Any thoughts on Japanese G. Sakai knives!

[Marc_in_NS]

I’d like To hear what you folks think of the G. Sakai line of knives. Steel quality, edge retention, ease of sharpening, overall quality... any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[WoodsDuck]

No actual experience, but I have always heard they put out some quality stuff. Not sure how much makes its way to the US either 

[ThePeacent]

I’d like To hear what you folks think of the G. Sakai line of knives. Steel quality, edge retention, ease of sharpening, overall quality... any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

they make knives for Spyderco and are famous in the US for that (Mainly they manufacture the Salt series of knives.)  Salt!

On their own, they also make good models and knives that I've heard are top notch quality, acton and F&F, and are among the most valued and high-esteemed knifemakers of Japan   

They do from nail nick sliphoints to diving knives, from sommelier tools to wooden scaled gentleman folders and stainless steel boatmen beast blades.
Their CEO started making high quality fly fishing rods, and that brought him fame in Japan. Then he started with other knives, edged tools and gadgets. 

I only have one Sakai Knife, the SabiKnife 3, a H1 fishing knife that has doubled nicely in the outdoors and the kitchen for me. I got it because they are the only manufacturer in the world using H1 steel for knives. 2nd from left.



It came sharp, thin grind, slices like crazy, handles were slippery so I taped them up but they were excellently made, resistant and contoured perfectly. 
The steel, is what I wanted to try out the most, PE H1 is excellent for my uses.
The Sheath was kydex or similar hard plastic, multi position carry, reversible, durable and waterproof and with excellent retention   



Totally my fault, but I got an injury from one of them (Graphic spoiler) and man they are sharp!!   

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[Marc_in_NS]

Holy smurf...TP...that looks nasty.
Thank you for the feedback so far, I am looking at their SAK like, green scaled knife.basically a spartan.

[Marc_in_NS]

No actual experience, but I have always heard they put out some quality stuff. Not sure how much makes its way to the US either 

Yeah, the only place I can find them is their own website in Japan. But shipping is not too bad.

[WoodsDuck]

Holy smurf...TP...that looks nasty.
Thank you for the feedback so far, I am looking at their SAK like, green scaled knife.basically a spartan.

Seems like a pretty big markup with no actual value added but the name brand. The steel is 440a. I really can't see why it would cost $90.

[Marc_in_NS]

Holy smurf...TP...that looks nasty.
Thank you for the feedback so far, I am looking at their SAK like, green scaled knife.basically a spartan.

Seems like a pretty big markup with no actual value added but the name brand. The steel is 440a. I really can't see why it would cost $90.

I am reading that the steel is ZDP-189... without research...is that 440a?

[WoodsDuck]

Holy smurf...TP...that looks nasty.
Thank you for the feedback so far, I am looking at their SAK like, green scaled knife.basically a spartan.

Seems like a pretty big markup with no actual value added but the name brand. The steel is 440a. I really can't see why it would cost $90.

I am reading that the steel is ZDP-189... without research...is that 440a?

Whoops... The other implements are 440a, but the blade is in fact ZDP-189. My mistake.

[Marc_in_NS]

Holy smurf...TP...that looks nasty.
Thank you for the feedback so far, I am looking at their SAK like, green scaled knife.basically a spartan.

Seems like a pretty big markup with no actual value added but the name brand. The steel is 440a. I really can't see why it would cost $90.

I am reading that the steel is ZDP-189... without research...is that 440a?

Whoops... The other implements are 440a, but the blade is in fact ZDP-189. My mistake.

I read somewhere else, that ZDP-189 gets “razor” sharp...I am liking that for some applications, like opening letters...I hate it when paper bunches up when cutting...not that’s ever happened with any of my SAK. I just love trying different things.

[ThePeacent]

Holy smurf...TP...that looks nasty.
Thank you for the feedback so far, I am looking at their SAK like, green scaled knife.basically a spartan.

Seems like a pretty big markup with no actual value added but the name brand. The steel is 440a. I really can't see why it would cost $90.

I am reading that the steel is ZDP-189... without research...is that 440a?

Whoops... The other implements are 440a, but the blade is in fact ZDP-189. My mistake.

I read somewhere else, that ZDP-189 gets “razor” sharp...I am liking that for some applications, like opening letters...I hate it when paper bunches up when cutting...not that’s ever happened with any of my SAK. I just love trying different things.

ZDP-189 is one of the most wear resistant steels ever, It can be tempered and HTed to 66HRC like Spyderco did and make a super long lasting blade steel, main drawbacks being chippiness and skills to sharpen it

Few manufacturers have worked with it but it's champion steel in many categories 

[Marc_in_NS]

I just received a G. Sakai knife. It’s calle the “Queen”, a small keychain knife with one blade and scissors. It also has a bail and aluminum scales. I must admit that is sharp...shaving sharp and I can vouch since I actually did. We’ll see how they stand the test of time with the arduous working tasks submitted by a retired fella... 
sure looks pretty too. Stay tuned. I’ve also ordered a wine bottle opener from them...I needed something original for my daughter’s upcoming Birth Day. Why is it that a Medical Dr. Doesn’t own a cork popper is a story for another time.


Good night.

[ThePeacent]

I just received a G. Sakai knife. It’s calle the “Queen”, a small keychain knife with one blade and scissors. It also has a bail and aluminum scales. I must admit that is sharp...shaving sharp and I can vouch since I actually did. We’ll see how they stand the test of time with the arduous working tasks submitted by a retired fella... 
sure looks pretty too. Stay tuned. I’ve also ordered a wine bottle opener from them...I needed something original for my daughter’s upcoming Birth Day. Why is it that a Medical Dr. Doesn’t own a cork popper is a story for another time.


Good night.

good that you could shave with it out of the box
  so far