Yu Kurosaki Sujihiki Senko R2 270mm (10.6″) [Rosewood]

Kurosaki Sujihiki from the Senko line is another uniquely looking blade from the hands of a talented master blacksmith Yu Kurosaki. The unique hammer imprints on the top part of the blade resemble a dazzling diamond pattern − hence the name SENKO. The blade has a high polish finish.

Sujihiki or slicer knives are intended for long pulling motions and precise cutting of meat and fish. The long and narrow blade is particularly useful for slicing meat or boneless fish and performs excellently also when filleting and skinning fish. We should not forget to mention that this is a perfect knife for preparing sushi/sashimi. It is also an ideal choice for cutting salami and other dried meat products. The long blade allows the meat or fish to be cut in a single motion, from heel to tip. Compared to yanagiba knife, a traditional Japanese sushi knife, sujihiki knives are double-bevelled, so there is no need to learn a new cutting technique like with single bevel knives.

The core of Senko knives is made of R2/SG2 powder steel that is hardened to around 62-63 HRC and two layers of a softer stainless steel protect the core steel. R2 is a high-quality steel that is easy to maintain and sharpen and retains edge for a long time.

The octagonal handle is made from beautiful, dark rosewood that is rounded off with a maple ferrule. It fits comfortably in the hands of both left- and right-handed users. This is a great knife to own and use while marvelling at the amazing skills of the master blacksmith.

About Yu Kurosaki:
Yu Kurosaki is a talented master blacksmith who lives in Takefu Knife Village, close to the city of Echizen. His knives are well known throughout Japan and also around the world for their beautiful, unique-looking design and superior quality. Hammer’s dents on the blade are his signature finish, and just like with snowflakes, not a single dent is alike. Needless to say (but we will say it anyway), his knives don’t only look great but they’re also made of high-quality steel and have a razor sharp, long-lasting edge.

Before opening his own smithy, Kurosaki-san was the apprentice of Hiroshi Kato, a master blacksmith with more than 50 years of knife-making experience. Kato-san is one of the founders of Takefu Knife Village, where now more than 10 master blacksmiths make knives by hand and put them on display for visitors to admire and learn more about their craft. Kurosaki-san is the youngest blacksmith to be granted the title of Master Nokaji by Takefu Knife Village Association and is a senior teacher there.

☝️When you visit Japan, make sure to put the Takefu Knife Village to your itinerary!

Here’s a short video of Kurosaki’s workshop: