Yoshihiro Mizu Honyaki White Steel Mirror-Finished Namiukashi Yanagi Ebony Handle

Honyaki, meaning "true forged," represents the pinnacle of the traditional Japanese sword-making art. Our master craftsmen employ ancient techniques, meticulously passed down through generations, to forge knives of unparalleled quality. The hand forging of these knives from a single piece of high carbon steel requires extraordinary skill, capable of withstanding the extreme temperatures of thousands of degrees within a furnace.

Each Yoshihiro Honyaki knife is handcrafted with exceptional expertise, forged from the finest steel using time-honored methods. With over 50 years of experience, our master artisans embody the essence of Honyaki, which demands the highest level of craftsmanship from seasoned knife smiths steeped in the traditional art of sword making. A single piece of White Steel #2, boasting a hardness rating of 65 on the Rockwell scale, is heated in high-temperature hearths, quenched in cool water for enhanced hardness, and finished with a brilliant mirror polish, resulting in knives that harmoniously blend aesthetics and performance.

Our Yoshihiro Honyaki knives are complemented by a traditional Japanese-style handcrafted premium Ebony wood handle, affixed with a Water Buffalo horn bolster for added elegance. Additionally, a protective wooden sheath known as a Saya is included, safeguarding the knife while enhancing its beauty when not in use.

The Yanagi is a long slicing knife designed specifically for thinly slicing fish for sushi and sashimi. It is one of the most essential traditional Japanese knives and plays a vital role in the toolkit of many chefs. The beauty of its slender blade lies in its ability to glide through ingredients in long, uninterrupted strokes, preserving their integrity and freshness. The Yanagi is slightly heavier, featuring a wider blade and a thicker spine, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a heftier knife without sacrificing performance.