Sakai Takayuki 33-Layer VG10 Damascus Indigo
"Sakai Takayuki" Knives has been cultivated through a long 600-year history.
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.
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 (Magnolia) 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.
*Refer to the brother JAPAN BLUE series, 45-layer AUS10 Damascus Indigo version.
