Sujihiki translates as "flesh slicer", which describes its role well. Typically 240 mm to 300 mm long and 34 mm to 40 mm high, the sujihiki blade is perfect for making long cutting movements from heel to toe. A lower blade height decreases friction when cutting and keeps the fibers of the protein you are cutting as intact as possible.
The Yoshikane forge was founded in 1919 in Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture. Today, Kazuomi Yamamoto-san of the 4th generation is in charge. He was trained by his uncle Tsuneo Yoshida (3rd generation) and is now established as one of the best blacksmiths in Japan, in addition to being recognized for his skills in blade sharpening. He would rival or surpass the best Sakai sharpeners. Many talented blacksmiths of Sanjo such as Nihei, Mazaki and Masashi, were trained at Yoshikane's forge. Yoshikane is also famous for his work of Shirogami #2, SKD and SLD.
"While many things change rapidly these days, there are ideas and beliefs that never change. Every day, I make sure that the meaning of these words is forged in the making of knife." - Kazuomi Yamamoto-san
SKD-12 steel is the Japanese equivalent of A2 steel and is a "high speed tool steel", this type of steel was popularized in the early 1900s. To obtain a high-speed tool steel, alloying elements such as chromium, tungsten, vanadium and molybdenum are combined with a high carbon steel. It can achieve very high hardness and outstanding wear resistance and is mainly used in factory tools for metal working. Yoshikane Forge was one of the first forges to incorporate this type of steel into the construction of Japanese knives and is now known for its SKD-12 and SLD (made from SKD-11 steel) blades. With a chromium content of about 5%, this steel is semi-oxidizable and requires minimal maintenance to avoid rusting.