Master Blacksmith, Takeshi Saji, has been making knives for over 50 years. He began his path immediately after high school, apprenticing under his father Harukichi Saji. At age 30 he was designated master blacksmith, and quickly became very popular in the Japanese knife market.
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Hailing from Takefu city, Fukui Prefecture, Saji san is well known for his unique style, and forging techniques. He truly brings out the best qualities in all the materials he uses. His blades are perfectly balanced and absolutely beautiful.
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In this line of knives he uses R2 powder metallurgical steel for ease of maintenance and long lived edges. R2 is very fine grained and actually quite wear resistant for hard steel, hence it's popularity among knife makers and chefs alike. This knife is constructed Sann Mai, which means 3 layers sandwiched together. The outside layer is finished with hammer marks giving it a unique Tsuchime finish.
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We especially love this line of knives for their beautiful Quince wood handle. The steel collar gives this knife a centre balance and feels like an extension of the arm.
