Yu Kurosaki is an extremely talented blacksmith in his 40’s located in Takefu Village in Echizen. Apprenticed under the great Hiroshi Kato and today is considered one of the top blacksmiths in Japan, winning many awards and became known for his unique patterns.

His Senko (meaning Sparkle) line is one of the most beautiful series forged with SG2 stainless steel, a powder steel that can reach very high HRC hardness (62-63 in this case) and become razor sharp with great edge retention but still easy to sharpen. The updated Senko EI series have even more: Offset blade compared to the handle for better knuckle clearance and a K-Tip for delicate jobs.

The Sujihiki is a double bevel slicer for boneless meat and fish. The name translates to “muscle cutter”.  It is usually long and thin with a low profile and the purpose of it is for cutting in one single slice in order to create minimum cellular damage (That preserves the original texture and flavor of the protein). Perfect for slicing and back draw cut motions. The specific knife comes in the most common size at 270mm.

Brand / Blacksmith Yu Kurosaki
Series Senko EI
Knife type Sujihiki 270mm
Blade Length / Total length mm 270 / 423
Grind 50 / 50
Finish Polished / Hammered
Steel type SG2 (R2)
Forging method San Mai
HRC hardness 62-63
Handle type / Material / Ferrule Octagonal Wenge / Walnut / Wooden
Spine Thickness at heel / tip mm 2 / 0,35
Blade height at heel mm 43
Weight gr 167
Notes