Ao Namiuchi means Blue wave forged and refers to the beautiful wave like patterns on the blade that are formed when Blue Steel #1 is forged with iron. The highest quality of high carbon steel is forged with masterful skill to deliver a yanagi that blends exceptional performance with such exquisite beauty.

Our handmade Yoshihiro Aonamiuchi Blue Steel knives are crafted with extraordinary skill by our master artisans. Aoko Blue Steel #1 with a hardness on the Rockwell scale of 64, is intricately forged with iron to create beautiful wave like patterns. It takes a very high degree of skill to create knives of exceptional performance with such exquisite beauty. Namiuchi means wave forged, and our master artisans blend aesthetics with the highest quality materials and and craftsmanship.

Our Aonamiuchi Blue Steel #1 Yanagi is complimented with a traditional Japanese style handcrafted Ebony Rosewood handle affixed with double ironwood bolster, and a protective lacquered wooden sheath called a Saya is included, which protects the knife and adds to its appearance when not in use. The Yanagi is a long slicing knife that was designed to slice thin slices of fish for sushi and sashimi. The beauty of its elegant thin blade is its ability to slice through an ingredient in long uninterrupted strokes, preserving its integrity and freshness. The Yanagi is one of the most essential of traditional Japanese knives and is a powerful component in the repertoire of many chefs. Even the simplest of tasks are elevated with a handcrafted knife that is as beautiful as it is functional.