{"title":"Advanced Knife","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"hitohira-futana-s3-nashiji-kiritsuke-gyuto-210mm-cerisier","title":"Hitohira Futana S3 Nashiji Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm Cherry","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke-Gyuto is a cross between gyuto and traditional kiritsuke. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. The Kiritsuke-Gyuto will act as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the work. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGinsan is a steel very similar to Shirogami 2 in its composition. An addition of 14% chromium results in a stainless steel with low impurities. As a result, blades forged from Ginsan have a high hardness and cutting retention capacity that rivals most blades made from traditional high carbon steels. The purity of Ginsan makes it a preferred steel for blacksmiths who work with steel in the traditional way and is pleasant to sharpen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNashiji is a Japanese word meaning \"pear skin pattern\". Coming from a knife finishing technique where the surface of the blade is left raw or rustic, imitating the skin of the Asian pear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFutana is the name of a line of Hitohira's house knives. As with all products that carry Hitohira's trademark (ひとひら (一片)), a high standard of quality is assured. Under the name of Futana you will be able to find knives of any profile made of stainless or semi-stainless steel. In addition, you will be able to find these blades with several different types of finishes; nashiji, kurouchi, damascus etc.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487796625582,"sku":"AAA-130N-24-FB210","price":240.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/EE33BC9E-83C7-479A-8A1A-44E9B8E67BFD.jpg?v=1666794107"},{"product_id":"hitohira-tanaka-mosuke-shirogami-2-kiritsuke-yanagiba-270mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Tanaka Mosuke Shirogami #2 Kiritsuke Yanagiba 270mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003eConsidered one of the best blacksmiths in the region, Yoshikazu Tanaka has been a blacksmith for over half a century. He now works with his son and an apprentice. He is a traditionalist, but he is always looking to improve his process and skills. He uses the traditional method of quenching with pine charcoal and then uses straw ash. It is a very old way of making knives. He does not use a thermometer for quenching; he manually calculates the temperature of the steel by examining its color. Tanaka-san is always looking to improve. He uses a temperature-controlled furnace for quenching, which only a few blacksmiths in the region use. He and his team only forge 30 knives a day between the three of them. For reference, some blacksmiths forge as many as 100 blades in a single day. The reason he only forges 30 is that he takes his time, carefully forging at very low temperatures. At lower temperatures, the steel does not stretch as quickly, but it will retain the grain size of the steel much better. Stretching the grain size will make the steel brittle, which he tries to avoid. He frequently moves the steel in and out of the furnace to check the color, then when the entire blade is a specific shade of color, he quenches the steel in water. Water tempering (Mizu) is the most difficult to achieve and requires very careful handling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487797575854,"sku":"AAA-075W2D-05-IB270","price":405.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/F3B6D798-3B32-4FED-9F48-35C3B9B31E42.jpg?v=1666794384"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-shirogami-3-gaucher-yanagiba-270mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Shirogami #3 Left-handed Yanagiba 270mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003e Kikuchiyo:\n\u003cbr\u003e In the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by Sakai's master craftsman to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical; the harsh environment of working with fire and iron takes its toll on the body, and many of the masters' skills begin to fade in their forties and fifties. Because Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he acquired most of the knowledge and skills of fine forging and tempering before his physical abilities deteriorated.\n\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003cbr\u003eKikuchiyo has proactively experimented with new steels not typically used by Sakai blacksmiths, such as stainless steel. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese chefs, with many claiming, \"If you use Kikuchiyo's Ginsan once, you'll never replace it.\" Kikuchiyo is also known for his fine Honyaki temper, beautiful Hamon, and the hardness achievable only by experienced masters who reach the proper temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many Sakai sharpeners and finishers, professionals who understand what makes a good kitchen knife. When Kikuchiyo became a blacksmith, he dreamed of succeeding and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives after the image of his master's forge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487798526126,"sku":"AAA-030W3-05-ZZIA270","price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/5E0F1DC2-545A-4B15-8ABA-F066EBA21A89.jpg?v=1666794660"},{"product_id":"hitohira-tanaka-mosuke-aogami-1-yanagiba-270mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Tanaka Mosuke Aogami #1 Yanagiba 270mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat.\u0026nbsp; The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Aogami #1 by Hitchachi steel co translates to blue steel #1. It was named after the color of the paper in which the steel is packaged at Hitachi steel co. This steel has the same carbon content as Shirogami #1 (1.25-1.3%), but in addition tungsten and chromium are added to the composition. This improves corrosion resistance, wear resistance and cutting edge retention. It is considered by many to be the best steel for single bevel blades.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487800066222,"sku":"AAA-111B1O-05-IA270","price":530.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/A165EA79-AD7A-4414-865C-C24C054E6231.jpg?v=1666795220"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-aogami-2-kiritsuke-yanagiba-300mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Aogami #2 Kiritsuke Yanagiba 300mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat.\u0026nbsp; The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKikuchiyo, the celebrated blacksmith from Sakai, Osaka, rose to prominence in the early 2000s when he was invited to join Sakai's master craftsmen. His early start in blacksmithing allowed him to amass extensive knowledge and skills before physical limitations set in. Notably, Kikuchiyo boldly experimented with unconventional steels like stainless, resulting in his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives becoming highly coveted among Japanese chefs. His expertise extended to Honyaki quenching, producing beautiful Hamon patterns and achieving the ideal hardness and consistance. Kikuchiyo's knives gained the respect of Sakai's sharpeners and finishers, and he remains dedicated to his dream of success, paying homage to his master's forge in every blade he forges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSimply explained, Aogami #2 developed by Hitachi Metals is a steel made from Shirogami #2 in which some chromium and tungsten are added for better durability and corrosion resistance. In addition to that, the higher carbon content of the steel allows for better cutting retention. Objectively, the Aogami #2 is an improvement over the Shirogami #2. For patina lovers, however, Shirogami steel will be more reactive to oxidation and could be an advantage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487800131758,"sku":"AAA-510-05-IB300","price":555.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/F927E72C-ED79-4BCF-AD47-134E5A473E23.jpg?v=1666795243"},{"product_id":"yoshikane-skd-kiritsuke-gyuto-210mm-tagayasan","title":"Yoshikane SKD Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm Tagayasan","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Yoshikane forge was founded in 1919 in Sanjo\/Niigata and is now run by 4th generation Kazuomi Yamamoto-san.\u0026nbsp; He was trained by his uncle Tsuneo Yoshida (3rd generation) and is now established as one of the best blacksmiths in Japan, in addition to being recognized for his skills in blade sharpening. He would rival or surpass the best Sakai sharpeners. This explains why so many talented blacksmiths in Sanjo have been trained at Yoshikane's forge.\u0026nbsp; Yoshikane is famous for its work of Shirogami #2 steel, SKD-11 steel and SLD steel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere is a famous quote from Kazuomi Yamamoto-san: \"While many things change rapidly these days, there are ideas and beliefs that never change. Every day, I make sure that the meaning of these words is forged in the making of knives\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSKD-12 steel is the Japanese equivalent of A2 steel and is a \"high speed tool steel\", this type of steel was popularized in the early 1900s. To obtain a high-speed tool steel, alloying elements such as chromium, tungsten, vanadium and molybdenum are combined with a high carbon steel. It can achieve very high hardness and outstanding wear resistance and is mainly used in factory tools for metal working. Yoshikane Forge was one of the first forges to incorporate this type of steel into the construction of Japanese knives and is now known for its SKD-12 and SLD (made from SKD-11 steel) blades. With a chromium content of about 5%, this steel is semi-oxidizable and requires minimal maintenance to avoid rusting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Yoshikane gyuto kiritsuke 210mm in Tagayasan handle sits at a meaningful crossroads between Japanese tradition and modern high-performance steel — making it a compelling choice for cooks weighing a santoku versus a gyuto for their primary knife. Where a santoku excels at push-cutting vegetables, this SKD kiritsuke gyuto extends reach and versatility across proteins and longer prep tasks, covering the full range of a professional kitchen with a single blade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshikane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487801180334,"sku":"'938","price":470.