Sakai Takayuki Hien Hanafubuki Kengata Yanagiba – Hand Engraved Cherry Blossom 300mm
This is a truly special knife, probably the most beautiful knife we've had the pleasure of meeting.
Crafted from Hitachi Yasugi’s new stainless steel Gin San (Silver-3 Steel), forged and sharpened by skilled artisans in Sakai, this knife combines the refined tradition of Japanese wa-bocho craftsmanship with modern steel technology and the results are spectacular.
The Hana Fubuki (華吹雪) series draws inspiration from cherry blossom petals scattering in a swift breeze, with delicate sakura motifs engraved on the blade. It is not only visually stunning, but also excels in cutting performance and usability. Featuring a modified tip and thicker spine compared to traditional yanagibas, giving it greater weight, balance, and stability, makeing it exceptionally reliable for slicing sushi and sashimi with absolute precision.
The handle is crafted from premium wenge wood with double buffalo horn ferrules, paired with a black speckled lacquered saya, creating a luxurious and refined finish.
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About Sakai Takayuki
With over 600 years of history, Sakai’s cutlery tradition represents the pinnacle of Japanese blade-making. As one of the most renowned brands from Sakai, Sakai Takayuki knives are highly regarded for their finishing quality, embodying skills passed down through generations. Today, their knives are exported to over 100 countries worldwide, captivating chefs and collectors alike with uncompromising craftsmanship and performance.
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Yanagiba – Traditional Sashimi Knife
The yanagiba is a long, single-bevel specialist blade designed for slicing raw fish for sashimi and sushi. Its length allows for smooth, uninterrupted pulling cuts that preserve texture, freshness and presentation — an essential tool in professional Japanese kitchens.
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Damascus – Layered Beauty
Damascus cladding is created by forging multiple layers of steel into flowing, organic patterns that ripple across the blade. Beyond its visual appeal, this layered construction adds strength and protects the core steel. Each blade is unique, with patterns shaped by the maker’s technique and artistry.
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Sakai Takayuki – Centuries of Sakai Craft
Sakai Takayuki is one of the most respected names in Japanese cutlery, representing more than 600 years of blade-making tradition in Sakai, Osaka. Working with master blacksmiths, sharpeners and engravers, they produce knives celebrated for their balance, consistency and exceptional cutting performance. This engraved Hanafubuki series showcases the deep craftsmanship the region is known for.
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Ginsan Steel
A fine-grained stainless steel offering carbon-steel-like sharpness with easier maintenance and excellent edge retention — ideal for professional sashimi work.
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Steel Care
• Hand wash only — never use a dishwasher
• Dry thoroughly after use
• Use wooden or soft plastic chopping boards
• Store safely: saya, block, or magnetic rack
• Sharpen with whetstones for optimal performance
• Stainless steels resist patina, but may still mark with use
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Specifications
• Blade shape: Kiritsuke Yanagiba,
• Maker: Sakai Takayuki
• Steel: Ginsan
• Handle: Wenge with horn ferrule
• Blade length: 300mm
• Overall Length: 455mm
Edge Grind : Single Bevel
• Blade finish: Stainless Damascus cladding with hand-engraved cherry blossom
• Handle: Wenge with double buffalo horn ferrules
• Saya (Sheath): Black speckled lacquered magnolia
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Age Restriction
You must be 18 or over to purchase this knife. By placing an order, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement. Community Cutlery may request age verification and may withhold delivery if suitable proof is not provided.
We ship Tuesday to Saturday using Royal Mail Tracked 24.
All knives ship via an age verified service in accordance with The Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which will mean the postie will need you to be in to receive the delivery & to check your ID if you look under 25.
The law also requires us to carry out a soft age check of the purchaser after checkout, this is done by an automated system that usually doesn't require your input, although we will need to contact you for proof of age if you fail, which can sometimes happen if you use a work address.
of Community Cutlery as a home for enthusiasts, for people who love the ritual of food preparation and who have realised the charm in doing it with quality tools, with items that are as pleasing on the eye as they are practical in the hand.
