KIREAJI
ZDP189 Yanagiba (Sakimaru) 420mm-Mirror Polished (both sides)
ZDP189 Yanagiba (Sakimaru) 420mm-Mirror Polished (both sides)
Shipping is free to the United States and Canada.
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<Type>
Yanagiba(Sakimaru)
- Single-edged: right-handed
- Mirror Polished: both sides
<Material>
- Blade : ZDP189
- Handle:Ebony & Buffalo horn
*This knife is made from a three-layer steel of ZDP189 and SUS420J2. Despite being three-layer steel, it has been thoroughly hardened, boasting a hardness comparable to honyaki knives. The core ZDP189 reaches HRC67, while the SUS layer is 62±1, making it extremely hard and difficult to sharpen. As a result, this knife is challenging for beginners to handle.
<Size & Weight>
- Handle to tip length: 425㎜
- Blade height: 35㎜
- Thickness: 3.7㎜
- Weight: 424g
<Brand name>
Shiroyama (made in Sakai, Osaka)
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Shipping is free to the United States and Canada.
After receiving an order from the customer, the craftsmen in Sakai City attach a handle to the Japanese knife and, if requested, perform Honbazuke as well. Therefore, it takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks to deliver the product.
Please refer to our return policy.

What Makes This Knife Truly Special
ZDP189 Knife – Razor Sharp, Artisan-Crafted, for Professionals Only
Made with the ultra-hard ZDP189 core steel (HRC67), this knife delivers extraordinary sharpness and beauty through full hand-sharpening by skilled Sakai artisans—from rough grind to mirror polish. Due to its extreme hardness, it is difficult to sharpen and not recommended for beginners. A rare, professional-grade blade available only while supplies last.
Traditional craftsmen working on this product
KIREAJI's Three Promises to You
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1. Forged in the Legacy of Sakai
From Sakai City—Japan’s renowned birthplace of professional kitchen knives—each blade is crafted by master artisans with over six centuries of tradition. Perfectly balanced, enduringly sharp, and exquisitely finished, every cut carries the soul of true craftsmanship.
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2. Thoughtful Care for Everyday Use
Every knife includes a hand-fitted magnolia saya for safe storage. Upon request, we offer a complimentary Honbazuke final hand sharpening—giving you a precise, ready-to-use edge from day one.
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3. A Partnership for a Lifetime
A KIREAJI knife is more than a tool—it is a lifelong companion. With our bespoke paid aftercare services, we preserve its edge and beauty, ensuring it remains as precise and dependable as the day it first met your hand.
Why Many Product Photos Show Only the Blade
At KIREAJI, every knife is made to order in Sakai, Japan. Photos show the blade before the handle is attached, allowing artisans to perfect the balance and edge for your specific order. Your knife arrives fully finished — tailored just for you.
Global Delivery from Sakai
Across the world, discerning cooks seek authentic Japanese knives from Sakai — Japan’s legendary knife-making city with over 600 years of tradition.
At KIREAJI, we work alongside master artisans in Sakai to fulfill that desire, shipping genuine handcrafted knives directly from the workshop to kitchens worldwide.
Precautions
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1. Honbazuke (Initial Sharpening)
If you wish to request Honbazuke, please select “Yes” when ordering. This service is provided free of charge.
Honbazuke is a practical initial sharpening performed for first use. As the knives are shipped internationally, the blade must be protected during transit. You may make final adjustments yourself to suit your personal preferences. -
2. Protective Coating on New Japanese Knives
New Japanese knives are coated with a transparent protective liquid vinyl coating to prevent rust during storage and international shipping.
Especially on mirror-polished blades, this coating may appear as a rainbow-like film depending on the lighting. This is not a defect in the steel or the finish.
How to remove the coating:
・Wash the blade gently with a sponge and mild dish soap, then rinse with lukewarm water.
・If difficult to remove, gently wipe while washing using tissue paper or a soft cloth.
・If residue remains, wiping with a cloth lightly moistened with alcohol (sanitizing ethanol) is effective.
・Never use metal scrubbers or abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the blade surface. -
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. -
4. Natural Materials
As buffalo horn is a natural material, color variations may occur. The actual product may differ slightly from the photos shown.
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5. Measurements
Please consider the listed weight and length as approximate values.
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6. Inventory
We carefully manage our stock. However, in the rare event that an item becomes unavailable after ordering, we will notify you by email.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. (Estimated reply time: within 10 hours)
Recommended Users for ZDP189
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1. Experienced Professional Chefs
ZDP189 is engineered for the demands of busy professional kitchens, where edge retention is not a luxury but a necessity. Its ability to maintain razor-sharp precision through extended use makes it a decisive advantage in high-output culinary environments where there is little room for interruption.
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2. Knife Enthusiasts with Advanced Sharpening Skills
ZDP189 rewards those who have mastered the art of sharpening. Due to its exceptional hardness, it requires refined technique and patience to bring back to peak condition — making it the material of choice for enthusiasts who pursue the absolute limit of cutting performance and take pride in the process.
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3. Those Who Prioritize Long-Term, Low-Maintenance Performance
With superior wear resistance that keeps a keen edge over extended periods, ZDP189 is well-suited for users who value sustained performance with minimal upkeep. Less time sharpening means more time focused on the craft of cooking itself.
Features of ZDP189
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.
Why Great Chefs Value a Good Knife
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A great knife is more than a kitchen tool. It affects how ingredients are cut, how flavors are preserved, and how naturally a cook can work in the kitchen.
A well-crafted knife allows for cleaner cuts, greater control, and a more comfortable cooking experience — especially during long preparation sessions.
In this video, discover why professional chefs place such importance on high-quality knives, and how the right knife can deepen both precision and enjoyment in everyday cooking.
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