I asked about the engraving
indeed it is a signature :
" The engraving is my signature. "Shin Ichi Saku" means made by Shinichi. "
the handles are wood , probably chestnut.
" octagonal shaped Enju handle with horn hilt "
from the web page I asked for light colored wood that matched as best as possible
Im delighted w the result.
Im keen on the two smaller Nakkiri but the have a plastic hilt
if the plastic doesn't bother me , I might get them both w a light colored handle similar to the two I have.
we are exchanging emails.
as Ive said , more knives I don't need.
however , the two I now have
have the most extraordinary feel in my hand and cutting with them feel very different than the knives i have.
and my knives are very sharp and have thin steel both the globals and the ones from Granton in GB
http://www.granton-knives.co.uk
Grantons I have that I use frequently , to compare :