Kyuzo Sharpener

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.

Brand: Hitohira ひとひら (一片) 
Smith: Tanaka Blacksmith 田中打刃物製作所 
Producing Area: Sakai-Osaka/ Japan 
Profile: Gyuto 
Size: 240mm 
Steel Type: Carbon Steel 
Steel: Yasuki Blue (Aogami) #1, Soft Iron Damascus Cladding
Handle: Taihei Makassar Ebony & Buffalo Horn Ferrule Octagonal 
Total Length: 387mm 
Edge Length: 234mm 
Handle to Tip Length: 244mm 
Blade Height: 50.5mm 
Thickness: 2.5mm 
Handle Length: 148mm 
Weight: 192g 
Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous 
Hardness: 63-64HRC 
Sharpener: Kyuzo 久蔵
Handle Maker: Taihei 太平