Takeshi Saji is one of the most experienced and famous forge smiths in Takefu (Now Echizen City), Fukui Prefecture.

He is still very active and insists on creating and making his own unique custom kitchen knifes. He also spends significant time and energy teaching and mentoring the next generation of young forge smiths and craftsmen at the 'Takefu Knife Village Cooperative’.

We all respect Takeshi Saji’s extensive knowledge and his lifelong devotion to knife making and the cutlery industry.

Since the year 2020, we have been working closely with Master Saji to create a new range of top-tier knives that will include unique 'one-of-a-kind' knives and limited edition custom knives, which will often feature special handles. Today, we are very excited to introduce the Saji SUMMIT ― Limited Edition Custom Series!

Takeshi Saji has become one of the most well-known and experienced forge smiths in Japan. Just as the sun is vital for life on earth, Takeshi Saji’s existence is very important to many young forge smiths and customers. 

Takeshi Saji’s new “Ocean Sunshine” series of knives once again reminded me of his importance as a craftsman and his powerful, beautiful, wild spirit. 

Beautifully mirror polished, these shinning VG-10 blades have an attractive Wavy Damascus pattern and a unique Tsuchime Hammered Texture. Heat treated to HRc. 62, these hammer-forged blades feature a stainless VG-10 core, outer layers of custom forged Nickel Stainless Damascus steel and a traditional Japanese Hamaguri-Ba (Convex) blade grind that provides a remarkable combination of cutting performance and edge retention.

You can truly sense that Master Saji’s vitality and powerful spirit are present in these blades. 

Nowadays, VG-10 steel blades have become popular and very commonplace in the market. However, many users of VG-10 kitchen knives have still not noticed that VG-10 steel blades have the potential to offer great cutting ability, edge retention and strength, provided that the blades have been properly hammer forged, heat-treated, ground and sharpened.

This Custom Limited Edition Takeshi Saji VG-10 Damascus Nakiri Knife features a natural, stylish octagonal Desert Ironwood handle with a marble-colored water buffalo horn ferrule. For safekeeping, the knife includes a matching black lacquered wooden saya (sheath) with a black pakkawood saya pin.

 The Nakiri is a double bevel edged knife that is rectangular in profile and has a tall, thin blade. It is popular throughout Japan and is often used by home cooks for quickly and efficiently chopping, slicing or mincing vegetables and fruit. It is becoming increasingly popular with vegetarians.

Knife Model: Takeshi Saji SUMMIT ― Limited Edition Custom Series “Ocean Sunshine” VG-10 Custom Hammered Damascus Nakiri 165mm (6.4 Inch, STCL-315)

Blade Material: VG-10 with Nickel Damascus

Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 62

Blade Grind and Edge Shape: Double Bevel Edge 50/50

Handle Material: Octagonal Desert Ironwood Handle with marble-colored water buffalo horn ferrule

Saya Included: Yes.

This knife comes with 50/50 double bevel edge geometry for both right and left handed use.

 For your information, Japanese Kitchen knives are generally designed for right hand use with a slightly thicker and rounded grinding on the right side blade and a less rounded (almost straight flat) grinding on the left side blade. However, both right and left hander can use the knives that have double bevel edge sharpened 50/50 without problems. 

We believe the quality and cutting performance of Japanese knives are the best in the world, and hope you enjoy fine craftsmanship and sharp edge with your new knife. With proper cares, every Japanese knife should be your special cooking partner for long times.

 Important

This is the Stainless steel blade kitchen knife that has a good rust resistance for easy maintenance. However, it may get rust, if kept in wet condition.

• Please do not put the knife in the dishwasher machine for cleaning.
• Please do not leave the knife in water or wet condition for long time.
• After using, please hand wash the blade, bolster and handle thoroughly, and wipe it clean and dry with soft clothes, and keep it in dry place.
• This is an extremely sharp knife. Please use special cares in using and storing it.
• Unlike German made knives, Japanese knife blades are ground to thin cutting edge for sharper cutting and easier re-sharpening. Please protect the edge from hitting hard materials to avoid chipping or cracking.
•  Please do not use it to cut bone or frozen foods, any hard shell foods such as lobster and crab.
• We recommend using Japanese whetstones to re-sharpen the knife, when it gets dull.