heart of the Takefu Cutlery Village, a renowned place where traditional blacksmiths gather to share their methods and ensure the survival of ancestral know-how. To this end, they continue to train the next generation.
Due to the capacity of the blacksmith, who carries out all stages of production by hand, and the provenance of the knives, stocks of this model are limited.
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