Very lightly used, sharpened by previous owner once or twice, ura and itoba honed to freshen up edge. Hand forged and ground in Sakai, the Kikuchiyo Manzo series knives from Hitohira represent excellent Sakai craftsmanship. These are characterized by a forging and heat treatment that offers an easy sharpening, good toughness and excellent edge life and good clean consistent grinds that are easy to follow up on.

Deep ground ura hollow grind on the inside makes for excellent food release and helps to keep a narrow urasaki throughout the life of the blade and a polished spine and heel are a nice touch.