Mizuno Tanrenzo Ginsan Yanagiba 270mm

Established in 1872 by Mastersmith Torakichi Mizuno in Sakai City in Osaka, Mizuno Tanrenzo became famous for producing the traditional Japanese knives ‘Sakai Uchi’.

For 5 generations, the Mizuno family has been recognized as one of the most important family of craftsmen in Japan. A Mayokegama (a sickle to face evil), made by 2^nd generation blacksmith Masanori Mizuno, is still decorating the roof of  Houryuji temple in Nara, Japan’s oldest five story building registered as a National Treasure and the World Heritage monument by UNESCO.

Mizuno Tanrenzo workshop is for years the favourite of Japan’s Royal family and has received visits from its members. Today is led by 5^th generation blacksmith Jun Mizuno with the precious help of his wife Nanako who is taking care of all non blacksmithing business.

Because of his amazing craftsmanship, Jun Mizuno has been appointed by two of Japan’s top shrines who selected his katanas to be in the shrines’ permanent collections.

This series is hand forged and sharpened in Ginsan (Silver-3) stainless steel, one of the purest stainless Japanese steels. It is often compared with Shirogami and praised because of it long lasting edge retention and ease of sharpening. Kasumi finish and a beautiful black Sandalwood with black buffalo horns and copper rings on both ends handle.

The Yanagiba (meaning willow leaf blade) is the traditional Japanese Sashimi knife. Used mainly to cut thin slices of fish in one draw, without damaging the cells of the delicate fish protein. It can also be used for meat. The 270mm size is the most common for medium and large pieces of fillets.

Important Note: It is usual that Japanese Handmade knives do not come sharpened at their full potential out of the box. This is due to Japanese mentality that the owner and user should give the final sharpening to his or her knives. This is also the case for Mizuno Tanrenzo knives.

If you are not an experienced sharpener, let us give your knife an extra sharpening to reach it’s full potential by clicking on the Extra Sharpening request.