A 190mm kengata — an all-purpose blade with an angular, swept tip — from Sakai Takayuki, whose knife-making tradition in Sakai (Osaka) spans more than 600 years. An Aogami Super carbon steel core is clad in stainless steel with a hammered tsuchime finish.

• Steel: Aogami Super carbon core, stainless cladding
• Blade length: 190mm
• Finish: Tsuchime (hammered)
• Edge: Double bevel
• Maker: Sakai Takayuki, Sakai (Osaka), Japan

The exposed carbon steel edge will develop a natural patina. Wipe the blade dry after each use and store dry; the stainless cladding protects the blade face, but the core is not rust-proof.