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Free shipping in Canada for all purchases of $150 or more (More details)

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Hitohira Kikuchiyo Manzo Aogami #2 Kiritsuke Yanagiba 300mm Ho

Sold out
Original price $560.00 - Original price $560.00
Original price
$560.00
$560.00 - $560.00
Current price $560.00

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

Montréal ● Out of stock Québec ● Out of stock

*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.

Kikuchiyo, 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.

Simply 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.

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.

Customer Ratings

Dimensions

Size

300mm

Weight

237g

Total lenght

454mm

Handle length at tip

302mm

Edge lenght

286mm

Blade height

35mm

Blade thickness

4.2mm

Handle size

148mm

Blade

Steel

Aogami #2 with iron cladding

Steel type

Carbon steel (oxidizable)

Handle

Handle material

Ho wood and buffalo horn

Details

Profile

Yanagiba

Usage

Slicer

Hand orientation

Right-handed

Making

Production area

Sakai-Osaka/Japon

Blacksmith

Kikuchiyo

Sharpener

Manzo

Saya

Saya included

What are the different types of Japanese knives?

What are the different types of Japanese knives?

Each Japanese knife is made with a specific purpose in mind. There are types of multi-purpose knives such as the Gyuto which is the equivalent of a chef's knife or the Santoku which translates into: three virtues, a name that well represents its multiplicity. The Sujihiki and the Yanagiba are made for slicing while the Nakiri and the Usuba are specialized for cutting vegetables. Without forgetting the Petty for precision tasks. The list goes on and the possibilities are diverse.

Why buy a Japanese knife?

Why buy a Japanese knife?

Japanese blades are lighter, very balanced, higher hardness, sharper and retain their sharpness longer. This allows the user greater control of his work tool and a clean cut to alter the texture and flavor of the food as little as possible.