Ittosai Kotetsu Blue #2 Kiritsuke Yanagi Kasumi 300mm (11.8")

Specifications

• Brand: Ittosai Kotetsu
• Style: Yanagi (Sushi Knife)
• Length: 300mm (11.8")
• Weight: 8.2 oz (232g)
• Blade Height at Heel: 35.4mm (1.4")
• Spine Thickness above Heel: 5mm (0.2")
• Blade Steel Type: Blue #2
• Handle & Bolster: Octagonal Magnolia Handle / Water Buffalo Horn
  Note: Buffalo horn is a natural material and it may be solid black, blonde or a mixture thereof. We make no guarantee and do not take requests as to the color or patterning of the buffalo horn.
• HRC: 62-64
• Blacksmith: Satoshi Nakagawa
• Bevel Angle Ratio: Single bevel (Right-Handed)
• Cover: Not included

Blade & Handle

This Ittosai Kotetsu knife is made from Blue 2 steel and is a single-beveled knife. This knife features Blue 2 steel, enhanced with chromium and tungsten for increased hardness and durability, delivering exceptional edge retention. Its soft carbon steel cladding makes resharpening straightforward and efficient. A subtle distal taper from heel to tip, along with a well-balanced weight distribution, gives the knife a solid feel and excellent control in hand.

The octagonal magnolia handle is aesthetically pleasing and provides a comfortable grip, ensuring the knife feels balanced and easy to control during precise tasks. The well-polished spine and heel further enhance user comfort, making this knife a pleasure to use for prolonged periods.

Steel Type

Blue2 Steel (Aogami #2) is a high-carbon steel forged with added chromium and tungsten. This powerful alloy offers an exceptional balance of edge retention, hardness, and toughness, making it a favorite among professional chefs and passionate knife users.
With its fine-grain structure, Blue Steel No.2 takes on a razor-sharp edge and holds it remarkably well, ideal for precision cutting and extended use. While it demands proper care due to its carbon content, it rewards the user with unmatched performance and a blade that evolves with every slice.

Care

As the blade is made entirely from carbon steel, proper maintenance is essential. Be sure to clean and dry it thoroughly after each use to avoid rust. Over time, a unique patina will naturally develop, adding character to the blade. If you prefer a polished look, it can easily be removed using products like Sabitoru rust removers.

About Ittosai Kotetsu

Founded in 1917 by the previous generation's Kusutaro Takahashi, Ittosai Kotetsu was named after "Kotetsu," a renowned swordsmith of the Edo period, and "Ittousai," the founder of the flourishing Ittoryu swordsmanship of the Edo period. Ittosai Kotetsu continues this tradition of excellence, focusing on the delicate balance between achieving peak sharpness and maintaining ease of sharpening in their knives. Each knife is a testament to the brand's dedication to quality, embodying over a century of Japanese craftsmanship and innovation. The Ittosai Kotetsu signature engraved on each knife is a seal of quality and an ode to a legacy that blends the art of traditional sword-making with modern culinary needs.