{"title":"匠 (Takumi) — The Maker","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e匠 (Takumi) — The Maker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBehind every exceptional knife is a maker whose knowledge spans generations. Not all makers follow the rules, ‘Takumi’ exists to highlight their legacy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"niagara-knife-test","title":"Sujihiki - Aogami Super - TAK.2026.001","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e240mm blade · Double bevel · Aogami Super (Super Blue) carbon steel · Soft iron cladding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom one of Japan’s most storied swordsmithing families comes this exceptional 240mm Sujihiki from Nigara Hamono.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Nigara family has a swordmaking tradition dating back to the Edo period, carrying generations of Japanese blade-making craftsmanship from the era of the samurai into the modern kitchen. That heritage is still evident in the precision, character and attention to detail found in their knives today.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is the Sujihiki counterpart to our Nigara Gyuto (TAK.2026.002) — the same maker, the same steel and the same philosophy, expressed through two distinctly different profiles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandcrafted in Japan with a Super Blue (Aogami Super) carbon steel core and soft iron cladding, this Sujihiki offers the edge retention, sharpness and responsive cutting feel sought by serious chefs and collectors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe long, slender Sujihiki profile is purpose-built for clean, effortless slicing. Whether portioning premium proteins, breaking down roasts or producing precise, paper-thin cuts, the blade glides through food with minimal resistance and exceptional control.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe soft iron cladding provides a practical advantage over monosteel carbon construction, protecting much of the harder carbon steel core from direct exposure. You still enjoy the exceptional cutting characteristics of Aogami Super, while the cladded construction makes the knife somewhat more forgiving to maintain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is more than a kitchen knife. It is a piece of Japanese blade-making heritage — a traditionally crafted Nigara blade that connects centuries of swordsmithing with the demands of the modern professional kitchen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeatures\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e240mm blade length\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional Sujihiki profile\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAogami Super (Super Blue) carbon steel core\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoft iron cladding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDouble bevel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOutstanding edge retention\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExceptionally keen and responsive edge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandcrafted by Nigara Hamono, Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSourced from Tokyo, Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for professional use or collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"CSKC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51608444698930,"sku":null,"price":840.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0991\/3997\/7522\/files\/IMG_20260903_114958461_1536x2048_fa33c12a-2065-433d-bc08-11a48df4751e.jpg?v=1788430849"},{"product_id":"gyuto-aogami-super-tak-2026-002","title":"Gyuto - Aogami Super - TAK.2026.002","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHandcrafted in Japan by Nigara Hamono, this 220mm Gyuto is forged from Super Blue (Aogami Super) carbon steel and clad in soft iron. It combines exceptional cutting performance with the distinctive character and craftsmanship that have made Nigara blades so sought after by chefs and collectors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Aogami Super core takes an exceptionally refined edge and holds it beautifully through extended preparation. In the hand, it delivers the sharpness, feedback and responsiveness that make high-quality Japanese carbon steel such a pleasure to work with.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt 220mm, this Gyuto sits in a sweet spot between precision and versatility. It has enough blade to comfortably handle larger proteins and vegetables, while remaining nimble and controlled enough for detailed preparation. For many chefs, this is the knife that naturally becomes the centrepiece of the kit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe soft iron cladding showcases the layered construction while also offering a practical advantage. By reducing the amount of exposed high-carbon steel, it is somewhat more forgiving to maintain than a monosteel carbon blade, while retaining the sharpening characteristics and cutting performance that carbon enthusiasts look for.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is the Gyuto counterpart to our Nigara Sujihiki (TAK.2026.001) — the same maker, the same steel and the same philosophy, expressed through two distinctly different profiles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot a mass-produced kitchen tool. A traditionally crafted Japanese blade for chefs, collectors and anyone who appreciates the heritage, precision and performance of Japanese knife making.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e220mm Gyuto profile\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Handcrafted by Nigara Hamono, Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aogami Super (Super Blue) carbon steel core\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Soft iron cladding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Exceptional edge retention\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Outstanding sharpening characteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Versatile all-purpose chef’s knife\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Distinctive cladding line\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sourced in Tokyo, Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Ready for collection or use\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"CSKC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51609329336626,"sku":null,"price":944.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0991\/3997\/7522\/files\/IMG_20260903_114559705_1536x2048_7274b527-f81a-4eb4-a5be-7cd5e630a108.jpg?v=1788430402"},{"product_id":"honesuki-custom-stainless-tak-2026-003","title":"Honesuki - Custom Stainless - TAK.2026.003","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNot every knife fits neatly into a category. This one certainly doesn’t.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esingle-bevel Honesuki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, traditionally designed for poultry and fine boning work, but with a character and steel composition that makes it particularly interesting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe maker, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSensai “Masamune,”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e uses his own proprietary alloy composition — a stainless blend he describes as sitting somewhere between \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVG10 and SS60\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It doesn’t quite conform to the usual Japanese steel grading table, which is part of what makes this knife so intriguing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is a knife with the corrosion resistance and practicality expected from stainless steel, paired with an unusual composition and a very distinctive cutting feel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd then there’s the history behind it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHakata has a long association with Japanese swordmaking, producing exceptional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChikuzen swords\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as far back as the Heian period. During the Kamakura period, the region flourished under the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSamonji school\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, whose tradition was influenced by the legendary swordsmith \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMasamune\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat swordmaking heritage eventually found its way into Japanese kitchen knives — carrying forward the pursuit of exceptional steel, geometry and cutting performance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA poultry knife by purpose.\u003cbr\u003eA swordmaking story by heritage.\u003cbr\u003eAnd a steel composition that doesn’t quite belong anywhere else.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CSKC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51706167558450,"sku":null,"price":692.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0991\/3997\/7522\/files\/IMG_20260903_114101074_1536x2048_20619b52-bcc0-4ab2-b2d9-671e97088f87.jpg?v=1788431322"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0991\/3997\/7522\/collections\/IMG_0448.jpg?v=1787106161","url":"https:\/\/sharpknifeco.net\/collections\/%e5%8c%a0-takumi-the-maker.oembed","provider":"CSKC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}