Kitaoka Hideo Deba 165mm Blue Steel Knife

Hideo Kitaoka Deba 165mm — Blue Steel No.2, Rosewood Handle, New in Box with Provenance Certificate

This is a genuine, new-in-box Deba from one of Japan's most respected living bladesmiths, complete with its original provenance certificate. Hideo Kitaoka was born in 1950 in Takefu Village, Echizen — a region so central to Japanese knife-making that it became the first forged-blade production center in the country to receive the national Traditional Craft Product designation, in 1980. A third-generation bladesmith, Kitaoka learned the craft from his father as a child and has spent his life perfecting traditional, single-grind construction.
The blade is forged from Blue Steel No.2 (Aoniko), hardened to an exceptional 63–64 HRC. This gives the knife outstanding edge retention while remaining less brittle than many other high-carbon steels — a balance that serious cooks and collectors prize. The thick 7.3mm spine and single-bevel geometry make it purpose-built for breaking down fish and poultry with precision and control. The handle is fitted in warm rosewood, shaped for a secure, traditional Japanese grip.
Kitaoka knives are rarely found outside Japan. This example is unused, in its original box, and accompanied by a certificate of provenance — making it equally compelling as a working kitchen tool or a collector's piece.

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