Kyuzo’s father Heihachi is one of the busiest sharpeners in Sakai. Heihachi’s workshop room and corridor were always filled with knives waiting to be sharpened. Although Kyuzo initially worked under his father to learn the foundation of rough sharpening, eventually he became a student of Kambei, known as one of the best sharpeners in Sakai because he knew best how to sharpen wide double bevel knives. After a few years of training, he built his style based on both his father and Kambei’s respective styles. Today, Kyuzo is one of only a few people who can sharpen wide double bevel with really good Shinogi-line in Sakai, one of the most challenging techniques in sharpening.
Detailed Spec
Brand: Hitohira Smith: Tanaka Blacksmith Producing Area: Sakai-Osaka/ Japan Profile: Nakiri Steel Type: Carbon Steel Steel: Yasuki Blue (Aogami) #1, Soft Iron Clad Handle: Taihei Makassar Ebony & Buffalo Horn Ferrule Octagonal Total Length: 318mm Edge Length: 163mm Handle to Tip Length: 188mm Blade Height: 58mm Thickness: 1.7mm Handle Length: 134mm Weight: 191g Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous Sharpener: Kyuzo Update: June 15, 2025
