Exotic: Yoshikazu Ikeda Blue #1 Mizu-Honyaki K-tip Yanagiba 300mm with Blood Groove

Name: Exotic: Yoshikazu Ikeda Blue #1 Mizu-Honyaki K-tip Yanagiba 300mm with Blood Groove
Brand: Yoshikazu Ikeda
Price: 3800.00 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$3,800.00 $4,600.00

Tax included Shipping calculated at checkout.

IMPORTANT: Carbon steel knives can rust or patina quickly if not cared for properly. They require regular cleaning, drying, and oiling. If you are unfamiliar with carbon steel maintenance, we recommend choosing a stainless steel option instead.

St Peters —
2 Bishop St Unit 2 St Peters NSW 2044
+61 2 8234 8818
Crows Nest —
107 West St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Pickup only

Detailed Specifications

Line	Yoshikazu Ikeda Honyaki
Profile	Yanagiba
Bevel Type	Single Bevel
Weight	254 g 8.96 oz
Edge Length	290 mm .11.42 inch
Heel Height	34 mm .1.34 inch
Width @ Spine	4.2 mm 0.17 inch
Width @ Mid	3.2 mm 0.13 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip	1.0 mm 0.04 inch
Steel	Blue 1 / Aogami #1 \| Carbon
Blade Construction	Honyaki
Hardness (HRC)	61 - 64
Surface Finish	Mirror Polish
Handle	Amboyna Octagonal Horn
Region	Sakai
Best for	Enthusiasts Collectors

Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.

Forged by the legendary Yoshikazu Ikeda in Sakai, this Blue #1 Mizu-Honyaki Yanagiba is a true work of art—where craftsmanship and performance meet perfection.

Made from Aogami #1 carbon steel and hardened to an impressive HRc 63–65, it delivers exceptional edge retention and a crisp, effortless cut worthy of the finest sushi chefs. The mirror-polished finish reveals subtle steel banding beneath the surface—a hallmark of true honyaki blades that can be further refined to unveil a soft, cloud-like hamon.

Adding to its beauty and complexity is the elegant fuller (blood groove), a detail rarely seen outside authentic Japanese swords. This knife is paired with a stunning full amboyna burl saya featuring a matching groove design, and a classic octagonal handle that complements its refined aesthetic.

More than just a cutting tool, this is a collector’s piece that embodies the spirit of Sakai’s finest traditions—exclusively available from K&S.

Care Instruction

Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.
Oil the (carbon) knife if storing for an extended period of time to prevent rust.

Yoshikazu Ikeda

Yoshikazu Ikeda, born in 1946, is a renowned Japanese kitchen knife craftsman and the top blacksmith in Sakai, a city famous for its traditional knife-making. He and his late brother, Tatsuo Ikeda, are especially famous for their expertise in crafting honyaki knives, which are considered the pinnacle of Japanese kitchen knives. With a career spanning decades, Ikeda has mastered the art of forging high-quality kitchen knives, blending traditional techniques with modern innovations. He is celebrated for his meticulous craftsmanship, producing blades known for their sharpness, durability, and exquisite finish. Ikeda's knives are highly sought after by professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts worldwide. His dedication to his craft has earned him a prestigious reputation, making him a pivotal figure in preserving and advancing Sakai's knife-making heritage.

Master Ikeda is the main blacksmith for Yoshihiro (义弘) and Ninohi (子の日）.

Profile: Yanagiba

The Yanagiba, often simply called Yanagi, stands as a quintessential knife in the Japanese culinary realm, specifically designed for the artful preparation of sashimi, sushi, and sliced raw fish and seafood. As a member of the Sashimi hōchō family, it is celebrated for its long, slender blade that ensures precision cuts with minimal effort. Blade lengths start at approximately 210mm and can extend up to 360mm, with the 240mm and 270mm sizes being the most favored for home use, while professional kitchens frequently opt for 300mm and larger. This knife's design is not just about aesthetics but about fulfilling the precise requirements of Japanese cuisine, making it a vital tool for both amateur and seasoned chefs.
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Steel: Blue 1 / Aogami #1
Blue Steel No.1, also known as Aogami #1 or Yasugi #1 Blue Steel, is a premium high carbon steel from Hitachi Metals Ltd, celebrated for its exceptional edge retention and toughness. This steel is an upgrade from Blue Steel No.2, enriched with higher carbon and tungsten content, making it a favorite for high-grade Japanese traditional single-bevel knives. It's known for being easy to sharpen, achieving a very fine edge that lasts. Despite its susceptibility to rust, with proper care and maintenance, including regular wiping and drying, it can develop a protective patina that minimizes rusting. Blue Steel No.1 is highly regarded among knife makers for its ability to achieve a mirror finish and maintain a sharp edge over extended periods, offering an outstanding balance of performance and durability.
Manufacturer:
- Hitachi Special Steel, Japan
Nature: Carbon
Hardness: 61- 64
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Handle Specs
Profile: Octagonal WA
Material:
- Ambonya Burl
TBA
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