The Sakai Takayuki Kinsei(謹製) line contains a series of single bevel knives in Hitachi Yasugi White #3 carbon steel, made for entry level Japanese chefs who are in need of an entry level but authentic WA Hocho. These knives are forged in the classic Nimai soft iron clad fashion, paired with a Ho wood handle, offering an affordable way to get into the world of single bevel knives as they are a bit harder to find.
The steel used is White #3 carbon steel, although the less carbon content have lead to a slightly lower hardness, the ease of sharpening can be an advantage for a beginner's knife. As single bevel sharpening is different from double bevel, and the amount of material removal required on the bevel is much greater, a softer steel can be beneficial as is can regain its sharpness sooner.
The chipping and damages can also be repaired much easily, which is a big plus considering that many of the single bevel knives have a thinner edge and some of them will be put to heavy use(Deba). The user can repair these damage much easily and modify the profile and geometry with a stone instead of machinery. For those who want to learn advanced sharpening and polishing, the soft iron cladding also offers a great testbed, where a Hongasumi polish can be effectively achieved.
Of course the downside would be the need for maintenance for a carbon steel, plus the Ho wood handle which is not as resistant to moistures and stains. But they are exactly how WA honcho been built for hundreds of years, and I wouldn't be complaining with the price that Sakai Takayuki offers for getting into the world of traditional single bevel knives.
By
Sakai Takayuki
