This handcrafted Japanese knife showcases the craftsmanship of Sakai, an iconic city in the world of Japanese cutlery. With its 20-cm kiritsuke blade, it’s perfect for a variety of everyday tasks: slicing vegetables, trimming meat, chopping herbs, or preparing fish with precision.
The Shiosai line combines refined aesthetics with a technical design engineered for a clean, consistent cut. Its name, Shiosai, evokes the roar of the rising tide—an image reflected in the soft blue of the handle and the hammered finish of the blade, reminiscent of the foam on the waves.
A kiritsuke blade full of character
The 20-cm blade features a kiritsuke profile, recognizable by its angular tip and slender line. This design offers a large cutting surface for quickly preparing vegetables, meats, or fish, while maintaining a precise tip for delicate tasks. Its length allows for fluid movement across the cutting board, ideal for both pushing and pulling cuts, with a satisfying sense of control.
Its San Mai construction consists of three alternating layers of steel: a hard central core surrounded by softer layers. This structure protects the blade’s core, improves stability during cutting, and provides an excellent balance between finesse and durability. The VG10 Japanese steel core contains approximately 1% carbon, a level prized for achieving a clean cut and good edge retention. Its hardness of 60 HRC ensures that the blade remains effectively sharp over time. The Tsuchime hammered pattern and matte finish add texture to the steel, giving the Hado Shiosai Japanese knife a understated, expressive, and distinctly Japanese visual identity.
The handle is crafted from blue stabilized wood, a material chosen for its resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations in the kitchen. The stabilization process helps the wood retain its shape, density, and appearance throughout use. Its blue hue adds a soft, luminous touch, in harmony with the maritime spirit of the Shiosai line.
Its octagonal shape draws on the design elements of traditional Japanese handles. It offers a precise grip that is comfortable for both right- and left-handed users, with sides that allow for precise blade alignment while cutting. This handle promotes a stable cutting motion without feeling bulky and balances the length of the blade perfectly. The result is an elegant, maneuverable knife that’s a pleasure to use on a cutting board, whether for quick prep work or more precise cuts. It is sharpened by Naohiro Nomura and Takafumi Tsuda of Fukui Co., Ltd., continuing the artisanal tradition of Sakai.
Features and Benefits of the Hado Shiosai Japanese Knife
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- 20 cm kiritsuke blade: elongated shape for smooth and precise cuts
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- Angular tip profile: clean penetration into food
- San Mai construction: hard core protected by layers of softer steel
- Japanese VG10 steel core: good balance between sharpness and durability
- 1% carbon content: fine cut and consistent edge retention
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- 60 HRC hardness: long-lasting edge for frequent use
- Tsuchime hammering: refined texture and strong visual identity
- Matte finish: understated look with a distinct artisanal style
- Blue stabilized wood handle: improved stability against moisture
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- Octagonal shape: comfortable, ambidextrous grip
- Handcrafted in Sakai: renowned Japanese cutlery heritage
- Sharpened by Naohiro Nomura and Takafumi Tsuda: meticulous edge finish
Use and Care
Use this blade on a wooden cutting board or a soft synthetic surface to preserve the edge. Avoid bones, frozen foods, shells, and hard surfaces, which can damage the edge. After each use, wash by hand with a soft sponge and mild soap, then dry immediately with a clean cloth. Do not put in the dishwasher, soak for long periods, or use abrasive products. To maintain the edge, use a Japanese water stone.
The Hado Workshop in Sakai
Based in Sakai, the Hado artisanal workshop is affiliated with Fukui Co., Ltd., a Japanese company established in the cutlery industry. The name Hado is written as 刃道: it combines the concept of the blade with that of the “way,” embodying the spirit of patient and precise craftsmanship.
The workshop was founded by Tadataka Maruyama, former sales manager at Sakai Fukui, and Ryuichiro Fukui, who sought to revive artisanal production within the company. After several years of apprenticeship, Tadataka Maruyama helped develop a workshop focused on forging, finishing, sharpening, and the pursuit of high-performance blade geometries. Today, Hado offers carefully crafted Japanese knives, with each series showcasing a striking aesthetic and a true attention to detail.
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