This Gohumanosuke Yoshiro Kamagata Usuba has a Japanese White Oak octagon handle with a Water Buffalo horn bolster affixed and a matching White Oak Saya cover. This design originated out of the Kansai region with its pointed tip and wide blade profile, this Usuba is extremely sharp. Suited for the Japanese push style of cutting and katsuramuki. Gin-san, also known as Ginsanko is a high performing stainless steel. Yoshihiro master blade-smiths use traditional forging methods mixed with modern techniques and strengthening elements of Carbon, Chromium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulfur and Silicon. The result is a knife that sharpens with ease and holds its edge. Extremely user friendly, Gin-San is a popular blade choice for single-bevel knives among all ranks of chefs.