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: Petty Size: 165mm Steel Type: Carbon Steel Steel: Yasuki Blue (Aogami) #1, Soft Iron Clad Handle: Ziricote & Buffalo Horn Ferrule Octagonal Total Length: 297mm Edge Length: 158mm Handle to Tip Length: 167mm Blade Height: 38mm Thickness: 2mm Handle Length: 131mm Weight: 99g Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous Sharpener: Kyuzo Update: July 8, 2025