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/63F2EC2C-91D1-4212-A4B1-E12336E08CD2.jpg?v=1666795873"},{"product_id":"morihei-hisamoto-miroir-aogami-2-kamagata-usuba-225mm-ho","title":"Morihei Hisamoto Aogami Mirror #2 Kamagata Usuba 225mm Ho","description":"","brand":"Morihei","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487802294446,"sku":"'979","price":715.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/A418E527-3BD3-41EE-BC77-533629D4F135.jpg?v=1666796290"},{"product_id":"nigara-hamono-anmon-ginsan-kiritsuke-yanagiba-300mm-miroir-tagayasan","title":"Nigara Hamono Anmon Ginsan Kiritsuke Yanagiba 300mm Mirror Tagayasan","description":"\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAt 35 years old and a creative craftsman, Go Yoshizawa is making the family business shine. He is the head of the Nigara forge, one of the most renowned forges in Japan and worldwide, famous for its Damascus steelwork. Yoshizawa-san draws on the solid foundations of steelwork he has developed over the years to discover and explore new processes. The Nigara forge and its artisan blacksmiths continue to amaze us with knives that are as beautiful as they are powerful.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Nigara Hamono","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487802556590,"sku":"'990","price":835.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/17F0B2E4-8877-454C-8AAE-C3B9C9D54CF3.jpg?v=1666796434"},{"product_id":"morihei-munetsugu-shirogami-2-kamagata-usuba-165mm-honba-ho","title":"Morihei Munetsugu Shirogami #2 Kamagata Usuba 165mm Honba Ho","description":"","brand":"Morihei","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487802687662,"sku":"AMA-075-05-LA195","price":320.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/B1E8E09E-0982-4FDB-BBAF-1ACAA8926267.jpg?v=1666796564"},{"product_id":"morihei-munetsugu-shirogami-2-yanagiba-240mm-honba-ho","title":"Morihei Munetsugu Shirogami #2 Yanagiba 240mm Honba Ho","description":"","brand":"Morihei","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487802720430,"sku":"AAA-070-IA240","price":340.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/74646417-43D4-47D9-BAAF-0E6A0475087D.jpg?v=1666796580"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-aogami-2-yanagiba-300mm-ho-thinner","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Aogami #2 Yanagiba 300mm Ho (Thinner)","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by Sakai's master craftsman to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical; the harsh environment of working with fire and iron takes its toll on the body, and many of the masters' skills begin to fade in their forties and fifties. Because Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he acquired most of the knowledge and skills of fine forging and tempering before his physical abilities deteriorated.  \u003cbr\u003eKikuchiyo has proactively experimented with new steels not typically used by Sakai blacksmiths, such as stainless steel. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese chefs, with many claiming, \"If you use Kikuchiyo's Ginsan once, you'll never replace it.\" Kikuchiyo is also known for his fine Honyaki temper, beautiful Hamon, and the hardness achievable only by experienced masters who reach the proper temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many Sakai sharpeners and finishers, professionals who understand what makes a good kitchen knife. When Kikuchiyo became a blacksmith, he dreamed of succeeding and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives after the image of his master's forge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487803048110,"sku":"AAA-030B2-05-IA300","price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/8CA147AD-C033-4478-B56A-D2554864F9F5.jpg?v=1666796879"},{"product_id":"hitohira-futana-sb-migaki-tsuchime-kiritsuke-gyuto-210mm-cerisier","title":"Hitohira Futana SB Migaki Tsuchime Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm Cherry wood","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAogami literally translates as: \"blue steel\" and therefore \"Blue Super Steel\" for Aogami Super. Manufactured by Hitachi Metals Ltd, this carbon steel grade has one of the highest hardness levels and is one of the most renowned in Japan. In addition to containing more carbon, chromium and tungsten than Aogami #1, it also contains molybdenum. The high carbon content results in higher hardness, but in return, it reduces the corrosion resistance and makes the steel more brittle. Chromium and molybdenum counterbalance the effect of the high carbon content by improving corrosion resistance. While tungsten greatly increases the wear resistance of the steel to make it less brittle. This makes it, objectively, a superior carbon steel on a practical level than other steels in this category.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFutana is the name of a line of Hitohira's house knives. As with all products that carry Hitohira's trademark (ひとひら (一片)), a high standard of quality is assured. Under the name of Futana you will be able to find knives of any profile made of stainless or semi-stainless steel. In addition, you will be able to find these blades with several different types of finishes; nashiji, kurouchi, damascus etc.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487803375790,"sku":"AAA-171TM-24-FB210","price":275.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/642EC020-B1C5-4A5B-AE7D-730DE2DE5C9E.jpg?v=1666797063"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-aogami-2-sakimaru-takobiki-300mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Aogami #2 Takobiki 300mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Takobiki, a traditional Japanese slicing knife, is renowned for its unique design and specialized function in the culinary world. Characterized by its long, thin, and straight blade, the Takobiki is particularly favored for slicing sashimi, the delicate art of preparing raw fish in Japanese cuisine. Its length, which can range from 240mm to 330mm, allows for a single, swift, and precise cut without the need for a back-and-forth sawing motion, thereby preserving the texture and integrity of the fish. The Takobiki's blade is typically narrower compared to other sashimi knives like the Yanagiba, making it ideal for precise cuts and reducing the likelihood of the fish sticking to the blade. Historically rooted in the Kanto region of Japan, the Takobiki is not only a testament to the Japanese commitment to specialized culinary tools but also a reflection of the regional preferences in knife design, emphasizing finesse and precision in food preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKikuchiyo, the celebrated blacksmith from Sakai, Osaka, rose to prominence in the early 2000s when he was invited to join Sakai's master craftsmen. His early start in blacksmithing allowed him to amass extensive knowledge and skills before physical limitations set in. Notably, Kikuchiyo boldly experimented with unconventional steels like stainless, resulting in his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives becoming highly coveted among Japanese chefs. His expertise extended to Honyaki quenching, producing beautiful Hamon patterns and achieving the ideal hardness and consistance. Kikuchiyo's knives gained the respect of Sakai's sharpeners and finishers, and he remains dedicated to his dream of success, paying homage to his master's forge in every blade he forges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSimply explained, Aogami #2 developed by Hitachi Metals is a steel made from Shirogami #2 in which some chromium and tungsten are added for better durability and corrosion resistance. In addition to that, the higher carbon content of the steel allows for better cutting retention. Objectively, the Aogami #2 is an improvement over the Shirogami #2. For patina lovers, however, Shirogami steel will be more reactive to oxidation and could be an advantage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487803539630,"sku":"AAA-510-05-JB300","price":525.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/1A83E2C2-4F46-40CB-B24A-F90C19F7985E.jpg?v=1666797293"},{"product_id":"hitohira-togashi-shirogami-1-fuji-hakumon-mizu-honyaki-yanagiba-330mm-no-handle","title":"Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #1 Fuji Hakumon Mizu Honyaki Yanagiba 330mm No Handle","description":"\u003cp\u003e Sold with its saya.\u003cbr\u003e Kenji Togashi is a legendary blacksmith from Sakai and one of the few blacksmiths in Japan skilled enough to forge quality honyaki blades. Since beginning his career in 1966, Master Togashi has received numerous accolades and is renowned for his mastery of these blacksmithing skills. Master Togashi crafts blades in his own workshop in Sakai, along with his three sons.