Sakai Kikumori X Bernal Cutlery Sori 255mm Kiritsuke Gyuto Aogami 1 Suminagashi

Sakai Kikumori ‘Sori’ 255mm Kiritsuke Gyuto. Double bevel aogami #1 core with iron and mild steel suminagashi cladding. Octagon magnolia wood and water buffalo ferrule handle. Made from Bernal Cutlery specifications with a sori (“bent” or curved) spine for added clearance and extra curve in the edge to keep the kiritsuke tip high off the board during a forward push cut.

Aogami 1 has the best edge formation of the aogami steels. It typically works best at slightly finer finishes and has excellent edge life when finished well.

Sori knives are forged by Tanaka Hamono. Tanaka-san’s top level forging and heat treatments make for unusually easy sharpening, superb edge life and toughness.

These knives represent some of the best of Sakai’s knife making. They are forged and sharpened by craftspeople who are highly respected for preserving demanding traditional techniques while contributing their own refinements and creativity to the trade.

Sakai Kikumori was started in 1926 and draws on Sakai’s 600 year history as the major center of traditional Japanese cutlery manufacturing. They work with a large variety of Sakai’s best smiths, sharpeners and small factories to offer a wide variety of knives ranging from traditional to modern.

This knife has a hard carbon steel core with iron cladding for added durability. The entire blade will develop a patina with use, and especially so with acidic foods. Special attention is needed to keep from rusting. Hand wash and dry before storing. Do not leave wet and do not use a dishwasher. Rust can be removed with a light abrasive.

Hardwood-end grain or softwood long grain cutting boards are preferred. Avoid bamboo and plastic cutting boards.