pkjames
KKF Sponsor
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2011
- Messages
- 1,064
- Reaction score
- 114
About the line: 曙(Akebono: Day Break)
I plan to release the Akebono (曙 as a succession of the Akatsuki, since I ordered the Akatsuki before the Akebono. To my surprise, I received a batch of them along with a few Akatsuki Gyuto today. So I figure I may as well just release it now, so you get to choose exactly which one you like the best instead of feeling I could have got that one.
So what are similarities and differences between the Akatsuki and Akebono?
Similarities:
Above are pretty much the only similar bits that are the same between the two lines, and lets focus on the differences:
These are the general overview of the Akobono line, now it is time to have a look at the Akebono Gyuto 240mm.
(Jikko Akebono Gyuto 240mm, Blue 2 by Kenichi Shiraki and Hirosugu Tosa)
Profile
As a vendor, I receive a lot of suggestions that the length on Sakai knives are quite confusing with how exist of the machi determines the how the knife length is calculated. I am also quite frustrated that I have constantly explain to customers about this, so I figure I may as well just ask for a 240, with a pointy tip and a decent flat spot.
I also added a bit of height to the heel so it goes between 53 to 55mm, the example that I measured is at 54mm.
(Profile comparison, side by side)
(Profile comparison, overlay)
The Grind:
I was really impressed by the Akatsuki and I dont think there is much of a change needed at for the Akebono so I asked Tosa-san to just to whatever he can to create something equally impressive, and here is what I got from him. I am really happy with what I have got here in Sydney and I hope you will have the same feeling.
(Thickness at 1cm behind the edge)
Extras
The spine is totally rounded instead of just chamfering, it gives just THAT little extra comfort on pinch grip. I actually brought one of my K&S treated Tanaka to Jikko and asked for the same thing  I am glad to see Jikko totally exceed my expection in this regard.
As I said, I will be trialling a few ideas in the Akebono line. This time around, I will be adding a customization option at the product page. It will give you the option to choose you own handles and sayas to fit your taste (and budget ).
Here are a few examples of what you can choose.
(Jikko Akebono Gyuto 240mm with ebony / single metal spacer handle)
(Jikko Akebono Gyuto 240mm with ebony / single metal spacer handle)
(K&S 240mm Saya options, top: Teak; bottom: Bubinga)
Please click here to view this knife at knivesandstones.com
I plan to release the Akebono (曙 as a succession of the Akatsuki, since I ordered the Akatsuki before the Akebono. To my surprise, I received a batch of them along with a few Akatsuki Gyuto today. So I figure I may as well just release it now, so you get to choose exactly which one you like the best instead of feeling I could have got that one.
So what are similarities and differences between the Akatsuki and Akebono?
Similarities:
- First of all, both the Akatsuki and Akebono means dawn / daybreak. I consider the Akebono as the sister line of the Akatsuki.
- They are both finished by Master Hirosugu Tosa to an extremely high standard.
- They are both extremely thin behind the edge
- They are both K&S exclusive
Above are pretty much the only similar bits that are the same between the two lines, and lets focus on the differences:
- Unlike the Akatsuki which is derived from an existing (Jikko Yosaku) line, the Akebono is built from the ground up. The Akebono, as of now, only offers the 240mm Gyuto and it may expand into other profiles depending on the market response.
- The profile of Akebono is made 100% to my specification.
- The Akebono is forged by a well-known master smith: Kenichi Shiraki, who is famous for his blue steel work.
- I consider the Akebono as an experimental line that is focused on the knife-nut community, and I will throw in many of my ideas here. You are most welcome let me know what you like to see in the future.
These are the general overview of the Akobono line, now it is time to have a look at the Akebono Gyuto 240mm.
(Jikko Akebono Gyuto 240mm, Blue 2 by Kenichi Shiraki and Hirosugu Tosa)
Profile
As a vendor, I receive a lot of suggestions that the length on Sakai knives are quite confusing with how exist of the machi determines the how the knife length is calculated. I am also quite frustrated that I have constantly explain to customers about this, so I figure I may as well just ask for a 240, with a pointy tip and a decent flat spot.
I also added a bit of height to the heel so it goes between 53 to 55mm, the example that I measured is at 54mm.
(Profile comparison, side by side)
(Profile comparison, overlay)
The Grind:
I was really impressed by the Akatsuki and I dont think there is much of a change needed at for the Akebono so I asked Tosa-san to just to whatever he can to create something equally impressive, and here is what I got from him. I am really happy with what I have got here in Sydney and I hope you will have the same feeling.
(Thickness at 1cm behind the edge)
Extras
The spine is totally rounded instead of just chamfering, it gives just THAT little extra comfort on pinch grip. I actually brought one of my K&S treated Tanaka to Jikko and asked for the same thing  I am glad to see Jikko totally exceed my expection in this regard.
As I said, I will be trialling a few ideas in the Akebono line. This time around, I will be adding a customization option at the product page. It will give you the option to choose you own handles and sayas to fit your taste (and budget ).
Here are a few examples of what you can choose.
(Jikko Akebono Gyuto 240mm with ebony / single metal spacer handle)
(Jikko Akebono Gyuto 240mm with ebony / single metal spacer handle)
(K&S 240mm Saya options, top: Teak; bottom: Bubinga)
Please click here to view this knife at knivesandstones.com