Hideo Kitaoka aogami#2 damascus usuba 180mm

Hand-forged in Echizen, Japan by Hideo Kitaoka, this 180mm usuba has an Aogami #2 core clad in damascus. It is a Japanese single bevel knife for vegetables. The thin blade and straight edge suit tasks like rotary peeling (katsuramuki). Aogami #2 balances edge retention and toughness. This knife is for right-handed users. Hand-forged in Echizen, Japan by Hideo Kitaoka 170mm (6.7") actual cutting edge, 47mm heel height Aogami #2 with iron clad damascus Single bevel Octagonal ebony handle For right-handed users About the blacksmith: Hideo Kitaoka, a certified Dento Kogeishi (Traditional Master Craftsman), was born in 1950 and works in Takefu Knife Village in Echizen, Fukui. He is the third generation of his family forge, which started in 1868. He began working in edged tool making in 1966 and learned the trade from his father and grandfather. He focuses on single bevel knives, made with shirogami and aogami carbon steel. He was certified as a Dento Kogeishi (Traditional Master Craftsman) in 2004. He received the German iF Design Award in 2015 and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award in 2017. In 2020 he received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Single Rays, a national honor of Japan. The Emperor confers it on the recommendation of the Japanese government. Details Blacksmith: Hideo Kitaoka Producing area: Echizen, Japan Knife type: usuba Core Steel: Aogami #2 HRC: ~63 Steel Type: carbon steel Cladding: iron clad damascus Blade & Handle Specs Overall Length: 323mm Blade Length - heel to tip: 170mm (6.7") Blade Height at Heel: 47mm Spine Thickness: At the handle: 3.8mm At the heel: 3.3mm Midway: 2.5mm 1cm from the tip: 1.8mm Weight: 190g Handle: octagonal ebony Hand Orientation: right-handed Saya/Sheath: none Notes: The photo shows a knife from our current stock and may not be the exact one you'll receive. Each is handmade, so no two are exactly alike. Minor variations in finish, surface marks, and measurements are normal. Want to see the actual knife before ordering? Email info@zahocho.com and we'll send photos or videos. Handle is fitted by the maker and shipped as-is. We don't offer handle swaps.