What Makes This Knife Truly Special
An Irreplaceable Mizuyaki Honyaki Masterpiece
This White Steel #2 Mizuyaki Honyaki Kiritsuke Yanagiba 330mm represents a rare convergence of master craftsmanship that can no longer be reproduced.
The blade was forged from Genkai Masakuni steel, featuring a full moon engraving on the front, a distinctive hamon on both sides, and a mirror-polished hira finish. The final sharpening and mirror polish were performed by Hakuho Sakaiminamoto (Minoru Hakui), whose work is exceptionally rare and known to exist only on knives from Shiroyama Knife Workshop.
The knife is paired with a Snakewood saya and a Snakewood handle with silver and raden inlay, crafted by Mr. Terauchi, adding further refinement and exclusivity.
Both the bladesmith and sharpener have passed away, making this knife impossible to reproduce. Pieces of this level are rarely available—if they exist at all, they are typically reserved for collections or display. This knife stands as a truly irreplaceable example of Sakai craftsmanship.
The Craftsmen Behind the Work
Genkai Masakuni (Yoneo Mukou)
The Quiet Master of Mizuyaki Honyaki
Genkai Masakuni (Yoneo Mukou) was a legendary artisan who mastered the rare Mizuyaki Honyaki technique through decades of dedication and refinement.
Producing only a few knives per day, his works became renowned for their exceptional hardness, beautiful hamon patterns, and extraordinary sharpness — elevating each piece into a true work of Japanese craftsmanship.
When he passed away in 2025 at the age of 85, the knife world lost one of the last masters of Mizuyaki Honyaki. Today, his legacy lives on only through the extraordinary works he left behind.
Hakuho Sakaiminamoto (Minoru Hakui)
The Legendary Master of Japanese Sharpening
Hakuho Sakaiminamoto (Minoru Hakui) was a legendary sharpener recognized as the first officially certified Traditional Craftsman in Japanese knife sharpening.
Renowned for his exclusive mirror-polished finishes created for Shiroyama Knife Workshop, his works elevated knives beyond tools into cultural masterpieces of extraordinary beauty and precision.
Since completing his life’s work in 2019, no new works by Hakuho will ever be created, making his remaining pieces exceptionally rare within Japanese knife culture.
Toshiyuki Terauchi
Master of Tradition, Creator of New Beauty
Toshiyuki Terauchi is a distinguished artisan who transforms Japanese knife handles and sheaths into works that unite functionality with artistic beauty.
Trained under the legendary craftsman Mr. Mizuno, whose collaborative works with Hakuhō and Genkai received a gold prize at a traditional crafts competition over 30 years ago, Terauchi continues to carry forward a refined tradition of craftsmanship with elegance and precision.
Within Sakai Cultural Works, his craftsmanship brings a final layer of sophistication and cultural depth to each piece.
Precautions
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3. Handcrafted Nature
Each knife is handcrafted by skilled artisans and is therefore unique.
Minor scratches or marks may be visible as a result of the handmade production process. These do not affect performance or functionality. We kindly ask for your understanding in advance.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. (Estimated reply time: within 10 hours)
Before Using a Japanese Knife
A knife is more than a tool—it’s the heart of cooking. Learning how to use it properly helps protect its quality, durability, and safety, so you can enjoy it for years while elevating every meal.
Japanese Knife Care
With the right daily care, your knife will stay sharp and reliable for a long time. Here, we share the key points to keep it in peak condition and extend its lifespan.
After-Sales Service
At KIREAJI, we ensure your knife can be cherished for years with our dedicated after-sales service, provided by the Shiroyama Knife Workshop. For repairs or maintenance, please apply through the link below.
The Essence of Forging: Genkai Masakuni
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From a Quiet Workshop Comes Unrivaled Japanese Knives
Genkai Masakuni (Yoneo Muko) is a legendary forging artisan who produces only a few knives per day, ensuring exceptional precision in every piece. These knives are not merely tools but the culmination of centuries-old Japanese craftsmanship, standing as true works of art.
Rather than inheriting his skills through formal apprenticeship, Genkai Masakuni mastered the rare Mizuyaki Honyaki technique through independent study and decades of dedication. This demanding method produces exceptional hardness and unique hamon patterns, making each knife truly one-of-a-kind.
The Legend of Sharpening: Hakuho Sakaiminamoto
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The First Certified Traditional Craftsman and Master of Japanese Sharpening
Hakuho was a legendary artisan who elevated knife sharpening to the highest level of artistry. As the first officially certified Traditional Craftsman, his exceptional skills transformed knives into works of art rather than mere tools.
