Product Description for Blackwoods Yanagi

Maker: Bill Burke, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 87793
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 9.50 in.
Total length: 15.13 in.
Blade width: 1.11 in.
Blade thickness: 0.14 in.
Item weight: 6.24 oz.
Blade: 52100 carbon steel with antique wrought iron
Handle: African blackwood with a sheephorn spacer
Sheath: Ho wood saya made by Daniel O'Malley
Description: Bill Burke, who was honored as a Mastersmith June 2006, is known for creating some of the best chefs knives and hunters that can be found anywhere. His attention to geometry and balance on his chef's knives, not to mention the exceptional edge holding clearly sets him apart. This is his first traditional, single bevel yanagi and the results immediately grabbed my attention.
Yanagiba are used for slicing the raw fish (Sashimi) traditionally served by the Japanese. Also suitable for fine slicing of other meats. The knife is accompanied by a saya made specifically to the blade for a perfect fit. This ho wood sheath protects the blade for chefs on the go or while in the drawer.
Traditional Japanese chef's knives differ from European styled knives in that they are sharpened with a bevel on only one side. The opposite side is slightly hollowed. Consequently, this right-handed knife can be honed to a sharper edge than can double bevel knives.
The blade was forged using the Kasumi technique -- a forging process which creates the misty appearance at the lamination line between two kinds of metal. It was hand forged from a combination of hard 52100 carbon steel forge-welded to a piece of Jigane wrought iron. Like his hunting knives, this yanagi was pre-tested for edge flex and cutting ability before assembly. The heat treatment followed the formulas developed by Mastersmith Ed Fowler in conjunction with Bill and creates some of the sharpest and most long lasting edges found anywhere. The wrought iron was recovered from an 1800's era anchor chain. The most exacting standards as well as considerable time are required for this type of forge work. After forging and heat treatment, the blade is tempered for a razor sharp, long lasting edge.
The traditional octagonal handle is formed from African blackwood and has a front, blonde ferrule. This spacer is created by taking two sheep horn end-cuts and aligning them outward, producing a very pleasing effect.
Exceptional work throughout!
Availability: Not currently available