In general, the making of a blade is a collaboration between a blacksmith and a sharpener. The division of tasks and the specialization allow to make more blades as well as to spread the costs. In the Nagano countryside, Jiro Nakagawa does everything himself: he forges the blade, grinds it and then polishes it on natural stone. He masters the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy, which allows him to engrave the tang of his blades in a unique and personal way. One can say that Jiro Nakagawa puts a little bit of himself in each of his blades, which gives them a very unique personality. When you hold a Jiro in your hands, you feel the soul of the Shokunin (craftsman who masters his art) who is 100% dedicated to the task. Each Jiro is numbered and comes with a certificate of authentication. We are privileged to be able to showcase the work of Jiro Nakagawa.
This Jiro #431 Petty 180 mm Warikomi design in Yasuki #1 (shirogami #1) steel is exceptionally well crafted. The iron cladding that covers the core of the blade is symmetrically ground on each of the bevels. Not to mention the natural stone polish that gives a mirror finish on the edges and a kasumi finish on the bevels.
