Takeshi Saji

 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 knives. 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 is a very well respected Master Smith, who specializes in making traditional hammer forged Japanese knives. We are often surprised by the variety of ideas he has and the very distinctive materials and rare steel that he uses for his custom knives.
 
Master Saji has just completed a fresh new batch of traditional hammer forged custom kitchen knives that, once again, feature his unique multi-colored Damascus. The blades have a core of VG-10W Cobalt-Tungsten Stainless steel (HR.c 61 to 62), which has been clad with multiple layers of rust-resistant stainless steel, brass and copper.
VG-10W Cobalt-Tungsten Stainless Steel is newly developed high-grade Stainless Steel, which improves upon the reputable, time-tested VG-10 Stainless Steel. According to the examinations and tests conducted by the experts at Takefu Steel Company, a VG-10W Stainless Steel blade that is properly heat treated, hammer forged and crafted, will provide increased durability and remarkably improved cutting performance and edge retention.
 
The Copper layers of the Damascus have a delicate Pink color and the Brass layers have a Golden color. Additionally, the Gray-Silver Damascus layers enhance both the clarity and vivid color of the beautiful Pink (Copper) and Gold (Brass) layers. When we inspect these rare and distinctive Rainbow Damascus custom knives, we can really sense Takeshi Saji’s life-long passion for, and dedication to, the art of knife making.

The Gold and Copper tones of the Rainbow Damascus also beautifully compliment with the custom handmade handle. 

One day at the US Knife Show, we accidentaly met with this Wild and rare, Light Green Glitter Color Stabilized Spruce Cones Hybrid Wood Material. We promptly requested Master Saji to use this special wood for his very limited edition knife and now another masterpiece of Saji SUMMIT- Limited Edition Custom Series knife is available. 

The Unique Custom Handmade Hybrid Wood Handle has a beautiful appearance and to ensure that it can be gripped comfortably, it has been carefully contoured and polished by hand. A decorative Mosaic Pin secures the handles scales and a stainless steel bolster has been fitted to improve the durability and blade balance of the knife. 

 Each knife comes with a traditional Wooden Presentation Box that is inscribed with Takeshi Saji’s name.

The long, narrow, graceful blade of the Sujihiki is particularly useful for trimming away sinew and fat from meat, finely slicing meat or boneless fish, or for filleting and skinning fish. The long blade allows the meat or fish to be cut in one single drawing motion, from heel to tip.

What are Spruce Cones ?

Spruce cones are the cone-shaped fruits found on spruce trees, typically maturing from autumn to winter. Renowned for their natural beauty, these cones are frequently used in crafts and decorations due to their unique appearance and texture.

Takeshi Saji's Custom Handmade "Stabilized Spruce Cones Hybrid Wood Handle" perfectly complements the Beautiful and Wild Custom Damascus Blade. This handle blends the allure of spruce cones with durability and ergonomic design.