Sakai Kikumori Kikuzuki Uzu 240mm Gyuto

Sakai Kikumori’s Kikuzuki Uzu series features forged Blue #1 (Aogami #1) carbon steel core, clad with stunning damascus steel. These are ground expertly, with wonderful convexity making an almost laser feel when cutting soft foods. This series is forged by Yoshikazu Tanaka, a blacksmith based in Sakai City, Osaka. He has over 50 years of experience and is formally recognized as a master craftsman known as 'Dentoukougeishi' by the Japanese government. He works alongside his son Yoshihisa Tanaka, and they produce some of the most well regarded hand forged blades in the world. Relying on traditional techniques, they forge knives meticulously, doing all their heat treatments by eye, and coax incredible toughness and grain structure out of high carbon steels. Sakai Kikumori is the flagship brand of Kawamura Hamono, producing top quality Japanese and Western style kitchen knives in Sakai, one of the oldest knife making centers in Japan. They have been producing knives since the 1920’s and have maintained long standing relationships with some of the best blacksmiths and blade grinders in Sakai. Blade Material: Aogami #1 carbon steel core mil Handle Material: Magnolia wood and buffalo horn. Hardness: 63-64 HRC Blade Length: 8.45" (215mm) Cutting Edge: 7.67" (195mm) Overall Length: 13.46" (342mm) Height at Heel: 47mm Thickness of Spine at Heel: 2.5mm Weight: 4.9 oz. (140 g) **The 'rainbow' effect in the photos is because the blade is dipped in a protective lacquer. It can be removed with acetone before use, or can be left and will wear off with multiple washings. **Extra care is required with carbon steel. No soaking or dishwashers! Dry well in between uses to avoid rust. Blade will develop a patina (discoloration) with normal use. **To avoid chipping, keep away from bones, frozen foods or other hard foods and pits.