This is a Mizuhonyaki Aogami #2 Kiritsuke Yanagiba forged by master blacksmith Kenji Togashi. It features a mirror polish on the hira with an Ayanami (wave) hamon. This knife is sharpened by Masaya Shimizu of Yamawaki Hamono.
Kenji Togashi started making knives in 1967 and is regarded as one of Sakai’s master blacksmiths. In 1996, he was officially recognized as a "Dentoukougeishi" (Traditional Craftsman) by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. In 2007, the city of Sakai awarded him the "Master of Traditional Crafts" certification for his excellent quenching technique and outstanding skills in making kitchen knives.
Other master craftsmen with this certification include Yoshikazu Tanaka, Yoshikazu Ikeda, Shigehiro Kasahara (sharpener), and Hirotsugo Tosa (sharpener), among others.
Details
Blacksmith: Kenji Togashi
Sharpener: Masaya Shimizu
Location: Sakai, Japan
Knife Type: Honyaki Kiritsuke Yanagiba
Finish: Mirror polish on hira only
Hamon Style: Wave*
*Note: In general, the hamon on Aogami honyaki knives is not highly visible on stock finish; etching/ additional polishing can enhance its visibility.
Construction Type: Mizuhonyaki
Steel Type: Aogami #2 (Blue #2)
Package Includes
Certificate
Kiri box
Nishiki bukuro (knife pouch)
Magnolia saya
Blade & Handle Specs
Overall length: 450mm
Blade length (heel to tip): 293mm
Blade height at heel: 35.7mm
Spine thickness:
At the handle: 3.9mm
At the heel: 3.8mm
Midway: 3.1mm
1cm from the tip: 1.3mm
Weight: 246g
Edge/bevel: 50:50
Handle: Octagonal ebony with buffalo horn ferrule
Hand Orientation: Right-handed
Shipping & Returns
• Worldwide shipping from Tokyo via EMS/DHL • Ships within 24-48 hours • Online tracking included • 30-day returns on unused items Details
Care Guide
• Use whetstones for sharpening • Use wooden or rubber cutting boards • Keep clean and dry to prevent rust • Avoid cutting bones or frozen foods • Hand wash only - no dishwasher View Complete Care Guide