A renowned smith from Sakai-city, Kikuchiyo (a pseudonym) apprenticed for over two decades before taking over the master’s forge upon his retirement a few years ago. One of the most impressive traits of his working style is that he is not only fast in production but he is also one of the few remaining smiths in Sakai that can forge Honyaki blades, a technique of forging that yields knives with beautiful Hamon lines and exquisite hardness.

Manzo is the pseudonym for a sharpener hailing from Sakai, a city known for its prestigious sharpeners of single bevel knives. He was trained under the sole sharpener for a legendary bladesmith who produced some of the rarest and most illustrious Honyaki blades. Manzo’s consistent ura sharpening embodies the hallmark of what constitutes a great single bevel knife. His blades feel more heavy on the balance than, say, our Togashi Tachi line. 

White #3 is a high quality carbon steel that will take a very refined edge with less effort and time than other carbon steels (i.e. will take less than other carbon steels from the same smith and sharpener duo). It is also very reasonably priced for a carbon steel knife. Initiates and experienced users of carbon steel single bevel knives who prefer a heavier feeling knife in the hand need to look no further than the Kikuchiyo Manzo White #3.

A Yanagiba is a traditional Japanese fish slicing blade that is single-sided (beveled), often simply referred to as a “sushi knife.” These slicers may not be as versatile as its double-sided cousin, Sujihiki, but when it comes to pure slicing tasks of boneless protein (and not just fish), a well-sharpened Yanagiba is unmatched in performance. It is a great addition for any cooks working with sashimi and other delicate, raw seafoods.

Brand: Hitohira ひとひら
Blacksmith: Kikuchiyo 菊千代
Producing Area: Sakai-Osaka/ Japan
Profile: Yanagiba
Size: 300mm
Steel: Yasuki White (Shirogami) #3, Soft Iron Clad
Handle: Ho Wood & Buffalo Horn Ferrule Octagonal
Total Length: 452mm
Edge Length: 295mm
Handle to Tip Length: 308mm
Blade Height: 36mm
Thickness: 4.1mm
Handle Length: 143mm
Weight: 233g
Hand Orientation: Left-Handed
Sharpener: Manzo