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Hitohira

Hitohira Kikuchiyo Rikichi Silver #3 Deba 165mm Ho Wood Handle (Saya)

Regular price
€360,00 EUR
Regular price
Sale price
€360,00 EUR
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Description

Kikuchiyo is a blacksmith based in Sakai. He was under tutelage of a legendary blacksmith in this region for well over two decades before taking over his masters forge. He’s known for his high quality White and Blue steel blades but is particularly recognized for his excellent stainless Ginsan (Silver #3) and Honyaki blades. He is an expert of temperatures and is able to achieve the correct hardness and gumminess through his technique. He always works with great ambition and efficiency hoping to develop his skills as a craftsman, modeling each of his knives on the image of his master’s forge.

What kind of knife is this?

The traditional Japanese fish filleting knife. A very old knife shape used for breaking down fish and often poultry. Very efficient in filleting due to their single bevel geometry designed to be strong, reduce friction and have a very keen edge. While it takes a small adjustment in technique the results are often much better compared to using a western filleting knife. Strong enough to cut through fishbones and a much sharpen edge resulting in higher quality cuts essential for taste, texture and quality of the produce. 

Care Instructions

This is a stainless steel knife. It becomes stainless due to a certain amount (10-13%) of chromium and/or nickel in the alloy, it forms a film layer which acts as a barrier between metal and oxygen. Stainless steel is easy, practical and functional but not completely maintenance free. With very bad maintenance it can rust or show pitting, after all it’s called stainless not stain-free steel. The corrosion resistance varies with each stainless steel. In my opinion the same rules apply here as with carbon steel (non-stainless).

Store your knife dry and clean, never let it air-dry after washing, no dishwasher and avoid extremely hard products like frozen foods or bones ect. But a big difference to carbon steel is that your margin of error is much bigger, the rust resistance is much greater and thus easier and more worry free to maintain.

Please note that there are many different stainless steels, just like carbon steels, each with its own properties and characteristics. Each should be judged individually.

Blacksmith: Kikuchiyo

In the early 2000s, Kikuchiyo was invited by master craftsman of Sakai to join them as a blacksmith. The art of blacksmithing is physical, the rough working environment of fire and iron takes a toll on the body and many of the masters' abilities begin to wane in their forties and fifties. As Kikuchiyo started earlier in life, he has gained most of the knowledge and skill of fine forging and quenching, before his physical abilities deteriorate.
Kikuchiyo proactively experimented with new steels not generally used by Sakai’s blacksmith, steels such as stainless. His experience and skill have made his Ginsan (Silver 3) knives popular among Japanese cuisine chef’s, many stating “If you use Kikuchiyo’s Ginsan once, you will never replace it”.
Kikuchiyo is also known for fine Honyaki quenching, beautiful Hamon and the correct hardness and gumminess are only achievable by experienced masters achieving the correct temperature. His Honyaki is supported by many of Sakai’s sharpeners and finishers, professionals who know what makes a good kitchen knife.
When Kikuchiyo joined as a blacksmith, he dreamed of success and becoming a great man. He continues to develop his skills as a craftsman, modelling each of his knives on the image of his master’s forge.

Detailed Spec

Brand: Hitohira ひとひら (一片)
Smith: Kikuchiyo 菊千代
Producing Area: Sakai-Osaka/ Japan
Profile: Deba
Size: 165mm
Steel Type: Stainless Steel
Steel: Yasuki Silver #3 (Ginsan), Soft Stainless Clad
Handle: Ho Wood & Buffalo Horn Ferrule Octagonal
Come with Saya
Total Length: 313mm
Edge Length: 168mm
Handle to Tip Length: 183mm
Blade Height: 52mm
Thickness: 5.7mm
Handle Length: 122mm
Weight: 255g
Hand Orientation: Right-Handed
Hardness: 61±1HRC
Sharpener: Rikichi
Update: August 24, 2022

*Please understand that all pictures on our website are made of random samples and as most products are made with natural materials by hand the color, appearances and even measurements can slightly vary. Please contact us if you wish to see the exact item we have on hand.