Wusaki Sakimaru BS1 Handcrafted Japanese Knife, San Mai Blade 27cm

The Sakimaru: Japanese excellence for cutting

With its remarkably thin 27cm blade, the Wusaki Sakimaru BS1 knife stands out as a tool of choice for cutting large pieces of meat or fish. Its generous length and exceptional edge allow for continuous cuts, preserving the integrity of the food's texture and fibers. The resulting slices are perfectly even and thin, while the blade's elegant curve echoes traditional Japanese swords. This knife is especially prized by Japanese chefs for preparing sashimi, where precision of movement is essential.

A blade forged from premium steel

The Sakimaru features a blade forged from Japanese Aogami 1 steel (or Blue Steel 1), produced by the prestigious Hitachi steelworks. This alloy, containing 1.3% carbon, stands clearly apart from conventional stainless steels. With an impressive hardness of 63 HRC, it offers long-lasting cutting ability and only needs sharpening at wide intervals. Aogami 1, though costly, represents the pinnacle of Japanese steelmaking technology.

This knife is made by Tsunehisa, a collective of Japanese craftsmen with a perfect command of the art of forging. This carbon steel, naturally prone to oxidation, calls for rigorous care, which we detail at the end of this page. The rough forged finish gives the blade an authentic, instantly recognizable character that appeals to professionals in Japanese gastronomy.

A "San Mai" structure: the perfect balance between rigidity and flexibility

The San Mai structure (three layers) is at the heart of this blade's technology. A central core of hard steel is flanked by two layers of softer steel, leaving only the Aogami cutting edge exposed. This clever configuration combines optimal rigidity with remarkable resistance to impact.

San Mai gives the blade exceptional longevity while maintaining valuable flexibility. The wavy patterns visible on the blade's surface reflect the craftsmanship involved and the layering of the steels. Beyond its technical performance, this age-old technique gives the knife an almost artistic dimension.

Rosewood handle: ergonomics and durability

The Sakimaru's handle is carved from a remarkably dense rosewood, recognizable by its deep tone and tight grain. This noble material stands up perfectly to moisture and mechanical impact. Its oval shape, both ergonomic and ambidextrous, ensures a comfortable grip whichever hand you favor. The bolster, which connects the handle to the blade, is made of pakka wood, an ultra-resistant composite material obtained by hot-pressing layers of wood and resin together. This technical choice guarantees a perfect bond between the two components.

This high-end knife needs to be cared for carefully to preserve its qualities over time. It is recommended to clean it by hand and avoid letting it soak in the sink. The dishwasher, meanwhile, should be avoided entirely. Once clean, be sure to wipe it dry and let it become fully dry before putting it away. For extra protection, you can apply a mineral oil to the blade between uses.

Slice beautiful cuts of meat with a stunning handcrafted knife.

Use

• Cut with a straight, linear motion. Twisting motions damage the cutting edge and can break the blade.
• Use a wooden cutting board. Glass or marble dull the cutting edge over time.

Cleaning

• Wash by hand with a soft sponge and mild soap, then rinse with lukewarm water. Abrasive surfaces are not suitable for the steel.
• Oil the blade from time to time with a neutral mineral oil to protect it.

Sharpening

• Don't wait until the blade is completely dull: regular maintenance on a 1000-grit whetstone keeps an excellent cutting edge without removing too much material.
• Match the whetstone's grit to the condition of the blade — coarse grit to restore a very dull edge, fine grit to polish.

Shipping

• Dispatch: within 24 to 48 hours after payment confirmation, for in-stock products.
• Delivery time: 3 to 7 days in mainland France, 5 to 10 days in Belgium.
• Fees: free shipping in mainland France. To Belgium, fees vary depending on the parcel's weight.
• Tracking: a tracking number is emailed to you as soon as your order ships.

Returns

• Returns accepted up to 60 days after purchase; the item must be new, unused, and in its original packaging.
• Refund within 10 business days after the return is received.
• If you exercise your right of withdrawal, the original shipping fees are deducted from the refund.