The Akitada Ao Hagane DX Series is the highest-grade of knives among Mizuno Tanrenjo large selections and is made using Hitachi Aogami #1 (Blue Steel No1; HRc. 62-63). Blue Steel No.1 Wa-Bocho (Japanese traditional-style knives) are rarely seen because the high Carbon content (1.30-1.40%) of the steel makes it difficult to work with. Blue Steel No.1 also contains greater amounts of Chromium (0.30 -0.50%) and Tungsten / Wolfram (1.50- 2.00%) than Blue Steel No.2, which form hard carbides in the steel and thus improve edge retention.

Mizuno Tanrenjo Ao Hagane DX knife is handcrafted and hand sharpened using traditional methods by Mizuno’s highly experienced and talented craftsmen and receive the utmost attention during each stage of production to ensure that no compromises are made. 

Master Mizuno recommends Ao Hagane DX Knife with confidence due to the outstanding cutting performance, which equal to that of Honyaki knives.

 This knife is fitted with a traditional Japanese ‘D-shaped’ magnolia wood handle with a water buffalo horn ferrule / collar and also includes a matching magnolia wood Saya (Sheath) for safekeeping.

The Japanese Deba, which is also called the Hon-deba (Literally, “true deba"), is traditionally used to clean and fillet whole fish, but it is also commonly used for breaking down and dressing poultry and other meat with small bones. The significant weight of the Deba is desirable because, with adequate care, the sturdy heel section of the knife can be used to cut or chop through the bones found in small and medium-sized fish and poultry.

Notice about White and Marbled Water Buffalo Horn Ferrules for Mizuno Tanrenjo Knives
Unfortunately, Mizuno Tanrenjo and most other knife makers are now struggling to find the raw materials to make White or Marbled Water Buffalo Horn Ferrules for their knife handles. 
Due to these difficult and unfortunate circumstances, we regret to inform our customers that Mizuno Tanrenjo is no longer able to accept requests for a specific color of Water Buffalo Horn Ferrule. However, we firmly believe in the high quality and craftsmanship of Mizuno Tanrenjo’s traditionally-forged Japanese knives - They are one of the most well-respected producers of traditionally-forged Japanese knives - and we highly recommend them!
Thank you very much for your understanding and attention.

Specification

Knife Model: Mizuno Tanrenjo Akitada Ao Hagane DX Series Deba

Blade Material:  Blue Steel No.1

Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 62 to 63

Blade Grind and Edge Shape: Single Bevel Edge

Handle Material: D Shaped Magnolia Wooden Handle with Water Buffalo Horn Ferrule

Saya Included: Yes.