Yu Kurosaki is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding talents in Japanese knife-making right now. This young blacksmith is setting standards and creating trends in an industry that is founded on tradition. His creations span such a wide variety of techniques, finishes, materials, and styles that it is hard to comprehend.
His unique hammered finishes are garnering widespread attention in the knife world, and the Senko line just adds to that allure. As with all of his creations, this knife is way more than looks. Kurosaki-san makes his blades with an eye toward performance. One look at the choil shots shows the sublime grinds that make the Senko a king of speed and agility.
The Senko
Nakiri is made from SG2 powdered metallurgical stainless steel. SG2 stainless steel possesses high edge retention while being moderately wear-resistant and easy to sharpen. The core steel is clad with softer stainless steel to protect and add strength to the blade. Then comes the finish! And in true Yu Kurosaki form, it is a stunner. The flashing sparkles of light that are created by his design give the blade its unique identity.
The
nakiri knife is the second most popular knife style in Japan behind the
santoku/
bunka and is a great all-around knife that is well proportioned and weighted for most average users in the home. They excel at chopping and push/pull cutting.
Blacksmith: Yu Kurosaki
Location: Echizen, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Edge Steel: SG2 Stainless
Cladding: Stainless
Edge Grind: Even 50/50
Handle: Walnut Octagonal
Ferrule: Maple Wood
Weight: 5.5 oz (156 g)
Edge Length: 155 mm
Total Length: 310 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2.1 mm
Blade Height: 53.2 m