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487804096686,"sku":"AAA-136W1FH-IA330","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/00C6E132-AFC4-4D45-9D36-1B1FA14F6F71.jpg?v=1666797568"},{"product_id":"hitohira-tanaka-kyuzo-aogami-1-migaki-kiritsuke-gyuto-240mm-ziricote-extra-height","title":"Hitohira Tanaka Kyuzo Aogami #1 Migaki Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm Ziricote (Extra Height)","description":"\u003cp\u003eConsidered one of the best blacksmiths in the region, Yoshikazu Tanaka has been a blacksmith for over half a century. He now works with his son and an apprentice. He is a traditionalist, but he is always looking to improve his process and skills. He uses the traditional method of quenching with pine charcoal and then uses straw ash. It is a very old way of making knives. He does not use a thermometer for quenching; he manually calculates the temperature of the steel by examining its color. Tanaka-san is always looking to improve. He uses a temperature-controlled furnace for quenching, which only a few blacksmiths in the region use. He and his team only forge 30 knives a day between the three of them. For reference, some blacksmiths forge as many as 100 blades in a single day. The reason he only forges 30 is that he takes his time, carefully forging at very low temperatures. At lower temperatures, the steel does not stretch as quickly, but it will retain the grain size of the steel much better. Stretching the grain size will make the steel brittle, which he tries to avoid. He frequently moves the steel in and out of the furnace to check the color, then when the entire blade is a specific shade of color, he quenches the steel in water. Water tempering (Mizu) is the most difficult to achieve and requires very careful handling.  \u003cbr\u003eKyuzo:\u003cbr\u003e His father, Heihachi, was one of the busiest sharpeners in Sakai. Heihachi's workshop and hallway were always filled with knives waiting to be sharpened. Although Kyuzo initially worked under his father to learn the basics of rough sharpening, he eventually became a student of Kambei, known as one of Sakai's finest sharpeners because he best knew how to sharpen wide, double-beveled knives. After a few years of training, he developed his own style based on his father and Kambei. Today, Kyuzo is one of the few people who can sharpen a wide, double-beveled knife with a very good Shinogi line in Sakai, one of the most difficult sharpening techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487805571246,"sku":"AAA-020B1MT-56-FB240","price":735.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/E792EC4A-059D-4240-B58D-227D50BAF8C1.jpg?v=1666798588"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-aogami-2-yanagiba-300mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Aogami #2 Yanagiba 300mm Ho","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat.\u0026nbsp; The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKikuchiyo, the celebrated blacksmith from Sakai, Osaka, rose to prominence in the early 2000s when he was invited to join Sakai's master craftsmen. His early start in blacksmithing allowed him to amass extensive knowledge and skills before physical limitations set in. Notably, Kikuchiyo boldly experimented with unconventional steels like stainless, resulting in his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives becoming highly coveted among Japanese chefs. His expertise extended to Honyaki quenching, producing beautiful Hamon patterns and achieving the ideal hardness and consistance. Kikuchiyo's knives gained the respect of Sakai's sharpeners and finishers, and he remains dedicated to his dream of success, paying homage to his master's forge in every blade he forges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSimply explained, Aogami #2 developed by Hitachi Metals is a steel made from Shirogami #2 in which some chromium and tungsten are added for better durability and corrosion resistance. In addition to that, the higher carbon content of the steel allows for better cutting retention. Objectively, the Aogami #2 is an improvement over the Shirogami #2. For patina lovers, however, Shirogami steel will be more reactive to oxidation and could be an advantage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487805669550,"sku":"AAA-510-05-IA300","price":520.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/ACD1AF44-BFAE-4C85-8F6E-4FA7FA4B30C1.jpg?v=1666798644"},{"product_id":"hitohira-gorobei-aogami-2-yanagiba-300mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Gorobei Aogami #2 Yanagiba 300mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat.\u0026nbsp; The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSimply explained, Aogami #2 developed by Hitachi Metals is a steel made from Shirogami #2 in which some chromium and tungsten are added for better durability and corrosion resistance. In addition to that, the higher carbon content of the steel allows for better cutting retention. Objectively, the Aogami #2 is an improvement over the Shirogami #2. For patina lovers, however, Shirogami steel will be more reactive to oxidation and could be an advantage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487806554286,"sku":"AAA-152B2-05-IA300","price":255.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/36BA66F8-328B-4842-9048-6CCD5F42F526.jpg?v=1666799686"},{"product_id":"nigara-hamono-aogami-super-migaki-tsuchime-kiritsuke-gyuto-240mm-tagayasan","title":"Nigara Hamono Aogami Super Migaki Tsuchime Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm Tagayasan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAt the age of 35, Go Yoshizawa is a creative craftsman who is making the family business shine. He is the head-chef of the Nigara's forge, one of the most renowned forges in Japan and worldwide, and famous for damascus work. Yoshizawa-san builds on the solid foundation of steelworking that he has developed over the years to discover and explore new processes. Nigara's forge and its craftsmen continue to amaze us with knives that are as beautiful as they are performing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAogami literally translates as: \"blue steel\" and therefore \"Blue Super Steel\" for Aogami Super. Manufactured by Hitachi Metals Ltd, this carbon steel grade has one of the highest hardness levels and is one of the most renowned in Japan. In addition to containing more carbon, chromium and tungsten than Aogami #1, it also contains molybdenum. The high carbon content results in higher hardness, but in return, it reduces the corrosion resistance and makes the steel more brittle. Chromium and molybdenum counterbalance the effect of the high carbon content by improving corrosion resistance. While tungsten greatly increases the wear resistance of the steel to make it less brittle. This makes it, objectively, a superior carbon steel on a practical level than other steels in this category.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nigara Hamono","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487806587054,"sku":"Nigara_6","price":330.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/B78BC924-59F0-47F3-8014-60FD9D3988E1.jpg?v=1666799924"},{"product_id":"hado-ginsan-kiritsuke-gyuto-210mm-kijiro-lacquered","title":"Hado Ginsan Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm Kijiro Lacquered","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn Japanese, the kanji forming the word Hado (刃道) represent \"the road of blades\". Another Japanese word, also pronounced \"Hado\", means \"moving wave\". These two definitions speak volumes about the philosophy behind the Hado project from Fukui Co. \u0026amp; Ltd, a highly reputable Japanese knife sales company with a 109-year history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ginsan kiritsuke gyuto featured here is part of the Hado series—a refined blade born from tradition, precision, and a commitment to craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHado is Fukui Co \u0026amp; Ltd's first \"in-house\" series! The project stands out mainly for its daring departure from the beaten track. Indeed, it all began when Tadataka Maruyama, who was in charge of sales and warehouse management at the company, went to see President Ryuichiro Fukui to tell him that he wanted to leave his position to learn the art of \"hatsuke\" (blade grinding). President Fukui saw in Maruyama a burning desire and seized an opportunity. This is where the story gets interesting: the president agreed that Murayama would leave his position at Fukui Co \u0026amp; Ltd to learn blade grinding, on condition that Murayama would return to the company three years later and become the company's senior grinder. He accepted the offer, and during those three years, he was paid a salary, and the company prepared a workshop with the best possible equipment. Afterwards, this workshop awaited only the return of the new grinder Maruyama was to become. So, add up the president's vision, mutual trust, passion, and, above all, a huge amount of work, and you get Hado: a small wave in motion with far-reaching repercussions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSince Fukui had very good contacts in the field, Maruyama learned directly from the great masters, notably Syotaro Nomura and Masaaki Nakamura. Normally, it's said that it takes at least ten years to master blade grinding, and that it also takes several years of observation before you can touch the blades. Since Maruyama was able to start straight away and, after his first three years of apprenticeship, a new workshop in which to hone his mastery of \"hatsuke\" was waiting for him, he quickly achieved a satisfactory and respected mastery in Sakai. This Ginsan kiritsuke gyuto is the result of that dedication, blending the sharpness of Ginsan steel with the striking aesthetics of a kiritsuke profile. Indeed, even Yoshikazu Tanaka, one of Japan's most renowned master blacksmiths, agreed to collaborate with Fukui Co. \u0026amp; Ltd and Tadataka Maruyama on two of Hado's flagship series.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Hado kiritsuke knife format — with its angular, clipped tip and flat belly — demands exactly the kind of refined grinding mastery Maruyama devoted years to perfecting. This Ginsan kiritsuke gyuto translates that mastery into a blade that handles the push-cutting precision of a kiritsuke and the versatile rocking motion of a gyuto with equal authority. Ginsan's corrosion resistance makes it an ideal choice for demanding kitchen environments without sacrificing the keen, refined edge this profile deserves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hado","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487806652590,"sku":"'1000050","price":610.