Forged in Sakai by Kenji Togashi, this gyuto 240 mm in Shirogami #1 (White Steel #1) brings together two elements rarely combined at this level: the chemical purity of an unalloyed steel and the concave bevel geometry produced through fully integrated in-house hand-grinding. The gyuto's curved profile suits both push-cut and rocking techniques, and at 240 mm, the blade handles vegetables, meat, and fish without sacrificing cutting length.
The Migaki polish reveals the sanmai construction: the Shirogami #1 core reads clearly against the jigane cladding, with a defined hagane line along the edge. The wa handle in ebony, dense and tight-grained, contrasts with the polished blade surface. In Sakai, forging and grinding are traditionally practiced by separate craftsmen in separate workshops. At Togashi, both happen under the same roof, with Kenya Togashi handling the grinding in direct dialogue with his father's forge.
The Shirogami #1 (White Steel #1) is the purest carbon steel in the Hitachi lineup: no chromium, no tungsten, with a carbon content between 1.25 and 1.35%. This composition allows the edge to reach a level of fineness that few steels match on a whetstone, though it requires more passes than Shirogami #2 to get there. Hardness reaches 63 to 65 HRC. The steel is reactive to moisture and acids: a patina develops quickly, which is normal and expected. The concave bevel, characteristic of Togashi's craft, reduces drag in cutting and improves stone contact during sharpening.
Care
Wipe the blade immediately after use. Do not leave moisture or acidic liquids in contact with the steel. A light coat of camellia oil protects the blade during storage. Never put in the dishwasher.