The God of Thunder Engraved in Steel
The handcrafted Sakai Takayuki Raijin Japanese knife features Raijin, the Japanese god of thunder, in an original engraving by Michiko Kubota. Designed more as a collector’s chef’s knife than as a tool for everyday use, it combines a blade forged in Japan by Kenji Togashi with a sharpening by Mitsuo Yamatsuka. The octagonal ebony handle, the black horn bolster, and the smoked-finish presentation box complete this unique piece. A collector’s knife that is sure to delight enthusiasts!
A blade crafted from forging to engraving
The 21-cm blade is constructed using San Mai, a structure consisting of a core of hard steel sandwiched between two layers of softer steel. Its core, made of JapaneseShirogami #2 steel—also known as White Steel #2—contains approximately 1.3% carbon. This steel allows for a fine edge, ideal for a clean cut, but requires rigorous maintenance in return. Its hardness of approximately 62 HRC helps maintain the edge’s sharpness; it also means you should avoid impacts, twisting, and sideways movements that could damage the edge.
This blade was forged by Kenji Togashi, a renowned Japanese artisan known for his exceptional mastery of steel heat treatment. The blade was then sharpened by Mitsuo Yamatsuka, a Master Traditional Artisan, ensuring a high-performance edge from the very first use.
The flat grind allows the blade to glide smoothly through food with a consistent cutting action. The rough forged finish retains a textured surface that contrasts with the details of the engraving.
The blade is adorned with an engraving of Raijin, the Japanese god of thunder, recognizable by his powerful appearance. Handcrafted by Michiko Kubota, this motif lends the piece a strong artistic dimension and sets it apart from blades simply decorated with a surface finish. Colored accents highlight certain elements of the design; these are achieved through metal plating, a process that involves depositing a thin layer of metal onto the surface. The engraving thus combines hand-drawn lines with touches of color, contrasting with the raw, forged finish. To preserve the delicacy of the design and the luster of the plated areas, avoid using abrasive sponges, stripping agents, and vigorous scrubbing when cleaning.
An ebony handle with a bold character
The handle is crafted from ebony, a dark wood whose understated appearance highlights the nuances of the blade and its decoration. Its deep hue creates a balanced visual composition with the raw forged finish and the Raijin motif. Ebony also provides a dense surface that is smooth to the touch.
The octagonal shape of the handle ensures an ergonomic grip by providing multiple points of contact. A black horn bolster completes the design, ensuring optimal balance and creating an elegant transition between the blade and the handle.
Key Features
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- 21 cm blade: a length suited for sweeping motions in the kitchen
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- San Mai construction: a hard core surrounded by two layers of softer steel
- Shirogami #2 core: high-carbon steel, suitable for a fine edge
- Hardness of approximately 62 HRC: helps maintain the edge
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- Flat grind: ensures a consistent cut
- Raw forged finish: surface with an artisanal character
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- Raijin engraving by Michiko Kubota: hand-crafted decoration
- Forging and heat treatment by Kenji Togashi: shape the blade
- Sharpening by Mitsuo Yamatsuka: completes the edge preparation
- Octagonal ebony handle: elegant and ergonomic
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- Black horn bolster: a well-balanced knife
- Made in Japan: the craftsmanship of 3 artisans
Usage and Care Instructions
If you use this knife in the kitchen, work on a wooden or synthetic cutting board. Do not cut bones or frozen foods, and avoid twisting or side-to-side movements, which can damage the edge. Shirogami #2 steel, which is high in carbon, can develop a patina and rust if left damp. After use, wash the blade by hand and dry it immediately and thoroughly. Do not use a dishwasher, abrasive sponges, or harsh cleaning agents. To protect the engraving, also avoid vigorous scrubbing.
Three artisans, three areas of expertise
This creation is the result of the collaboration between Kenji Togashi, Mitsuo Yamatsuka, and Michiko Kubota. Kenji Togashi, a blacksmith from Sakai who has been working since 1966, forges the blade and performs the heat treatment, which serves to lock in the blade’s properties.
Mitsuo Yamatsukais a master traditional artisan specializing in sharpening. Based in Sakai, he steps in after the forging process to prepare the cutting edge. This step requires mastery of the angle and consistency of the sharpening to achieve an edge that matches the blade’s geometry.
Michiko Kubotais the artist who creates the Raijin engraving. Her work adds a decorative dimension to the piece: the motif is hand-drawn, and certain details are enhanced with metal plating. These artisanal techniques give the blade its visual identity, while also requiring delicate care during maintenance.
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