Master Masui chose and established the brand name “SHIKI” 四季 (“Four Seasons”) because his goal was to make a collection of hand-made knives that were just as beautiful as the four seasons of Japan. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter; each season is beautiful and has its own distinct natural wonders, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, traditions and atmosphere.

Here, we would like to introduce you to the SHIKISAI　（色彩）　series of knives, which expresses the core concept behind Master Masui’s “Shiki” brand: the beauty of the four seasons of Japan.

Each knife has a mirror-polished VG-10 Damascus stainless steel blade (HRc. 60-61) and a hand-contoured black pakkawood handle, which has fine stripes that are red, green, or golden-brown in color.

Master Masui discovered that this unusual type of pakkawood (A resin-impregnated wood laminate that is very stable and water-resistant) develops very striking colored stripes during the hand contouring process that nicely compliment the patterned Damascus blade. He confidently decided that, in addition to using this handle material for his “SHIKI Damascus Limited Edition Series” knives, he would also use it for his regular “SHIKI VG-10 Series” knives.

Master Masui also decided to make some handle scales with a rather unique “Fresh Orange Corian®” material (Waterproof, very stable and durable).

This means that you now have a selection of 4 different handle materials and a wide variety of unusual colors to choose from! According to Master Masui’s original design concept:

• The “Black Pakkawood Handle Scales with Green Stripes” is symbolic of the light green leaves and mountains of Spring.
• The “Fresh Orange Corian® Handle Scales” is symbolic of the bright Summer Sun and active Sunny days.
• The “Black Pakkawood Handle Scales with Red Stripes” is symbolic of the red-colored leaves and mountains of Autumn.
• Finally, the “Black Pakkawood Handle Scales with Golden-Brown Stripes” is symbolic of the stillness and quietness of Winter.

Although Master Masui makes kitchen knives that function very well, he wants his SHIKI knives to express something more: His artistic vision and love for the four seasons. We think that these beautiful and exciting SHIKISAI Damascus knives successfully express Mr Masui’s original concept for the SHIKI brand.