Hideo Kitaoka is a traditional knife smith working in Takefu Village knife co-operative. This selection of knives are made with White #1 steel with a suminagashi (damascus) cladding that is really beautiful. HRC on these knives is 63/64 and they're one of the better quality sushi knives on our site. All of these knives are right handed, single bevel with rosewood octagonal handles. We highly recommend Mr. Kitaoka's knives for anyone making traditional Japanese cuisine.