Hitohira Futana Stainless Migaki Nakiri 165mm Tagayasan Handle

Next to high end double bevels knives the Togashi family has been making exceptional single-bevel knives for decades. All Hitohira Togashi single bevel blades are characterized by, of course great steel quality, crisp and consistent ura and bevel grinds and a very fine polish on the bevel really adding to the cutting performance. All have been sharpened by Kenya Togashi under the same roof which is a rarity in Sakai where usually forgery and sharpeners are two different companies. Like most work from this workshop these belong in the high quality assortment we carry and it is always a treat to receive these remarkable single bevel knives.

Master Kenji Togashi is one of the most celebrated and distiguisted blacksmith from Sakai. Not only a “Dentokogeshi” (certified traditional craftsman) but also awarded with a medal from the emperor for his accomplishments and service. One of the, if not the, most honourable and prestigious decorations in Japan. To be awarded such a prestigious titles is proof of vast knowledge and skill. He is amongst the very few remaining blacksmiths in Japan with the skillset to forge water-quenched Honyaki blades. A true master of traditional techniques. Togashi made knives are characterised by their durability and hardness while still easy to sharpen. Not only the steel quality but also their in-house sharpening is praiseworthy. In charge of the in-house sharpening is Kenya Togashi, the third son of Togashi San, and from him we see some of the most true and consistent single and double-bevel sharpening we've come across. All their knives really feel like they've been made with the intention to last for years.

The classic vegetable knife. Highly functional for processing large amounts of vegetables and preforming finer cutting tasks such as julienne of brunoise. The absence of a pronounced belly in the profile orientates it more towards chopping style cutting motions rather than rolling cuts. 

Stainless steel gets its name from the inclusion of chromium (10-13%) in the alloy, which forms a protective film that helps prevent rust and corrosion by acting as a barrier between the metal and oxygen.
While stainless steel knives are practical, functional, and easier to maintain than carbon steel, they are not completely maintenance-free. With improper care, they can still rust or develop pitting—after all, "stainless" does not mean "stain-free."

The level of corrosion resistance varies depending on the type of stainless steel used, but the basic principles of care are similar to those for carbon steel knives.

To maintain your knife, store it clean and dry, avoid air-drying after washing, never use the dishwasher, and steer clear of cutting extremely hard items like frozen food or bones.
The key advantage of stainless steel over carbon steel is a greater margin for error—its rust resistance is higher, making it easier to maintain with less worry.

Remember, not all stainless steels are the same. Just like with carbon steels, each stainless steel alloy has its own unique properties and performance characteristics, and should be judged individually.