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/D71D9071-57CC-4555-AFD0-09C89C026D8E.jpg?v=1666800085"},{"product_id":"hitohira-gorobei-aogami-2-yanagiba-270mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Gorobei Aogami #2 Yanagiba 270mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat.\u0026nbsp; The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSimply explained, Aogami #2 developed by Hitachi Metals is a steel made from Shirogami #2 in which some chromium and tungsten are added for better durability and corrosion resistance. In addition to that, the higher carbon content of the steel allows for better cutting retention. Objectively, the Aogami #2 is an improvement over the Shirogami #2. For patina lovers, however, Shirogami steel will be more reactive to oxidation and could be an advantage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487807176878,"sku":"AAA-152B2-05-IA270","price":245.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/922B56AA-D35E-4B15-9347-F366FC04F0B1.jpg?v=1666800898"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-aogami-2-usuba-225mm-noyer","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Aogami #2 Usuba 225mm Walnut","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by Sakai's master craftsman to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical; the harsh environment of working with fire and iron takes its toll on the body, and many of the masters' skills begin to fade in their forties and fifties. Because Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he acquired most of the knowledge and skills of fine forging and tempering before his physical abilities deteriorated.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003eKikuchiyo has proactively experimented with new steels not typically used by Sakai blacksmiths, such as stainless steel. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese chefs, with many claiming, \"If you use Kikuchiyo's Ginsan once, you'll never replace it.\" Kikuchiyo is also known for his fine Honyaki temper, beautiful Hamon, and the hardness achievable only by experienced masters who reach the proper temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many Sakai sharpeners and finishers, professionals who understand what makes a good kitchen knife. When Kikuchiyo became a blacksmith, he dreamed of succeeding and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives after the image of his master's forge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487807307950,"sku":"AAA-030B2-02-LB225","price":590.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/D3CD5152-3EDC-49D7-8A94-D33FA3AA7C6E.jpg?v=1666793969"},{"product_id":"morihei-hisamoto-miroir-aogami-2-usuba-240mm-ho","title":"Morihei Hisamoto Aogami Mirror #2 Usuba 240mm Ho","description":"","brand":"Morihei","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487807733934,"sku":"AMA-895-05-LB240","price":770.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/56AB957B-A681-43CC-A164-277FC10FD4B6.jpg?v=1666796276"},{"product_id":"morihei-hisamoto-miroir-aogami-2-usuba-225mm-ho","title":"Morihei Hisamoto Aogami Mirror #2 Usuba 225mm Ho","description":"","brand":"Morihei","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487807766702,"sku":"'980","price":715.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/D287131C-D2A3-4E88-A322-5883E3F19779.jpg?v=1666796305"},{"product_id":"nigara-hamono-troll-killer-aogami-2-damascus-yanagiba-300-karin","title":"Nigara Hamono Troll killer Aogami #2 Damascus Yanagiba 300 Karin","description":"","brand":"Nigara Hamono","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487808422062,"sku":"'1091","price":3000.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/2BE911B7-6F9E-48A0-B925-56FE4E46552E.jpg?v=1666797402"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-mosuke-enmon-shirogami-1-yanagiba-270mm-ziricote-mirror-polished-saya","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Mosuke Enmon Shirogami #1 Yanagiba 270mm Ziricote (Mirror Polished\/ Saya)","description":"\u003cp\u003eConsidered one of the best blacksmiths in the region, Yoshikazu Tanaka has been a blacksmith for over half a century. He now works with his son and an apprentice. He is a traditionalist, but he is always looking to improve his process and skills. He uses the traditional method of quenching with pine charcoal and then uses straw ash. It is a very old way of making knives. He does not use a thermometer for quenching; he manually calculates the temperature of the steel by examining its color. Tanaka-san is always looking to improve. He uses a temperature-controlled furnace for quenching, which only a few blacksmiths in the region use. He and his team only forge 30 knives a day between the three of them. For reference, some blacksmiths forge as many as 100 blades in a single day. The reason he only forges 30 is that he takes his time, carefully forging at very low temperatures. At lower temperatures, the steel does not stretch as quickly, but it will retain the grain size of the steel much better. Stretching the grain size will make the steel brittle, which he strives to avoid. He frequently moves the steel in and out of the furnace to check the color, then when the entire blade is a specific shade of color, he quenches the steel in water. Water tempering (Mizu) is the most difficult to achieve and requires very careful handling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487808651438,"sku":"AAA-055W1-56-IA270","price":930.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/59824284-80D0-4E5D-8CC1-1DA07DB868C5.jpg?v=1666799290"},{"product_id":"hitohira-gorobei-aogami-2-yanagiba-240mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Gorobei Aogami #2 Yanagiba 240mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat.\u0026nbsp; The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSimply explained, Aogami #2 developed by Hitachi Metals is a steel made from Shirogami #2 in which some chromium and tungsten are added for better durability and corrosion resistance. In addition to that, the higher carbon content of the steel allows for better cutting retention. Objectively, the Aogami #2 is an improvement over the Shirogami #2. For patina lovers, however, Shirogami steel will be more reactive to oxidation and could be an advantage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Hitohira brand is a guarantee of excellence and assures you that every knife sold under this name meets rigorous quality standards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487808749742,"sku":"AAA-152B2-05-IA240","price":215.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/AA2267B8-794A-4903-B5A6-5BF98D00F6D4.jpg?v=1666799676"},{"product_id":"hitohira-togashi-shirogami-2-yanagiba-300mm-bois-de-ho","title":"Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #2 Yanagiba 300mm Ho wood","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as \"willow blade\" since the shape of its narrow, long, curved blade on the back resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is the precise and clean slicing of fish for sashimi or nigiri, for example. It can also be used to fillet certain fish and slice meat. The very fine edge can be damaged easily, so you are advised to be careful with bones and bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, allowing the blade to easily detach from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) allows the piece of fish to easily detach. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBorn in 1948, Kenji Togashi began his career in 1966-67 and received numerous distinctions over the years. In 1990, he received the Dentō-Kugeishi, awarded by the Japanese Ministry of Economy and Trade. This distinction is reserved for Japanese craftsmen who are masters in their field and have accumulated at least 12 years of experience and proven their mastery of their art, both theoretically and practically. In 2007, the city of Sakai\/Osaka awarded him the certification of \"Master of Traditional Craftsmanship\" for his excellent tempering technique and his exceptional mastery of kitchen knife making, honoring the traditions of ancestral Japanese blacksmithing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eToday, Kenji Togashi crafts his knives from start to finish in his workshop in Sakai, Osaka. He works with his three sons and a few apprentices to offer us superior blades that meet the standards of master Togashi himself. When you buy a Togashi blade, you are assured of a level of quality in forging, grinding, and finishing that rivals the best blacksmiths in Sakai.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShirogami #2 translates to: Shiro (white) and Gami (Steel) and thus; white steel #2. It is so named because of the color of the packaging in which it was wrapped at Hitachi Metals. The composition of this steel is very pure and contains almost only iron and carbon (1.05%-1.2%). It is in the hands of very experienced blacksmiths that one realizes the enormous potential of Shirogami #2. The quality of the heat treatment and the lower temperature forging are key elements that can allow Shirogami #2 to compete with, and even surpass, many modern steels. Try a Shiro #2 blade forged by Tanaka-san, Kisuke Manaka-san or Yoshikane's forge and you will see!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487809536174,"sku":"AAA-080W2T-04-IA300","price":390.