Sasaoka Hasami Sanuki-no-Megumi 150mm

Sasaoka san forges scissors and shears as well as knives, and if there's one thing we've learned it's that the guys who forge two blades to work in perfect unison can certainly make a fine single blade. Case in point, the Sanuki-no-Megumi from Sasaoka Hasamiya. It's clever, creative and popular - so much so that there can sometimes be a wait for this unique and rather wonderful all-rounder for the home kitchen.

But what exactly is it? Is it a santoku?  We'd say yes. Is it a bannou?  Yes again. Bunka-bocho?  Sure. Funayuki?  Well, maybe not, Sasaoka san makes another knife under that name, but they are kinda similar...

But there's nothing exactly like the Sanuki-no-Megumi. The name harks back to the Land of Sanuki ('Sanuki-no-kuni') the old name for the country in which the modern city of Tosa is now located. Megumi is something like 'blessing', and we seem to recall that has something to do with the locally-sourced timber for the custom handle, the result of a very successful collaboration with a local designer.

One thing to note, the handle on the sanuki-no-megumi is nice and chunky. Almost deba-like in its dimensions, it gives a nice sense of control.