Japanese traditional Ai-zome beautiful blue handle version of VG10 Damascus Knife series has been launched by Sakai Takayuki, one of the cool & popular manufacturer with a long 600-year history by skilled craftsmen in Sakai, Japan.


This beautiful “JAPAN BLUE” version is crafted out of a 33-layer Damascus Stainless steel (VG10 Alloy Core) with Japanese traditional indigo-dyed (Ai-zome) beautiful blue handle. These blades have a seriously sharp edge, extremely hard (hardness : 60-61 HRC), excellent edge retention and a light center balanced feel.

240mm Gyuto Chef’s Knife

The Ai-zome blue-colored handles on these knives are carefully Ai (Japanese original indigo)-dyed with Japanese traditional method by skilled craftsperson on Half-rounded Octagonal Hou Wood (Magnlia) with Buffalo Horn Collar for Top Professional Use. Unfortunately the yield loss in the process to dye on the wood is currently very high, resulting in making the beautiful blue saya more valuable and priceless.



The Ai color was called “Japan Blue” around 100 years ago in the Meiji era by people who visited Japan from Western countries.

Why did they call so?

Because Japan was rich in Ai colors used to a variety of clothes. Even today, the blue color is reflected to the uniform of Japanese football national team. So this Ai color represents the image of Japan.

Each knife is hand sharpened to ensure maximum sharpness out of the box.
It is highly recommended for Perfect Gift as well as for your better cooking experience.

If you have any question, please feel free to contact us anytime.

Thank you for reading and best regards!

All the Hocho-Knife staff
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“Hocho” represents Made-in-Japan (Sushi / Sashimi) Kitchen Knives,
that is the soul of the cook!
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