Sakai Takayuki Homura Guren Aogami #2 225mm Gyuto

The Legacy of Fire: The Story of Homura Guren

In the heart of Sakai City, a place steeped in the traditions of Japanese craftsmanship, a fiery legacy lives on. This is the story of the Homura Guren, a line of extraordinary knives born from centuries of mastery and the dedication of one man—Itsuo Doi, master blacksmith of Sakai Takayuki.

A City Forged in Tradition

For over 600 years, Sakai City in Osaka has been synonymous with excellence in metalworking. Its artisans, originally celebrated for their samurai swords, adapted their skills for a new era, transforming blades meant for warriors into tools for culinary artistry. By the 20th century, the city’s craftspeople had perfected the art of kitchen knives, blending ancient techniques with modern needs. At the heart of this evolution stood Sakai Takayuki, a name revered in kitchens around the world.

The Master Craftsman: Itsuo Doi

Amidst the bustling forges of Sakai Takayuki, Itsuo Doi emerged as a beacon of skill and tradition. Born into a lineage of blacksmiths, Doi-san inherited not just his family's techniques but their unwavering commitment to excellence. With each hammer strike, he carried forward the legacy of his ancestors, crafting blades that transcended mere functionality to become works of art.

It was under his watchful eye that the Homura Guren series came to life—a collection that would embody both the fiery passion of his craft and the timeless beauty of Sakai’s knifemaking heritage.

The Birth of Homura Guren: Burning Crimson

The name Homura Guren, translating to "Burning Crimson," evokes vivid imagery: the glowing forge where the blades are born, the fiery determination of their maker, and the radiant red hues of the knives themselves. Each blade in this series tells a story of fire and precision, its vibrant appearance matched only by its unparalleled performance.

Craftsmanship in Every Blade

The knives of the Homura Guren series are nothing short of extraordinary. At their core lies Aogami steel, prized for its razor-sharp edge retention and exceptional durability. Surrounding this core is a Sanmai construction, where softer iron layers provide strength and flexibility, ensuring the blade can withstand the rigors of daily use.

Doi-san’s touch is evident in every detail. The blades feature a traditional tsuchime pattern—a hammered texture that enhances the knife’s beauty and functionality by reducing drag and preventing food from sticking. The handles, crafted from the finest materials, complement the blade’s elegance while providing a comfortable grip.

A Knife for Every Purpose

The Homura Guren series offers a knife for every culinary need. From the versatile gyuto to the compact santoku, the specialized nakiri, and beyond, each knife is a testament to Doi-san’s dedication to his craft. Whether slicing, dicing, or mincing, these knives elevate every task into an experience.

The Homura Guren Experience

Owning a Homura Guren knife is more than acquiring a tool—it is embracing a piece of history, artistry, and passion. Each blade carries the spirit of Sakai’s centuries-old tradition and the fiery devotion of Itsuo Doi. For chefs and home cooks alike, these knives are not just instruments of precision but gateways to culinary mastery.

To hold a Homura Guren is to feel the heat of the forge, the rhythm of the hammer, and the soul of a craftsman who has dedicated his life to perfection. And in every slice, the burning crimson legacy lives on.

Fun fact! Each box comes with a piece of charcoal that he uses. 

• Origin (Made in): Sakai, Japan
• Brand: Sakai Takayuki
• Craftsman: tsuo Doi 土井逸夫
  
• Knife Type: Kiritsuke Gyuto
• Blade
• Construction: San Mai
• Grind: Double-edged Blade (50/50 Grind)
• Hagane (Core Steel): Aogami #2 (Blue #2)
• Jigane (Cladding): Soft Iron
• Hardness: 62-63 HRC
• Hand-forged, hand-grinded, hand-sharpened
• Blade Finishes:
• Kurouchi
• Tsuchime (Hammered)
• Kasumi Polish
• Blade Length: 225mm
• Blade Height (at heel): 55mm
• Spine Thickness
• Above heel: 2.7mm
• Middle: 2.5mm
• Handle
• Shape: Hachikaku (Octagonal)
• Material: Burnt Japanese Oak with Urushi
• Length: 138mm
• Overall Length: 372mm
• Weight: 225g 
• Engraved Mark (Front): In Japanese Kanji "Homura" (焔) and Itsuo Doi seal
• Engraved Mark (Back): In Japanese Kanji "Sakai Takayuki Blue #2 Steel" (堺孝行 青二鋼)

Care Instructions:

Aogami #2 (Blue #2) is a premium high-carbon Japanese steel renowned for its sharpness and edge retention. However, it is not stainless, so the blade must be thoroughly dried after each use—especially the exposed core steel beyond the stainless cladding. Over time, a natural patina will form along the cutting edge, appearing as slight discoloration. This is a normal characteristic of carbon steel, not a flaw, and can even help protect the blade from rust.  

The iron cladding, which covers much of the blade, reduces maintenance and it will still rust. So make sure to wipe it dry after use and apply a layer of oil ( our kurobara oil or any neutral oil ) at the end of the day before storing it. To maintain the blade’s edge and its lifespan, avoid chopping it on bones and frozen foods.