Japanese Knife Story – Tosa Forged Blade Japan has several historic regions known for blade making, and one of them is Tosa, where traditional blacksmithing techniques have been practiced for centuries. The knife offered here belongs to the tradition of Tosa forged cutlery (土佐打刃物), a style of craftsmanship developed from techniques originally used in Japanese sword making. Many swordsmiths shifted their skills to kitchen knives and tools after the end of the samurai era, continuing the tradition of forging blades for everyday use. This knife features the characteristic kurouchi (black forged) finish, where the dark surface created during forging is intentionally left on the blade. This finish gives the knife a rustic appearance and can help reduce rust compared to fully polished blades. -Specifications Type: Small Yanagiba / Utility Knife Blade Length: 120 mm Steel: Blue Steel No.2 (Aogami #2) Construction: Laminated steel (carbon steel core with iron cladding) Origin: Japan Blue Steel No.2 is a high-quality carbon steel developed for sharp cutting performance and durability, commonly used in traditional Japanese knives. -Design & Use The slim Yanagiba-style blade is ideal for: slicing fish and sashimi preparing small fish precision work with vegetables or fruit The compact 120 mm size makes it particularly useful for delicate kitchen tasks. -Collector’s Appeal Japanese forged knives are appreciated by collectors and chefs around the world because they combine: traditional blacksmithing heritage high-performance carbon steel handmade character and unique finish Each kurouchi blade has a slightly different surface texture, making every knife unique. -Storage Conditions This item has been stored in a smoke-free, pet-free, and climate-controlled environment, away from direct sunlight. Please note that minor manufacturing imperfections may exist. Kindly take this into consideration before placing your bid. -Shipping Your item will be shipped within 3 business days (Monday–Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays). Shipped by Japan post. It may take 10-14 days to arrive. It will be securely packed with bubble wrap and shipped with care. A tracking number will be provided once dispatched. Depending on your country’s regulations, import duties, VAT, and customs handling fees may apply. According to Catawiki’s policy, these costs are the buyer’s responsibility. Please note that returns or cancellations due to customs issues or refusal to accept delivery will not be accepted. -Returns Returns and refunds are not accepted, so please review the description and images carefully before bidding. Please note that shipments to Italy may take longer than usual due to customs procedures. Delivery can sometimes take up to 3–4 weeks. Thank you for your understanding and patience.