Knives

This 9.4 in. (240mm) Kasumi Series Yanagi from Kikuichi is a traditionally forged knife using a jacket steel (soft carbon) and premium (White #2) cutting steel mimicking old school sword making techniques. This is a high carbon steel knife meaning it has the best ability to take and hold an edge but can be susceptible to rust if not dried after use. The Yanagiba is used in Japanese cooking to preform tasks like cutting thin strips of fish or beef, or making decorative cuts with greens for garnishing. This knife is single beveled with a concave backside so it should be sharpened by hand using a whetstone for the best results. Comes with a fitted Saya and pin. Learn More

This 8.2 in. (210mm) Kasumi Series Yanagi from Kikuichi is a traditionally forged knife using a jacket steel (soft carbon) and premium (White #2) cutting steel mimicking old school sword making techniques. This is a high carbon steel knife meaning it has the best ability to take and hold an edge but can be susceptible to rust if not dried after use. The Yanagiba is used in Japanese cooking to preform tasks like cutting thin strips of fish or beef, or making decorative cuts with greens for garnishing. Learn More

A Razor-Sharp Legacy in Carbon Steel: The Kikuichi 180mm WTC Gyuto The Kikuichi WTC (Warikomi Tsuchime Carbon) Series is a masterclass in Japanese metallurgy, specifically designed for those who prioritize a surgical edge over the low-maintenance convenience of stainless steel. At the heart of this 180mm Gyuto is Shirogami (White Steel) #2, a pure carbon steel prized by blacksmiths for its ability to take a frighteningly sharp edge that is remarkably easy to hone. With a Rockwell hardness of 63, this blade maintains that 'out-of-the-box' bite through hours of heavy prep. Where Traditional Craft Meets Modern Geometry The 'Warikomi' construction features the high-carbon core clad in multiple layers of Damascus steel. This isn't just for aesthetics; the cladding provides structural support to the hard, brittle core. The blade is then treated with a Tsuchime (hammered) finish. For the high-volume line cook, this finish is a functional necessity—the indentations create air pockets that prevent starchy vegetables like potatoes and onions from suctioning to the blade, allowing for faster, more fluid movements during a rush. A Tool That Evolves With You Equipped with a traditional octagonal oak handle (Wa-handle), this 180mm gyuto offers a neutral balance point that reduces wrist fatigue during extended dicing sessions. As a true carbon steel instrument, this knife will develop a unique blue-grey patina over time. This isn't a defect; it is the mark of a well-used tool, a protective layer that tells the story of every meal you've prepared. Whether you are dicing a 50lb bag of onions or precision-slicing protein for plating, the WTC18-LE offers the tactile feedback and geometric precision required by elite culinary artists. Learn More

For the chef who moves beyond simple slicing into the realm of true culinary sculpture, the Minonokuni Take 210mm Kama-Usuba is the ultimate instrument. This is the Kansai-region evolution of the traditional Usuba, designed for a higher level of artistry. The defining feature is its kama, or sickle-shaped tip, which provides a delicate point for the most intricate tasks. This elegant curve allows for precise scoring, decorative carving (mukimono), and detailed peeling with the finesse of a paring knife, all without ever putting the main blade down. At the heart of this specialized tool is a blade of Aogami #2 (Blue Paper Steel), a steel celebrated by master chefs for its phenomenal sharpness and incredible edge retention. This premium material allows the long, flat portion of the 210mm blade to glide effortlessly through vegetables, creating whisper-thin sheets and perfect cuts with minimal cell damage. The generous length provides confident stability for board work, while the unique tip offers unparalleled agility. The Minonokuni Take Kama-Usuba is not just a knife; it is a declaration of skill and a tool for the uncompromising culinary artist. Learn More

Designed to chop, slice and cut vegetables, the Minonokuni Take 180mm Left-Handed Kamagata Usuba is truly a work of art. Hand-forged in the methods originally developed for sword making, this is a traditional single sided Japanese knife. This model favors left handed users. At 180mm in length this blade is easy to maneuver and control. It offers enough length to be used when create thin vegetable sheets for sushi wrapping, but is small enough to quickly tap chop without fatigue. This is a White Steel Carbon Blade. It takes an extremely sharp edge, but is less delicate than Blue Steel alternatives that offer longer edge retention but are more brittle and require more aggressive abrasives when sharpening. This is an extremely functional knife for the working sushi chef. Learn More

The Minonokuni Take 180mm Kama-Usuba is a traditional single-bevel Japanese vegetable knife crafted for precision and control. Designed with a distinctive sickle-shaped tip, this knife excels at detailed vegetable work, fine cuts, and intricate garnishes, while also performing beautifully for katsuramuki and thin peeling tasks. Forged by skilled artisans, the Take series features high-carbon steel that sharpens to a razor edge, ensuring clean, consistent cuts that preserve texture and freshness. The natural wood handle provides a comfortable, balanced grip, making it an ideal choice for professional chefs and dedicated home cooks who value traditional Japanese technique and superior craftsmanship. Learn More

Master the art of vegetable preparation with the Minonokuni Take 210mm Usuba, a traditional Japanese blade designed for ultimate precision. As the essential tool for any chef serious about their craft, the Usuba excels where other knives cannot. The defining feature is its traditional single-bevel grind and razor-sharp edge, allowing for unparalleled control when creating paper-thin sheets (katsuramuki), delicate garnishes, and precise cuts. The flat profile and substantial 210mm length provide the stability and surface area needed to work through vegetables cleanly and efficiently, without cracking or bruising them. Learn More

For the discerning left-handed chef who accepts no compromises, the Minonokuni Take 180mm Left-Handed Usuba represents the pinnacle of vegetable preparation. This is a tool forged for the artist, where superior materials and meticulous craftsmanship converge to create an unparalleled culinary experience. The heart of this Usuba is its blade, expertly crafted from Aogami #2 steel, or Blue Paper Steel—one of the most revered high-carbon steels in Japanese cutlery. This premium steel provides an exquisitely sharp, long-lasting edge that glides through produce with breathtaking ease, preserving the integrity and flavor of every ingredient. Engineered specifically for the left-handed user, this Usuba eliminates all compromise. The true single-bevel grind ensures perfect, clean cuts that track true, allowing you to perform the most demanding techniques, from creating paper-thin katsuramuki sheets to executing intricate decorative work, with flawless precision and intuitive control. As part of the "Take" (Bamboo) collection, this knife signifies a higher level of performance and refinement. It is not just a tool for cutting; it is a statement of dedication to the culinary craft. Learn More

The Také 180mm Usuba is a vegetable knife used for making extremely precise cuts with clean lines. Hand-forged by master blacksmiths from Kasumi Shiro-ko carbon steel this knife will take an extremely sharp edge, but is forgiving enough to be used in a chopping motion where the entire blade makes contact with the board. 

Learn more about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon steel knives.  Learn More