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/6709A9E2-9AC6-456C-81F4-3FF94663A216_1_201_a.jpg?v=1666793900"},{"product_id":"hitohira-tanaka-mosuke-shirogami-2-yanagiba-300mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Tanaka Mosuke Shirogami #2 Yanagiba 300mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003eConsidered one of the best blacksmiths in the region, Yoshikazu Tanaka has been a blacksmith for over half a century. He now works with his son and an apprentice. He is a traditionalist, but he is always looking to improve his process and skills. He uses the traditional method of quenching with pine charcoal and then uses straw ash. It is a very old way of making knives. He does not use a thermometer for quenching; he manually calculates the temperature of the steel by examining its color. Tanaka-san is always looking to improve. He uses a temperature-controlled furnace for quenching, which only a few blacksmiths in the region use. He and his team only forge 30 knives a day between the three of them. For reference, some blacksmiths forge as many as 100 blades in a single day. The reason he only forges 30 is that he takes his time, carefully forging at very low temperatures. At lower temperatures, the steel does not stretch as quickly, but it will retain the grain size of the steel much better. Stretching the grain size will make the steel brittle, which he tries to avoid. He frequently moves the steel in and out of the furnace to check the color, then when the entire blade is a specific shade of color, he quenches the steel in water. Water tempering (Mizu) is the most difficult to achieve and requires very careful handling.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487809568942,"sku":"AAA-075W2D-05-IA300","price":405.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/025D64DF-E815-499D-B668-DE99A3EEA1CD.jpg?v=1666794394"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-aogami-2-kiritsuke-yanagiba-270mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Aogami #2 Kiritsuke Yanagiba 270mm Ho","description":"\u003cp\u003e Kikuchiyo:\u003cbr\u003e In the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by Sakai's master craftsman to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical; the harsh environment of working with fire and iron takes its toll on the body, and many of the masters' skills begin to fade in their forties and fifties. Because Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he acquired most of the knowledge and skills of fine forging and tempering before his physical abilities deteriorated.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003eKikuchiyo has proactively experimented with new steels not typically used by Sakai blacksmiths, such as stainless steel. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese chefs, with many claiming, \"If you use Kikuchiyo's Ginsan once, you'll never replace it.\" Kikuchiyo is also known for his fine Honyaki temper, beautiful Hamon, and the hardness achievable only by experienced masters who reach the proper temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many Sakai sharpeners and finishers, professionals who understand what makes a good kitchen knife. When Kikuchiyo became a blacksmith, he dreamed of succeeding and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives after the image of his master's forge.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Kyuzo:  \u003cbr\u003eKyuzo's father, Heihachi, is one of the busiest sharpeners in Sakai. Heihachi's workshop and hallway were always filled with knives ready to be sharpened. Although Kyuzo initially worked with his father to learn the basics of rough sharpening, he eventually became a student of Kambei, considered one of the best sharpeners in Sakai because he was more adept at sharpening wide double-bevel knives. After a few years of training, he built his style on the respective styles of his father and Kambei. Today, Kyuzo is one of the few people in Sakai who can sharpen a wide double-bevel with a very good Shinogi line, one of the most difficult sharpening techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e Sold with its Saya\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487809700014,"sku":"AAA-510-05-IB270","price":500.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/8BC5E433-03FB-4802-80B9-47DFF85569D9.jpg?v=1666795167"},{"product_id":"hitohira-gorobei-aogami-2-yanagiba-210mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Gorobei Aogami #2 Yanagiba 210mm Ho","description":"","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487810093230,"sku":"AAA-152B2-05-IA210","price":195.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/C83BB642-69C7-46C6-A530-69E934EF421C.jpg?v=1666797546"},{"product_id":"hitohira-togashi-shirogami-1-stainless-clad-kiritsuke-gyuto-240mm-ziricote","title":"Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #1 Stainless Clad Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm Ziricote","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBorn in 1948, Kenji Togashi began his career in 1966-67 and received numerous awards over the years. In 1990, he received the Dentō-Kugeishi, granted by the Japanese Ministry of Economy and Trade. This award is reserved for Japanese craftsmen who are masters in their field and have accumulated at least 12 years of experience and proven their mastery of their art, both in theory and in practice. In 2007, the city of Sakai\/Osaka awarded him the certification of \"Master of Traditional Craftsmanship\" for his excellent tempering technique and his exceptional mastery of making kitchen knives that honor the ancestral Japanese forging traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShirogami #1 by Hitachi steel co translates to white steel #1 and is an improved version of Shirogami #2 as it contains a higher carbon content.\u0026nbsp; It is named after the color of the paper in which it is packaged once produced. It is considered one of the purest steels, after Tamahagane, which allows for a sharper edge than most other steels. However, it will generally be more brittle and can break more easily due to misuse. Mastering the forging of shirogami #1 to exploit its full potential is not simple and requires an expertise that few blacksmiths have. It is in the process of making a Mizu Honyaki type knife that you will find the shirogami #1 in its most difficult to forge version, but also the sharpest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47700015284398,"sku":"AAA-125W1M-56-FB240","price":780.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/497477E6-512A-42D8-A27A-6350813422AF.jpg?v=1666797952"},{"product_id":"hitohira-togashi-shirogami-1-tachi-yanagiba-300mm-ho","title":"Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #1 Tachi Yanagiba 300mm Ho","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat.\u0026nbsp; The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eNé en 1948, Kenji Togashi commence sa carrière en 1966-67 et reçoit de nombreuses distinctions au fil des ans. En 1990, il reçoit le Dentō-Kugeishi, décerné par le ministère japonais de l'Économie et du Commerce. Distinction réservée aux artisans japonais maître dans leur domaine ayant cumulé au moins 12 ans d’expérience et prouvé leur maîtrise de leur art, autant au niveau théorique qu’au niveau pratique. En 2007, la ville de Sakai\/Osaka lui octroie la certification de \"Maître de l'artisanat traditionnel\" pour son excellente technique de trempe et sa maîtrise exceptionnelle de la fabrication de couteaux de cuisine faisant honneur aux traditions de forges ancestrales japonaises.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAujourd’hui, Kenji Togashi fabrique ses couteaux du début à la fin dans son atelier de Sakai\/Osaka. Il travaille avec ses trois fils et quelques apprentis pour nous offrir des lames de qualité supérieure qui répondent aux standards du maître Togashi lui-même. Quand on achète une lame signée Togashi, on s’assure d’un niveau de qualité de forge, d’émoulage et de finition rivalisant avec les meilleures maisons de forges de Sakai.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLe Shirogami #1 par Hitachi steel co se traduit par acier blanc #1 et est une version améliorée du Shirogami #2 car il contient un taux de carbone plus élevé.\u0026nbsp; Il tient sa dénomination en référence à la couleur du papier dans lequel il est emballé une fois produit. Il est considéré comme un des aciers les plus purs, après le Tamahagane, ce qui permet d’obtenir un tranchant plus incisif que la plupart des autres aciers. Cependant, il sera généralement plus fragile et peut briser plus facilement par suite d’une mauvaise utilisation. Maîtriser la forge du shirogami #1 pour exploiter son plein potentiel n’est pas simple et demande une expertise que peu de forgerons détiennent. C’est dans le processus de fabrication d’un couteau de type Mizu Honyaki que vous retrouverez le shirogami #1 sous sa version la plus difficile a forgée, mais aussi la plus tranchante.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487811436718,"sku":"AAA-130W1T-05-IA300","price":355.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/CD275248-84A9-4AFE-87A4-5D8BFD555C7D.jpg?v=1666800405"},{"product_id":"hitohira-togashi-shirogami-2-kurouchi-kiritsuke-gyuto-210mm-tagayasan","title":"Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #2 Kurouchi Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm Tagayasan","description":"Kenji Togashi is a legendary Sakai blacksmith and one of the few in Japan with the skills to forge quality honyaki blades. Since beginning his career in 1966, Master Togashi has received numerous awards, and is renowned for his mastery of these forging skills. Master Togashi makes blades in his own workshop in Sakai, with his three sons.","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487811535022,"sku":"AAA-025W2K-53-FB210","price":475.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/70BDF6BA-E633-4B5D-9200-773460B9211A.jpg?v=1666794271"},{"product_id":"hitohira-togashi-shirogami-2-kurouchi-kiritsuke-gyuto-240mm-tagayasan","title":"Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #2 Kurouchi Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm Tagayasan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBorn in 1948, Kenji Togashi began his career in 1966-67 and received numerous awards over the years. In 1990, he received the Dentō-Kugeishi, granted by the Japanese Ministry of Economy and Trade. This award is reserved for Japanese craftsmen who are masters in their field and have accumulated at least 12 years of experience and proven their mastery of their art, both in theory and in practice. In 2007, the city of Sakai\/Osaka awarded him the certification of \"Master of Traditional Craftsmanship\" for his excellent tempering technique and his exceptional mastery of making kitchen knives that honor the ancestral Japanese forging traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eToday, Kenji Togashi makes his knives from start to finish in his workshop in Sakai\/Osaka. He works with his three sons and a few apprentices to bring us top quality blades that meet the standards of the master Togashi himself. When you buy a Togashi blade, you are assured of a level of forging, grinding and finishing quality that rivals the best forging houses in Sakai.