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Okishiba Masakuni 330mm honyaki yanagiba

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Ships from Tokyo, Japan  ·  Dispatched within 24–48 hours

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Specifications

Okishiba Masakuni was a highly regarded Japanese swordsmith from Sakai. He adapted traditional Japanese swordsmithing techniques and was the first to successfully apply the mizumoto-yaki (water-quenching) technique to kitchen knives. After a 17-year apprenticeship under his father, Okishiba Masatsugu, he opened his own workshop and became a pioneer in high-end mizu honyaki production. His honyaki blades commanded high prices.

Okishiba worked in isolation and did not allow anyone, including family members, into his workshop. He passed away from liver disease in 1990 without training successors or documenting his methods.

There's a common misconception that Genkai Masakuni (Yoneo Mukai) was Okishiba's apprentice. In fact, their connection was much briefer—Genkai had the opportunity to use Okishiba's former workspace during his own training period, where he gained valuable insights into honyaki forging that would later influence his approach to knife-making.

Today, authentic Okishiba honyaki blades are extraordinarily rare and valuable, with original pieces selling for tens of thousands of dollars, making them among the most sought-after kitchen knives in the world.

Details

  • Blacksmith: Okishiba Masakuni
  • Location: Sakai, Japan
  • Construction Type: Mizuhonyaki
  • Steel Category: Carbon
  • Steel Type: Shirogami #2

Blade Specs

  • Blade Length: 324mm
  • Blade Height at Heel: 32mm
  • Spine Thickness:
    • At the handle: 3.2mm
    • At the heel: 3.0mm
    • Midway: 2.4mm
    • 1cm from the tip: 0.7mm
  • Weight: 143g

 

Shipping & Returns

• Worldwide shipping from Tokyo
• Dispatches within 24-48 hours
• Full tracking from dispatch to delivery
• 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

Customer Support

Email us at info@zahocho.com or fill out our contact form.

FAQ

Why is the blade length different from the displayed size? The size in the product title is a nominal reference used by knife makers. The actual blade can be slightly longer or shorter due to handcrafting and traditional sizing. Each product page lists the exact measured length.

When will out-of-stock items be restocked? We carry limited, rotating stock. Once something sells out, we don't necessarily reorder it right away. It could be months before that item comes back, if at all. We bring in new knives regularly, but they're not always the same ones. Our newsletter is the best way to stay updated on new arrivals.

What payment methods do you accept? Visa, Mastercard, Amex, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. No cash on delivery.

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