Sakimaru Takobiki, double-beveled, with a 350 mm long blade measured from tip to heel.

The handle is currently not glued in place. This is done at the time of purchase so you can choose how much machi gap the knife should have. See photo. Some users prefer the maximum machi of 7 mm, while others want to eliminate the gap entirely. It’s simply a matter of form preference — everyone has their own taste :)

This knife has been forged, rough-shaped, and heat-treated by Satoshi Nakagawa. The blade was then ground and finished by Erik at Shinogi Sliperi. Finally, the knife was fitted with a matching custom handle and walnut saya with friction fit.

• Blacksmith: Satoshi Nakagawa, from Sakai.

• Sharpener: Erik Mases, Shinogi Sliperi.

• Handle and Saya: Christofer Åslund, Cleancut.

Specifications:

• Steel: Aogami #1 (Blue Paper Steel #1)

• Cladding: Iron Damascus (non-stainless)

• Weight: 286 grams

• Edge length: 351 mm

• Blade height at heel: 39 mm

• Spine thickness at heel: 3.8 mm

• Spine thickness at midpoint: 3 mm

• Handle: Octagonal, made of walnut

• Saya (Sheath): Walnut

Satoshi Nakagawa is undoubtedly one of the most skilled blacksmiths in Sakai, Japan. After working 16 years as a smith under Shiraki, Nakagawa became independent and now controls his own designs and production methods. He forges his blades using traditional Japanese techniques, and the resulting blades are of the highest quality. The knife has a pleasing weight and fits perfectly in the hand. The edge is extremely thin, giving it outstanding cutting performance.