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShirogami #2 translates to: Shiro (white) and Gami (Steel) and thus; white steel #2. It is named after the color of the package it was wrapped in at Hitachi Metals. The composition of this steel is very pure and contains almost only iron and carbon (1.05%-1.2%). It is in the hands of very experienced blacksmiths that one realizes the enormous potential of Shirogami #2. The quality of the heat treatment and a lower temperature forging are key elements that can allow Shirogami #2 to compete with and even surpass many modern steels. Try a Shiro #2 blade forged by Tanaka-san, Kisuke Manaka-san or Yoshikane Forge and you will see!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487811567790,"sku":"AAA-025W2K-53-FB240","price":555.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/17F8AAE5-6BE5-43EB-89CF-ECC0DB501348.jpg?v=1666794481"},{"product_id":"hitohira-fj-vg-10-kiritsuke-gyuto-240mm-ho-wa","title":"Hitohira FJ VG-10 Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm Ho (Wa)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Kiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between the traditional kiritsuke and the gyuto. The edge profile, generally straighter, and its cut point are similar to the kiritsuke, while its double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. The Kiritsuke Gyuto serves as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can handle most tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eVG-10 is a stainless steel produced by Takefu Special Steel in the early 1960s and is still used today more than 60 years later. This steel was specifically designed for knife making and is used by several master blacksmiths in Japan. Despite the 15% chromium in the composition, which provides high corrosion resistance, VG-10 can reach an HRC of 60-61. This is due to the addition of 1.5% cobalt, which gives the steel higher hardness with a high-temperature quenching treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Hitohira brand is a hallmark of excellence and you can be assured that every knife sold under this name will meet rigorous quality standards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487811633326,"sku":"AAA-350-05-FB240","price":385.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/20147424-B6C4-44BD-BEB2-7890F7E25F9B.jpg?v=1666797482"},{"product_id":"nigara-hamono-aogami-super-migaki-tsuchime-kiritsuke-gyuto-210mm-tagayasan","title":"Nigara Hamono Aogami Super Migaki Tsuchime Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm Tagayasan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAt the age of 35, Go Yoshizawa is a creative craftsman who is making the family business shine. He is the head-chef of the Nigara's forge, one of the most renowned forges in Japan and worldwide, and famous for damascus work. Yoshizawa-san builds on the solid foundation of steelworking that he has developed over the years to discover and explore new processes. Nigara's forge and its craftsmen continue to amaze us with knives that are as beautiful as they are performing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAogami literally translates as: \"blue steel\" and therefore \"Blue Super Steel\" for Aogami Super. Manufactured by Hitachi Metals Ltd, this carbon steel grade has one of the highest hardness levels and is one of the most renowned in Japan. In addition to containing more carbon, chromium and tungsten than Aogami #1, it also contains molybdenum. The high carbon content results in higher hardness, but in return, it reduces the corrosion resistance and makes the steel more brittle. Chromium and molybdenum counterbalance the effect of the high carbon content by improving corrosion resistance. While tungsten greatly increases the wear resistance of the steel to make it less brittle. This makes it, objectively, a superior carbon steel on a practical level than other steels in this category.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nigara Hamono","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487811731630,"sku":"Nigara_5","price":310.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/80439FBD-47CD-4BC9-8522-3DA5700D12E2.jpg?v=1666798440"},{"product_id":"hitohira-futana-s3-nashiji-kiritsuke-gyuto-240mm-cerisier","title":"Hitohira Futana S3 Nashiji Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm Cherry","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Hitohira Futana S3 Nashiji Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm offers exceptional sharpness and durability thanks to its stainless ginsan steel. Its cherry wood handle adds a classic, timeless touch. The nashiji finish gives this sleek kiritsuke a rustic appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487811928238,"sku":"AAA-170N-24-FB240","price":275.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/43252B74-BB4D-4D3D-B39B-0CFE88D78E32.jpg?v=1666794616"},{"product_id":"hitohira-fj-vg-10-kiritsuke-gyuto-210mm-ho-wa","title":"Hitohira FJ VG-10 Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm Ho (Wa)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Kiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between the traditional kiritsuke and the gyuto. The edge profile, generally straighter, and its cut point are similar to the kiritsuke, while its double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. The Kiritsuke Gyuto serves as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can handle most tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eVG-10 is a stainless steel produced by Takefu Special Steel in the early 1960s and is still used today more than 60 years later. This steel was specifically designed for knife making and is used by several master blacksmiths in Japan. Despite the 15% chromium in the composition, which provides high corrosion resistance, VG-10 can reach an HRC of 60-61. This is due to the addition of 1.5% cobalt, which gives the steel higher hardness with a high-temperature quenching treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Hitohira brand is a hallmark of excellence and you can be assured that every knife sold under this name will meet rigorous quality standards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487812124846,"sku":"AAA-350-05-FB210","price":335.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/619E0747-F4BE-4F3F-B3D1-770C03FE92D4.jpg?v=1666797473"},{"product_id":"hitohira-futana-nickel-damascus-kiritsuke-gyuto-210mm-tagayasan","title":"Hitohira Futana Nickel Damascus Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm Tagayasan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAUS-10 is a stainless steel produced by Aichi Steel, located in Tokai City, Aichi Prefecture. AUS-10 offers a balance of high cutting edge retention and high corrosion resistance, resulting in a sharp and easy to maintain blade. The AUS-10 version of the AUS steel series is of higher quality than the others due to its carbon content of 1.05%.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAUS-10 is a steel comparable to VG-10. It has better wear resistance, but is slightly less hard. It is less likely to break under impact and twisting than the average Japanese steel. However, it is more likely to bend or twist. It is therefore the perfect steel for knives suggested to people who have less experience with Japanese blades.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFutana is the name of a line of Hitohira's house knives. As with all products that carry Hitohira's trademark (ひとひら (一片)), a high standard of quality is assured. Under the name of Futana you will be able to find knives of any profile made of stainless or semi-stainless steel. In addition, you will be able to find these blades with several different types of finishes; nashiji, kurouchi, damascus etc.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487812550830,"sku":"AAA-172-53-FB210","price":340.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/5E2D4E32-7552-40E7-89FD-8B32069C393D.jpg?v=1666799214"},{"product_id":"hitohira-futana-sb-kuro-nashiji-kiritsuke-gyuto-210mm-cerisier","title":"Hitohira Futana SB Kuro Nashiji Kiritsuke Gyuto 210mm Cherry wood","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAogami literally translates as: \"blue steel\" and therefore \"Blue Super Steel\" for Aogami Super. Manufactured by Hitachi Metals Ltd, this carbon steel grade has one of the highest hardness levels and is one of the most renowned in Japan. In addition to containing more carbon, chromium and tungsten than Aogami #1, it also contains molybdenum. The high carbon content results in higher hardness, but in return, it reduces the corrosion resistance and makes the steel more brittle. Chromium and molybdenum counterbalance the effect of the high carbon content by improving corrosion resistance. While tungsten greatly increases the wear resistance of the steel to make it less brittle. This makes it, objectively, a superior carbon steel on a practical level than other steels in this category.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFutana is the name of a line of Hitohira's house knives. As with all products that carry Hitohira's trademark (ひとひら (一片)), a high standard of quality is assured. Under the name of Futana you will be able to find knives of any profile made of stainless or semi-stainless steel. In addition, you will be able to find these blades with several different types of finishes; nashiji, kurouchi, damascus etc.