Hand-forged in Echizen, Japan by Hideo Kitaoka, this 180mm usuba has an Aogami #2 core clad in damascus. It is a Japanese single bevel knife for vegetables. The thin blade and straight edge suit tasks like rotary peeling (katsuramuki). Aogami #2 balances edge retention and toughness. This knife is for right-handed users.
Hand-forged in Echizen, Japan by Hideo Kitaoka
170mm (6.7") actual cutting edge, 47mm heel height
Aogami #2 with iron clad damascus
Single bevel
Octagonal Macassar ebony handle
For right-handed users
About the blacksmith: Hideo Kitaoka, a certified Dento Kogeishi (Traditional Master Craftsman), was born in 1950 and is based in Echizen, Fukui, Japan. The third generation of his family forge, which started in 1868, he learned the trade from his father and grandfather. Forging since 1966, he has spent 60 years at the craft. His focus is single bevel knives, made with shirogami and aogami carbon steel.
Kitaoka-san earned his Dento Kogeishi certification in 2004. He received the German iF Design Award in 2015 and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award in 2017. In 2020, he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Single Rays, a national honor conferred by the Emperor on the recommendation of the Japanese government.
Overall Length: 323mm Blade Length - heel to tip: 170mm (6.7") Blade Height at Heel: 47mm Spine Thickness: At the handle: 3.8mm At the heel: 3.3mm Midway: 2.5mm 1cm from the tip: 1.8mm Weight: 190g Handle: octgonal Macassar ebony Hand Orientation: right-handed Saya/Sheath: none
Notes:
The photo shows a knife from our current stock and may not be the exact one you'll receive. Each is handmade, so no two are exactly alike. Minor variations in finish, surface marks, and measurements are normal.
Want to see the actual knife before ordering? Email info@zahocho.com and we'll send photos or videos.
Handle is fitted by the maker and shipped as-is. We don't offer handle swaps.
