Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #2 Yanagiba 270mm Ho
Please note
Each handle is unique and may feature distinct variations, such as different shades or colors in the buffalo horn, which is part of its authentic, handcrafted character.
Store availability
*Transfer available between stores, contact us at info@staysharpmtl.com or 514-503-1185 (MTL) / 418- 440-7770 (QC)
Description
Yanagiba 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. 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.
Kenji Togashi was born in 1948 and began his career in 1966-67. Since then, he has received numerous awards over the years. In 1990, he was awarded the Dentō-Kugeishi by Japan's Ministry of Economy and Trade. This distinction is reserved for Japanese craftsmen who are masters in their field, having accumulated at least 12 years' experience and proven their mastery of their art, both theoretically and practically. In 2007, the city of Sakai, in Osaka prefecture, awarded him certification as a "master of traditional craftsmanship" for his excellent tempering technique and exceptional mastery of kitchen knife making, honoring the traditions of ancestral Japanese forges.
Today, Kenji Togashi makes his knives from start to finish in his workshop in Sakai. He works with his three sons and a handful of apprentices to offer top-quality blades that meet the standards of Master Togashi himself. When you buy a Togashi blade, you're assured of a level of forging, grinding and finishing quality that rivals that of Sakai's finest forge houses.
Shirogami #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!
Tips for best results
Make sure your knife will deliver its absolute best by having it professionally sharpened at least once a year. Please note that our meticulously handcrafted Japanese knives are – unless otherwise noted – carbon steel and not stainless steel. To prevent rust, make sure the blades are patted dry – especially when cutting acidic items. Never cut frozen foods, hard products, bone, or twist the blade when using. Never soak in water after use or put in the dishwasher. After use, store in a cool, dry place and avoid high temperature fluctuations.
Our commitment to you – our customers
Warranty
Every knife we carry has a lifetime warranty from manufacturing defects and errors. For example, if the handle becomes detached or cracks appear after a few weeks of proper use. Or if there are any blade cracks from the edge to the spine. While such defects are indeed rare, they can occur. In such cases, we will exchange the knife in question or give you a refund. Each warranty case is different depending on the criteria, and we reserve the right in each and every case to evaluate the applicability of our lifetime warranty in the event of any manufacturing defects and errors.
After-Sales service
Do you get the feeling that your knife just can’t “cut it”?
Each knife we carry is supplied with a so-called “factory edge”. Our chef knife range comprises more than 200 different products. While all our handcrafted Japanese knives ship with a “factory edge”, ultimate blade sharpness can vary. If you feel that your knife’s blade edge is not performing to its full potential, feel free to contact us and we will provide you with professional sharpening for free!
Oops! What about the truly Unthinkable?
Was it just through a slight slip of the hand that your knife accidentally fell on the floor and damaged its tip and blade, or it was used to cut a hard, frozen product and chipped? Don’t despair, get in touch with us and we will solve the problem through our in-house, professional sharpening and repair service.
Simply contact us or visit our store to get a free estimate.