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487812944046,"sku":"AAA-171N-24-FB210","price":275.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/E3316D50-0C4C-47A1-A0C4-C39BCE9AFEF6.jpg?v=1666794633"},{"product_id":"yoshikane-shirogami-2-nashiji-kiristuke-gyuto-210mm-tagayasan","title":"Yoshikane Shirogami #2 Nashiji Kiristuke Gyuto 210mm Tagayasan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Yoshikane forge was founded in 1919 in Sanjo\/Niigata and is now run by 4th generation Kazuomi Yamamoto-san.\u0026nbsp; He was trained by his uncle Tsuneo Yoshida (3rd generation) and is now established as one of the best blacksmiths in Japan, in addition to being recognized for his skills in blade sharpening. He would rival or surpass the best Sakai sharpeners. This explains why so many talented blacksmiths in Sanjo have been trained at Yoshikane's forge.\u0026nbsp; Yoshikane is famous for its work of Shirogami #2 steel, SKD-11 steel and SLD steel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHere is a famous quote from Kazuomi Yamamoto-san: \"While many things change rapidly these days, there are ideas and beliefs that never change. Every day, I make sure that the meaning of these words is forged in the making of knives\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShirogami #2 translates to: Shiro (white) and Gami (Steel) and thus; white steel #2. It is named after the color of the package it was wrapped in at Hitachi Metals. The composition of this steel is very pure and contains almost only iron and carbon (1.05%-1.2%). It is in the hands of very experienced blacksmiths that one realizes the enormous potential of Shirogami #2. The quality of the heat treatment and a lower temperature forging are key elements that can allow Shirogami #2 to compete with and even surpass many modern steels. Try a Shiro #2 blade forged by Tanaka-san, Kisuke Manaka-san or Yoshikane Forge and you will see!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yoshikane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43487813075118,"sku":"YoshikaneKiritsukeGyuto210","price":540.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/2B24B04E-BDCA-4EBF-BD75-188F31351481.jpg?v=1666801137"},{"product_id":"hitohira-togashi-shirogami-1-mizu-honyaki-yanagiba-270mm-bois-debene","title":"Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #1 Mizu Honyaki Yanagiba 270mm Ebony wood","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat.\u0026nbsp; The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBorn in 1948, Kenji Togashi began his career in 1966-67 and received numerous awards over the years. In 1990, he received the Dentō-Kugeishi, granted by the Japanese Ministry of Economy and Trade. This award is reserved for Japanese craftsmen who are masters in their field and have accumulated at least 12 years of experience and proven their mastery of their art, both in theory and in practice. In 2007, the city of Sakai\/Osaka awarded him the certification of \"Master of Traditional Craftsmanship\" for his excellent tempering technique and his exceptional mastery of making kitchen knives that honor the ancestral Japanese forging traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eToday, Kenji Togashi makes his knives from start to finish in his workshop in Sakai\/Osaka. He works with his three sons and a few apprentices to bring us top quality blades that meet the standards of the master Togashi himself. When you buy a Togashi blade, you are assured of a level of forging, grinding and finishing quality that rivals the best forging houses in Sakai.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShirogami #1 by Hitachi steel co translates to white steel #1 and is an improved version of Shirogami #2 as it contains a higher carbon content.\u0026nbsp; It is named after the color of the paper in which it is packaged once produced. It is considered one of the purest steels, after Tamahagane, which allows for a sharper edge than most other steels. However, it will generally be more brittle and can break more easily due to misuse. Mastering the forging of shirogami #1 to exploit its full potential is not simple and requires an expertise that few blacksmiths have. It is in the process of making a Mizu Honyaki type knife that you will find the shirogami #1 in its most difficult to forge version, but also the sharpest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43509458862254,"sku":"AAA-0300W1-49-IA270","price":1700.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/DSC_1025-scaled.jpg?v=1666793322"},{"product_id":"hitohira-tanaka-mosuke-aogami-1-kiritsuke-yanagiba-300mm-bois-debene","title":"Hitohira Tanaka Mosuke Aogami #1 Mirror Polish Kiritsuke Yanagiba 300mm Ebony","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYanagiba translates as “willow blade” since the narrow, long and curved blade shape on the back side resembles a willow leaf. The specialty of the Yanagiba is slicing fish in a precise and clean way for cutting sashimi or nigiri for example. It can also be used for filleting certain fishes and slicing meat.\u0026nbsp; The very fine cutting edge can be damaged easily, so we advise you to be careful with bones. The concave back of the knife (urusaki) creates an air gap between the fish flesh and the blade, making it easy to detach the blade from the fish flesh, while the bevel on the face of the knife (shinogi) makes it easy to detach the piece of fish being sliced. The Yanagiba is generally found between 210 mm and 330 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Aogami #1 by Hitchachi steel co translates to blue steel #1. It was named after the color of the paper in which the steel is packaged at Hitachi steel co. This steel has the same carbon content as Shirogami #1 (1.25-1.3%), but in addition tungsten and chromium are added to the composition. This improves corrosion resistance, wear resistance and cutting edge retention. It is considered by many to be the best steel for single bevel blades.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43509468922030,"sku":"AAA-075B1K-04-IB300","price":780.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/files\/HitohiraTanakaMosukeAogami_1PoliMiroirKiritsukeYanagiba300mmBoisd_ebene_1.jpg?v=1705175956"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-aogami-2-yanagiba-210mm-ebene","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Aogami #2 Yanagiba 210mm Ebony","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by Sakai's master craftsman to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical; the harsh environment of working with fire and iron takes its toll on the body, and many of the masters' skills begin to fade in their forties and fifties. Because Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he acquired most of the knowledge and skills of fine forging and tempering before his physical abilities deteriorated.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003eKikuchiyo has proactively experimented with new steels not typically used by Sakai blacksmiths, such as stainless steel. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese chefs, with many claiming, \"If you use Kikuchiyo's Ginsan once, you'll never replace it.\" Kikuchiyo is also known for his fine Honyaki temper, beautiful Hamon, and the hardness achievable only by experienced masters who reach the proper temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many Sakai sharpeners and finishers, professionals who understand what makes a good kitchen knife. When Kikuchiyo became a blacksmith, he dreamed of succeeding and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives after the image of his master's forge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43509494218926,"sku":"AAA-050B2-04-IA210","price":475.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/893D17AB-0DEB-4CB2-ABBB-3AFA42AAE528.jpg?v=1666794251"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-mosuke-enmon-shirogami-1-kiritsuke-270mm-ebene-taihei","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Mosuke Enmon Shirogami #1 Kiritsuke 270mm Ebony Taihei","description":"\u003cp\u003e Kikuchiyo:\u003cbr\u003e In the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by Sakai's master craftsman to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical; the harsh environment of working with fire and iron takes its toll on the body, and many of the masters' skills begin to fade in their forties and fifties. Because Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he acquired most of the knowledge and skills of fine forging and tempering before his physical abilities deteriorated.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003eKikuchiyo has proactively experimented with new steels not typically used by Sakai blacksmiths, such as stainless steel. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese chefs, with many claiming, \"If you use Kikuchiyo's Ginsan once, you'll never replace it.\" Kikuchiyo is also known for his fine Honyaki temper, beautiful Hamon, and the hardness achievable only by experienced masters who reach the proper temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many Sakai sharpeners and finishers, professionals who understand what makes a good kitchen knife. When Kikuchiyo became a blacksmith, he dreamed of succeeding and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives after the image of his master's forge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43509497069742,"sku":"AAA-040W1E-49-ZE270","price":1300.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/F96EB8A8-7D29-48ED-B2DE-1F88D1F534BA.jpg?v=1666794327"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-aogami-2-yanagiba-270mm-ebene","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Aogami #2 Yanagiba 270mm Ebony","description":"\u003cp\u003e Kikuchiyo:  \u003cbr\u003eIn the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by Sakai's master craftsman to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical; the harsh environment of working with fire and iron takes its toll on the body, and many of the masters' skills begin to fade in their forties and fifties. Because Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he acquired most of the knowledge and skills of fine forging and tempering before his physical abilities deteriorated.