What Makes This Knife Truly Special
A Historic Mizuyaki Honyaki Yanagiba by Genkai Masakuni
This 330mm Mizuyaki Honyaki Yanagiba is an exceptionally rare vintage blade, estimated to be over 50 years old. The tang bears the stamp of Genkai Masakuni, a revered Sakai bladesmith who passed away on September 25, 2025, at the age of 85, making this piece even more valuable and historically significant.
Due to the age of the blade, the exact type of White Steel cannot be identified with certainty. However, the knife reflects the purity, precision, and difficulty of traditional mizuyaki honyaki craftsmanship—an art form that is becoming increasingly rare.
The final sharpening is performed by Kohei Yamatsuka, son of renowned traditional craftsman Tadayoshi Yamatsuka, ensuring a clean and refined edge. Paired with a custom-made handle and saya decorated with genuine gold leaf, this knife carries both functional excellence and exceptional visual elegance.
A rare work from a departed master, this piece will only become more precious with time.
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.
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.