The 13.5 cm Makoto Kurosaki Samidorizuki SGStrix handcrafted Japanese utility knife combines a refined silhouette, a high-performance blade, and handcrafted construction from the Takefu Knife Village in Japan. Its name, Samidorizuki—often translated as“rising green moon”—evokes a poetic aesthetic, enhanced by the contrast between the ebony handle and the green pakka wood bolster. This handcrafted Japanese knife handles everyday cutting tasks with precision: fruits, vegetables, herbs, boneless meats, or meticulous preparations. A piece that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to use!
A highly effective technical blade
The 13.5 cm blade offers a versatile, easy-to-handle size, ideal for precise everyday cutting tasks. It features a San Mai construction, consisting of three layers of steel stacked on top of one another: a high-performance central core surrounded by outer layers of stainless steel that provide stability and strength. This construction results in a thin, responsive, and durable blade, while maintaining a great sense of control during cutting.
The blade core is made of Japanese SGSTRIX steel, a new-generation stainless powder steel manufactured by Takefu Special Steel in Japan. Its exact composition remains confidential, as it is part of the manufacturer’s proprietary know-how.
Its design aims to directly reinforce the metal matrix, thereby achieving high hardness without relying solely on a high concentration of highly abrasive carbides. With a stated hardness of 65 HRC, the blade offers an exceptionally sharp edge, excellent edge retention, and remarkable precision. SGSTRIX also combines corrosion resistance, flexibility, and toughness, making it well-suited for regular use in the kitchen. It remains easy to sharpen.
The Tsuchime finish, with its hammered texture, adds a striking visual element while reducing food from sticking to the blade.
An elegant and well-balanced handle
The handle combines dark ebony wood with a green pakka wood bolster. This contrast highlights the Samidorizuki spirit, blending Japanese minimalism with subtle, controlled color accents. The ebony provides a dense, high-quality feel in the hand, with a rich aesthetic that complements the blade’s hammered finish perfectly. The green pakka wood—a composite material made from wood and resin—adds an original touch while offering good resistance to moisture when used with care.
Its octagonal shape ensures an ergonomic, stable, and naturally ambidextrous grip. The facets of the handle guide the fingers without forcing a specific position, which promotes precision during repetitive motions or fine cuts.
Features and Benefits of Your SGStrix Japanese Steel Knife
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- 13.5 cm blade: versatile size for everyday cutting tasks
- 3-layer San Mai construction: enhanced stability and durability
- SGSTRIX steel core: very high cutting performance
- 65 HRC hardness: remarkable edge retention
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- Stainless powder steel: increased corrosion resistance
- Reinforced metal matrix: sharper than
- conventional
- powder steel
- Hammered Tsuchime finish: artisanal style and limited grip
- Ebony wood handle: dense feel and elegant aesthetics
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- Green pakka wood bolster: unique visual contrast
- Octagonal shape: ergonomic, ambidextrous grip
- Made in Takefu: renowned Japanese cutlery craftsmanship
- Crafted by Makoto Kurosaki: meticulous hand-finished details
Use and Care
Use this knife on a wooden cutting board or a soft synthetic surface. Avoid bones, frozen foods, hard surfaces, and twisting motions. Clean the blade by hand with a soft sponge, then wipe it dry immediately with a dry cloth. Do not put in the dishwasher, soak for long periods, or use harsh detergents. Even with high-quality stainless steel, storing the knife in a dry place is recommended to ensure the long-term preservation of the blade and handle.
Makoto Kurosaki, artisan from Takefu
Makoto Kurosaki works in the Takefu Knife Village in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, a place renowned for traditional Japanese cutlery. The brother of blacksmith Yu Kurosaki, he develops his own knife lines with particular attention to finishes, blade textures, and overall balance.
His creations often combine modern steels with carefully crafted handles to produce high-performance, elegant blades. The Samidorizuki series exemplifies this approach: an inspired aesthetic, an expressive hammered finish, and SGSTRIX steel designed to meet today’s demands for cutting performance, edge retention, and resistance to oxidation. Each handcrafted knife retains its own unique identity, marked by the artisan’s touch!
To round out your collection with a high-end Japanese blade, explore our selection of sharpening stones!