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003eKikuchiyo has proactively experimented with new steels not typically used by Sakai blacksmiths, such as stainless steel. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese chefs, with many claiming, \"If you use Kikuchiyo's Ginsan once, you'll never replace it.\" Kikuchiyo is also known for his fine Honyaki temper, beautiful Hamon, and the hardness achievable only by experienced masters who reach the proper temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many Sakai sharpeners and finishers, professionals who understand what makes a good kitchen knife. When Kikuchiyo became a blacksmith, he dreamed of succeeding and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives after the image of his master's forge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43509498380462,"sku":"AAA-050B2-04-IA270","price":530.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/28BD38EB-1C93-4C76-9A1A-775FF7FD3127.jpg?v=1666794421"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-aogami-2-yanagiba-300mm-ebene","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Aogami #2 Yanagiba 300mm Ebony","description":"\u003cp\u003e In the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by Sakai's master craftsman to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical; the harsh environment of working with fire and iron takes its toll on the body, and many of the masters' skills begin to fade in their forties and fifties. Because Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he acquired most of the knowledge and skills of fine forging and tempering before his physical abilities deteriorated.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003eKikuchiyo has proactively experimented with new steels not typically used by Sakai blacksmiths, such as stainless steel. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese chefs, with many claiming, \"If you use Kikuchiyo's Ginsan once, you'll never replace it.\" Kikuchiyo is also known for his fine Honyaki temper, beautiful Hamon, and the hardness achievable only by experienced masters who reach the proper temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many Sakai sharpeners and finishers, professionals who understand what makes a good kitchen knife. When Kikuchiyo became a blacksmith, he dreamed of succeeding and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives after the image of his master's forge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43509501460654,"sku":"AAA-050B2-04-IA300","price":600.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/FC289B48-1D9E-4405-8F91-17E8326DD7C7.jpg?v=1666794458"},{"product_id":"hitohira-togashi-shirogami-1-stainless-clad-kiritsuke-gyuto-240mm-ebene-de-taihei","title":"Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #1 Stainless Clad Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm Taihei Ebony","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eKiritsuke Gyuto is a cross between traditional kiritsuke and gyuto. The profile of the cutting edge is generally straighter and the tip is cut, similar to the kiritsuke, while the double bevel is characteristic of the gyuto. Kiritsuke Gyuto acts as a chef's knife in your kitchen and can do most of the tasks. It is usually found between 210 and 270 mm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBorn in 1948, Kenji Togashi began his career in 1966-67 and received numerous awards over the years. In 1990, he received the Dentō-Kugeishi, granted by the Japanese Ministry of Economy and Trade. This award is reserved for Japanese craftsmen who are masters in their field and have accumulated at least 12 years of experience and proven their mastery of their art, both in theory and in practice. In 2007, the city of Sakai\/Osaka awarded him the certification of \"Master of Traditional Craftsmanship\" for his excellent tempering technique and his exceptional mastery of making kitchen knives that honor the ancestral Japanese forging traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eToday, Kenji Togashi makes his knives from start to finish in his workshop in Sakai\/Osaka. He works with his three sons and a few apprentices to bring us top quality blades that meet the standards of the master Togashi himself. When you buy a Togashi blade, you are assured of a level of forging, grinding and finishing quality that rivals the best forging houses in Sakai.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43509503557806,"sku":"'792","price":720.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/D604894A-58C3-4ACE-9820-90C7ABACADA2.jpg?v=1666794575"},{"product_id":"hitohira-nakagawa-manzo-silver-3-yanagiba-270mm-ebene","title":"Hitohira Nakagawa Manzo Silver #3 Yanagiba 270mm Ebony","description":"\u003cp\u003e Brand: Hitohira (Chinese)\n\u003cbr\u003e Smith: Kikuchiyo\n\u003cbr\u003e Production area: Sakai-Osaka\/Japan\n\u003cbr\u003e Profile: Yanagiba\n\u003cbr\u003e Size: 270mm\n\u003cbr\u003e Steel Type: Stainless Steel\n\u003cbr\u003e Steel: Yasuki Silver #3 (Ginsan), mild stainless steel cladding\n\u003cbr\u003e Handle: ebony and buffalo horn octagonal ferrule\n\u003cbr\u003e Total length: 414 mm\n\u003cbr\u003e Edge length: 256 mm\n\u003cbr\u003e Length from handle to tip: 272 mm\n\u003cbr\u003e Blade height: 33 mm\n\u003cbr\u003e Thickness: 3.2 mm\n\u003cbr\u003e Handle length: 140 mm\n\u003cbr\u003e Weight: 186g\n\u003cbr\u003e Hand orientation: right-handed\n\u003cbr\u003e Grinder: Manzo\n\u003cbr\u003e Come with his Saya\n\u003cbr\u003e Kikuchiyo:\n \u003cbr\u003eIn the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by Sakai's master craftsman to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical; the harsh environment of working with fire and iron takes its toll on the body, and many of the masters' skills begin to fade in their forties and fifties. Because Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he acquired most of the knowledge and skills of fine forging and tempering before his physical abilities deteriorated.\n\u003cbr\u003e\n \u003cbr\u003eKikuchiyo has proactively experimented with new steels not typically used by Sakai blacksmiths, such as stainless steel. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese chefs, with many claiming, \"If you use Kikuchiyo's Ginsan once, you'll never replace it.\" Kikuchiyo is also known for his fine Honyaki temper, beautiful Hamon, and the hardness achievable only by experienced masters who reach the proper temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many Sakai sharpeners and finishers, professionals who understand what makes a good kitchen knife. When Kikuchiyo became a blacksmith, he dreamed of succeeding and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives after the image of his master's forge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43509505720494,"sku":"AAA-050G3-04-IA270","price":610.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/0C14A700-D096-4D97-ABC7-F61E1A2A5D95.jpg?v=1666794684"},{"product_id":"hitohira-tanaka-kyuzo-aogami-1-damascus-kiritsuke-gyuto-240mm-ebene-fusion","title":"Hitohira Tanaka Kyuzo Aogami #1 Damascus Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm Ebony Fusion","description":"\u003cp\u003eConsidered one of the best blacksmiths in the region, Yoshikazu Tanaka has been a blacksmith for over half a century. He now works with his son and an apprentice. He is a traditionalist, but he is always looking to improve his process and skills. He uses the traditional method of quenching with pine charcoal and then uses straw ash. It is a very old way of making knives. He does not use a thermometer for quenching; he manually calculates the temperature of the steel by examining its color. Tanaka-san is always looking to improve. He uses a temperature-controlled furnace for quenching, which only a few blacksmiths in the region use. He and his team only forge 30 knives a day between the three of them. For reference, some blacksmiths forge as many as 100 blades in a single day. The reason he only forges 30 is that he takes his time, carefully forging at very low temperatures. At lower temperatures, the steel does not stretch as quickly, but it will retain the grain size of the steel much better. Stretching the grain size will make the steel brittle, which he tries to avoid. He frequently moves the steel in and out of the furnace to check the color, then when the entire blade is a specific shade of color, he quenches the steel in water. Water tempering (Mizu) is the most difficult to achieve and requires very careful handling.  \u003cbr\u003eKyuzo:\u003cbr\u003e His father, Heihachi, was one of the busiest sharpeners in Sakai. Heihachi's workshop and hallway were always filled with knives waiting to be sharpened. Although Kyuzo initially worked under his father to learn the basics of rough sharpening, he eventually became a student of Kambei, known as one of Sakai's finest sharpeners because he best knew how to sharpen wide, double-beveled knives. After a few years of training, he developed his own style based on his father and Kambei. Today, Kyuzo is one of the few people who can sharpen a wide, double-beveled knife with a very good Shinogi line in Sakai, one of the most difficult sharpening techniques.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hitohira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43509505786030,"sku":"AAA-090B1D-04-FB240","price":955.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/8600\/4398\/products\/C92CA56F-76E1-47D9-9526-1882D9E1E41A.jpg?v=1666794696"}],"url":"https:\/\/staysharpmtl.com\/en\/collections\/avance-couteau.oembed?page=14","provider":"Stay Sharp","version":"1.0","type":"link"}