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 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!

“Wild” and “dynamic” are the words that best describe this Saji VG-10 custom Damascus kitchen knife.

The blade is made with a VG-10 core forged Nickel Damascus Stainless steel (HRc. 62) and features a traditional Japanese Hamaguri-Ba (Convex) blade grind that provides remarkable cutting performance.

The layers of white-colored Nickel steel in this Damascus blade contrast strongly with the layers of stainless steel, producing a powerful wavy Damascus pattern that truly sparkles.

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 Bunka 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 Bunka is a general-purpose kitchen knife that used to be just as popular as the Santoku, but has become less commonplace in recent years. With its tall blade, the Bunka knife is particularly suitable for cutting vegetables or fruit and the triangular tip area is particularly useful for detailed work and cutting fish or meat.