Hitohira Tanaka Izo Blue #1 Stainless Clad Gyuto 210mm Ziricote Handle

Tanaka Uchihamono is one of Sakai’s leading and most renowned forgeries, producing high quality single- and double bevel knives for over decades. Internationally famed for his Blue #1 because of it’s excellent edge retention and sharpening ease. Tanaka Uchihamono’s methods are very traditional: using only carbon steel, relying only on eyesight to determine steel temperatures, using pine charcoal in the forge and straw ash for annealing and normalizing cycles ect. It is in these techniques the Tanaka forgery show incredible skill and mastery of temperatures, steel and knowledge that creates their celebrated quality. Tanaka forged knives paired with some of Sakai’s best sharpeners and the Hitohira touch make these some of the finest blades we see. In the west Tanaka gyutos are most desired and sought after while this workshop has been making some of Japan’s highest single bevel knives for many years.

Izo his sharpening style can be best identified by its consistent convex grind and high grate polish. The symmetric convex grind offers an incredible smooth cutting feeling that glides through even the densest products. In addition, this series gets high grade polished heels and spines and stunning ebony handles.