Togashi’s smith and sharpener are the duo of Kenji and Kenya, whose selective process of finding suppliers is a testament to their pride and skill. Kenji Togashi-san is one of the few remaining smiths in Sakai who can forge Honyaki blades, a technique referring to differentially tempering blades. This process of creating a hardness gradient in the same steel is notorious for being difficult to master for its metallurgically high stress-inducing quenching process. 

Adding to the rarity of this piece is the fact that Blue #1 steel was used.

Compared to its cousin White #1 carbon steel, the Blue #1 steel is much more wear resistant and time-consuming to achieve a fine finish. The sharpener / blade-shaper (a craftsperson is in charge of bringing out the character and performance from a forged blade) in Japan often flat out refuse to accept the commission on the ultra hard, extremely time-consuming and dangerous task of Blue #1 Honyaki blade. 

This is one of the reasons why well-shaped (a.k.a high-performing) and finely finished Blue #1 forged Honyaki blades are very hard to find. We hope the lucky owners of these fine blades enjoy the essence of dedication and the performance for years (maybe even a generation or two!) to come.

A Yanagiba is a traditional Japanese fish slicing blade that is single-sided (bevelled), 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 
Smith: Togashi Blacksmith 富樫打刃物製作所
Producing Area: Sakai-Osaka/ Japan
Profile: Yanagiba
Size: 300mm
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Steel: Honyaki Yasuki Blue (Aogami) #1
Handle: Kurokaki Persimmon & Buffalo Horn Ferrule Octagonal
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Total Length: 448mm
Edge Length: 288mm
Handle to Tip Length: 303mm
Blade Height: 36mm
Thickness: 3.4mm
Handle Length: 146mm
Weight: 212g
Hand Orientation: Right-Handed
Sharpener: Kenya Togashi