Sakai Takayuki "Hein" by Itsuo Doi Blue #2 Mirror Polished 300m Kengata Yanigiba with Ebony Handle and Saya

Sakai Takayuki is well respected as the largest knife maker in the Sakai Region. Their knives are reputably known for being good quality at the price, hand made, and delivering the care and experience of 600 years of knife making.

In collaboration with Master Itsuo Doi (son of legendary Keijiro Doi) who is a highly skilled blacksmith, they have produced for the Hein line, a distinguishable handmade knife out of Aogami #2 (Blue steel) with an eye popping mirror polish. You don't get more class than a mirror polished blade with an ebony handle and saya. Note, the cladding is reactive so you'll want to take good care of wiping this knife down.

This yanagiba is quite unique. First, there's the whole you know 300mm of single bevel goodness. But what makes it truly unique is the fact that it is a kengata yanagiba. This essentially means compared to just about any yanagiba you've ever seen, it has a k-tip and speaking of tip, a slight curvature there as well from the belly of the blade. A small detail but one we notice, the angle of the choil is accentuated similar to the k-tip which creates movement in the design.

Maker: Sakai Takayuki 
Region: Sakai City, Japan
Blacksmith: Itsuo Doi
Blade Type: Kengata Yanigiba
Grind: Right Hand Single Bevel
Core Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2) 
Cladding: Mirror Finished Iron Cladding (Reactive)
Blade Length: 300mm 

Weight: 297g
Thickness at spine: 4mm
Heel Height: 38mm