Takeshi Saji R2 Damas 13.5cm handmade japanese Utility knife

We are delighted to present Takeshi Saji R2 Damas Japanese knives, which are made entirely by hand. Blacksmith Takeshi Saji san is an expert in his field, and enjoys an excellent reputation in the Land of the Rising Sun. His knives are highly appreciated for their finesse and elegance. He brilliantly blends ancestral forging techniques with innovative designs, enabling him to appeal to the widest possible audience. In fact, he has been certified as a "traditional master craftsman" since the 1990s.

His workshop is located in the famous Takefu Knife Village , one of Japan's leading knife and cutting Utensils manufacturing centers. Here, the best blacksmiths work in the traditional way, so as not to lose their ancestral know-how. They continue to train the new generation in this way, and being together in the same place enables them to share their tricks of the trade.

The 13.5cm Universal knife is a very handy model, used to cut or chop medium-sized fruit and vegetables. It can also be used for chopping or trimming small pieces of meat (without bones). All in all, it's a pleasure to use and very versatile, making it a great option for your kitchen.

Blade:

The blade is damascened, i.e. it is constructed from several interlocking layers of steel. There is always a more rigid core, followed by several layers of softer steel, which soften it and make it more resistant to breakage.

Here, the core is made of Japanese R2 steel (also known as SG2), a stainless alloy produced by powder metallurgy. It is rarely found in cutlery. With a hardness of around 63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, it holds its edge over time, so you don't have to keep sharpening!

What's more, despite its hardness, R2 steel is easy to maintain should the need arise. This is a plus for such a rigid alloy. You can also maintain it with a Sharpening stone, to keep its incredible sharpness, which will surprise you from the very first use (be careful with your fingers).

Another advantage of this alloy is its purity. At the microscopic level, its structure is very homogeneous, which makes it more resistant (for example, there's less risk of chipping when you use it).

Subsequently, this high-end core is surrounded by several layers of nickel and stainless steel, which contrast with its extreme rigidity. You can see them intertwining on the cutting surface.

Finally, the blade benefits from a Diamond Finish, which creates a beautiful polished/blurred effect, for even greater originality. What's more, polishing a blade makes it more resistant to corrosion, as its surface is smoother and less porous.

Handle:

The handle is made of sandalwood, a beautiful dark wood that gives the knife a lot of character. What's more, this wood is resistant to bacteria, and depending on the maturity of the tree, is considered precious. The veins on each knife are unique.

It is completed by a bolster in black Pakkawood, a composite material, resistant to moisture and temperature variations.

The whole is octagonal in shape, to suit both right- and left-handed cooks.

Wood pulp fills the space between the blade and the handle. This makes it watertight and prevents small scraps from getting inside.

Care and maintenance :

The knife is not dishwasher-safe. It should be washed by hand in lukewarm water, using a sponge and a mild detergent. After washing, wipe with a soft cloth to remove all traces of moisture, then store.

The knife comes in an attractive wooden box.

Please note that quantities are limited, due to the provenance of the knives and the capacity of the blacksmith, who performs all operations by hand.

Come and discover the performance of Takeshi Saji R2 Damascus knives and appreciate their elegant, timeless style in everyday use! You can also discover our complete selection of handcrafted Japanese knives!