Our handmade Yoshihiro Blue Steel Suminagashi knives are crafted with extraordinary skill by our master artisans. Exemplifying the most intricate techniques of forging, layering, and hammering, Aoko Blue Steel 2 with a hardness on the Rockwell scale of 62-63, is forged with iron to create the most elaborate of finishes. Suminagashi translates as floating ink and refers to the beautiful marbled wave like patterns that extend through the blade from the tip to the heel, unveiling a new mosaic with every sharpening. Only the most skilled of artisans can forge together these metals in such complex puzzle piece formations to fashion knives of this caliber with the highest quality, blending aesthetics and performance. Our Yoshihiro Blue Steel #2 Suminagashi knives are complimented with a traditional Japanese style handcrafted Shitan rosewood handle affixed with a Water Buffalo horn bolster.

The Kiritsuke is one of the most versatile and essential of all knives a cook can have. It is a cross between a chefs knife and a vegetable knife and is perfect for dicing, slicing, and chopping fresh produce from a farmers market to carving a roast chicken straight from the oven. Although traditional Japanese carbon steel knives are not stainless, with proper care they can provide years of enjoyment. Keeping dry in between usage, and applying Tsubaki Oil (as included) before storage will keep your knife in tip top shape. Japanese knives should always be sharpened and honed on premium quality Japanese water stones.