[General Features]
"Murasaki Shikibu" was a Japanese female novelist who wrote "The Tale of Genji" or "Genji Monogatari (in Japanese)", which is considered to be the world's oldest novel, about 1,000 years ago. It has been reproduced in a limited edition as a maki-e knife series, transcending the passage of a thousand years.

Takeshi Saji Rainbow-colored VG10-W Damascus Nashiji Makie-Art series feature special blades with a core of VG-10-W stainless steel cladded with multiple layers of rust-resistant stainless steel, brass and copper, which provides a long-lasting edge as well as its beautifulness and unique multi-metal-colored texture with custom-made feeling.
The surface of the blade is Nashiji-finished to highlight the Damascus texture for more elegance.

On the beautifully Japanese lacquered (Urushi-nuri) saya sheath and handle, the traditional decorative Maki-e artwork of "FUJIN RAIJIN (the Wind and Thunder Gods)" is carefully hand-drawn by Master Kouichiro Tsukada.
The collaboration by the master blacksmith Takeshi Saji and the Maki-e master Kouichiro Tsukada is very unique to bring the masterpiece into creation successfully.
(Please be noted that the Maki-e artwork may possibly be different from the image in color.)

The masterpiece is the best for your perfect present and collection as well as cooking for the highest ceremony.

[Product details]
- Blade Steel Type : Nickel Damascus Stainless Steel, VG-10-W Core with Colored Damascus Texture
- Blade Edge : Double-Edged (50/50 balanced, available for left-handed-right-handed)
- Hardness Rockwell C scale (HRC) : 60-61
- Handle Material : Japanese lacquered (Urushi) handle with Maki-e Art and metal bolster
- Saya : Japanese lacquered wood saya sheath with Maki-e Art is included
- Brand NEW
- Made in JAPAN

- Knife Type: Santoku Knife
- Blade Length: 170mm (6.7in.)
- Total Length: 323mm (12.7in.)
- Weight: 156g

*** The images in this page are of the sample products. Color, weight, pattern and size may differ because each product is handmade.
*** Please be noted that it may take a few months to restock if the item should not be available, because this series is made-to-order by skilled blacksmiths.

[about Takeshi Saji]
Takeshi Saji is the leading blacksmith in Echizen. Saji was born in Takefu in 1948 in a family of second-generation smith. In 1992, he was officially certified as a “Traditional Master Craftsman" by the Japanese “Ministry of International Trade & Industry”.
His knife blades are shaped by traditional hammer-forging technique with his unique ideas and designs, to achieve a beautiful, powerful appearance and a quite sharp cutting edge with better hardness.

"Echizen" is the historical area in Fukui prefecture, including Takefu city, as one of Japanese important knife capitals.
The kitchen knives made in the Echizen is called Echizen Uchi Hamono. The art of making Japanese kitchen knives has a history of about 700 years.
Echizen Uchi Hamono is designated as "Traditional Crafts" by the Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry.