STORY

Bladesmith Toru Yamashita made his first kujira knife — which translates as “whale” in Japanese — when his children requested a knife without a pointed tip so that they could safely sharpen their pencils. Based in Kochi Prefecture (known for its whale-watching), Yamashita uses the region’s 700-year-old Tosa blacksmithing techniques to create this hand-forged utility knife. The inner core is made from durable Shiroko high carbon steel, which features a classic rustic kurouchi black-forged finish. Two different metal ores are used in the making of this knife, and close attention is given to the hardening and oil-tempering stages of forging in order to produce an exceptionally sharp, edge-retentive blade. Embossed with the word “Tosa” and a wave motif, the knife’s gentle curves are both pleasing to the eye and comfortable to hold for hands of any size. A superior, versatile blade, it’s perfect for everything from camping and whittling the day away to small kitchen tasks.