🏵The Order of the Sacred Treasure (6th class) Memorial Knife
🔪Made by Sakai Takayuki Blacksmith, Kazuo Doi, at the age of 81
Kazuo Doi was born in 1899. He was the father of Keijiro Doi and the grandfather of Itsuo Doi.
After finishing elementary school, he became an apprentice to Sakai master craftsman 津守常志 to learn forging. At 25, he mastered traditional forging techniques. Also pioneered a technique for forging blue steel using "cold forging." This was a breakthrough that was thought to be almost impossible at the time, and it revolutionized the knife-making industry.
In 1945, he went to Hirose Town in Shimane Prefecture, the birthplace of Japanese Tamahagane steel, to guide the making of Japanese swords and pass on his skills. From 1950, he focused on forging kitchen knives at Sakai Takayuki's Sanpo factory, applying all his knowledge.
In 1979, his hard work and contributions were recognized by the country, and the Japanese government awarded him the "Order of the Sacred Treasure, 6th Class."
His life laid the foundation for the knife industry. He was not only a technical innovator but also a guardian of traditional culture, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.