We recently discovered this blacksmith and after hearing the story and seeing his interview on Japanese TV we decided to introduce his unique knives to our customers. CKTG is his only dealer in the USA.
Ishikawa-san White #2 carbon steel layered with a soft iron cladding. The rustic nature of his knives is very obvious and they are not the fit and finish kings that other blacksmiths produce. He places value on shape and sharpness more than on aesthetics. But at the price and considering the one-man handmade nature of these blades that is a plus, not a negative. Mr. Ishikawa does a unique semi S grind on his blades that are basically flat on the back side so this knife is made for a right handed person.
To find such unusual knives made by a craftsman of his caliber and experience is a rare thing. It is topped off with a beautiful octagonal handle made with oak wood with a burnt urushi finish.
Blacksmith: Mr. Ishikawa
Location: Kami, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Core Steel: White #2
Finish: Kurouchi
Edge: Asymmetric Right Handed (See Choil Photo)
Weight: 5.0 oz (144 g)
Blade Length: 186 mm
Total Length: 325 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.8 mm
Blade Height at Heel: 46.2 mm
Handle: Oak Octagonal Handle
Photos by Gustavo Bermudez