This Yoshida Nakiri Kyusyu SUJ-2 Kuro-uchi 165mm (6.5") blade is fitted with an octagon rosewood handle, topped with a ferrule made of cedar wood. It is also available without a handle (in case you would like to fit it with a custom handle of your choice).The price of this knife is very affordable for the quality of a hand-forged knife. The blade is forged from SUJ-2 steel, which offers incredible capacities, hardness is 63-64 HRC, and at the same time, the knife is very easy to resharpen. The blade requires some extra maintenance. After use, rinse it well and dry it. The name kuro-uchi refers to the blade finish, which is unprocessed on top and has already developed a dark patina, which protects the blade from rust.BLADE PROFILE:The Nakiri blade, a traditional Japanese knife shape, is specifically designed for cutting vegetables. Its flat edge and squared-off tip allow for efficient chopping and slicing, making it a preferred choice for prep cooks who handle a substantial volume of vegetables daily. The blade's straight edge provides optimal and stable contact with the cutting board and allows for fluid movement, providing the user with enhanced control and maneuverability. If you find yourself facing a mountain of veggies to prep, the Nakiri blade is a total game changer!STEEL:The blade is forged in SUJ-2 steel, which offers incredible capacities, hardness is 63-64 HRC, and at the same time, the knife is very easy to resharpen. The blade requires some extra maintenance. After use, rinse it well and dry it.LAMINATION:The blade’s core was laminated using the san-mai method to improve its structural integrity and subsequent ability to withstand impacts and prevent chipping. San-mai translates to “three layers” in Japanese, referring to a blade that is composed of a primary, inner layer of harder steel (hagane) and of two secondary, outer layers of softer steel (jigane) that protect the prior.→ Read more on Blade Construction: Lamination.GEOMETRY:It has a double bevel (symmetrical) blade (50/50) with a convex v-edge grind.BLADE FINISH:The blade sports a raw kurouchi finish which gives it a rustic appearance. The stamp on the blade 吉 (Kichi) means luck.HANDLE:The blade is fitted with a traditional Japanese wa hande in an octagonal shape. It is made from rosewood and topped with a ferrule made from cedar wood.SMITHY:Yoshida Hamono is a family-owned Japanese company with an age-long tradition in manufacturing state-of-the-art tools and Japanese swords (katanas) by hand. The company has a workshop in the Japanese town of Saga. It is well-known for manufacturing metal products in tested corrosion-resistant materials, such as VG-10, Ginsan and Swedish steel. You can learn more about them and our visit to their workshop here.