Shoichi Hashimoto, Hiroshima bladesmith and damascus artist, delivers again with an extraordinary work of metallic art, one which happens to be in the form of a superlative culinary tool. In the classic, full-size gyuto profile we know Shoichi for, a total of 4,976 layers of steel, across six individual components which share four distinct damascus patterns, form a 237mm / 9.3″ blade shaped for the discerning chef. Convex through the medium-height symmetrical bevels, the beautifully honed geometry culminates at a thin, hard, hair-popping sharp edge with only the subtlest of secondary bevels. This final edge geometry is carefully applied by sharpening specialist Mr. Takahashi with whom Shoichi works closely on these inspired creations. The blade’s spine has been beveled along both edges for comfort, and tapers to a fine, glass-thin tip. As empowering for Shoichi as any part of the bladesmithing process is the making and integration of the various damascus steels in artful and novel ways. This particular blade, named Kazamachi, an old Japanese nautical term meaning “waiting for a good wind,” sees two pieces of damascus used in the core, one with 90 layers of Blue No.1, Blue No.2, White No.1, and White No.2 alloys which forms the lower portion including the cutting edge, and a second with 102 layers that comprises the upper portion of the core and is visible along the blade’s spine. The cladding material, the same on both sides, has been divided into two components, with a total of 15 unique steel alloys. The inner portion of this cladding which jackets the core material flows from the choil to the forward inches of the blade, its thousands of densely packed, nearly indiscernible layers coursing beneath Shoichi’s final addition. On the outsides, in areas defined by Shoichi’s purposeful use of alloys rich in elements which retain a visual brightness when etched, are the pockets of wind for which the sailor waits. These more spherical, enclosed patterns contrast both the inner cladding and core patterns to present a striking, one-of-a-kind effect. The blade tang has been marked with the steel’s billet number, the date of the blade’s quench, its serial number, and on the opposite side, the first polishing completion date. Hardened, polished, and sharpened, this blade is ready for handle fitting and use. *Blade available as is, handle not included. A custom handle can be commissioned, please contact us for more information.