Forged by the hands of Hotta-san, a blacksmith based in the Tosa region of Shikoku (the smallest of the four major Japanese islands). Hotta-san's father — who recently passed away — was bestowed with high honors by the Japanese government and was proclaimed one of the top craftsmen in the land and a valued bearer of centuries of tradition. Both father and son worked closely thus the ancient forging methods and exceedingly high-level of detail that has epitomized the famed conventions of Japanese knife and sword making continues to flourish. Made by hand, without the use of a die, this is without a doubt the most beautifully made and well-balanced knife we have ever held. The blade is forged from Yasuki blue steel which allows for an extremely long lasting, and exceedingly sharp cutting edge. The handle is made from hard Japanese white oak, which is less porous and denser than Western oak. The handsome leather sheath features dual clasps to firmly secure the knife.