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孝行 Takayuki
Documented mei
Quick answer
MakerSakai Takayuki (Aoki Hamono)RegionSakai, Osaka
Marks堺孝行 / 孝行SteelsShirogami #2, Aogami #2, VG10, Molybdenum-vanadium stainless
Knife types madeYanagiba, Deba, Usuba, Gyuto, Santoku, Petty, Sujihiki, TakobikiMain useSlicing sashimi and sushi toppings in one pull stroke.
Recommended whetstone1000 → 3000–6000 JIS · how to sharpenMaintenanceRinse and wipe dry immediately after each use — never leave it wet or in the sink.
What this mark means
孝行 reads Takayuki. It is a chiselled or stamped kanji signature (mei) used by Sakai Takayuki (Aoki Hamono) (堺孝行（青木刃物製作所）), Sakai, Osaka — the Sakai region. Short form on some blades.
Other marks from the same maker
- 堺孝行 Sakai Takayuki
About the maker
The most exported Sakai brand. Aoki Hamono is a wholesaler-finisher: blades are forged by Sakai smiths (division of labour is the Sakai system) and sold under 堺孝行. Lines run from 'Inox' stainless to Ginsan, White/Blue steel kasumi and honyaki, and the 33-layer damascus gyuto that is everywhere overseas. The mark 堺孝行 on a single-bevel knife is usually chiselled; on Western-handled lines it is etched.
Products carrying this mark
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