Kikuchiyo:
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.
Kikuchiyo 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.
Kyuzo:
Kyuzo'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.
Kikuchiyo:
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.
Kikuchiyo 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.
Kyuzo:
Kyuzo'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.
