This is a top-of-the-line takohiki knife made by Sakai Ichimonji Tadakuni. It is a mizuhonyaki knife, made using the sumiyaki (charcoal-fired) method. It features a black ebony handle with a silver ferrule and comes in a paulownia wood box. It is said to be a work of the late Tatsuo Ikeda (a traditional craftsman and swordsmith). About 10 years ago, when I bought knives directly from the president of a knife shop, this knife was on display. I told him, "I want that one." He replied, "This was made by a swordsmith, and it's the last knife of its kind we have. I can't sell it on its own." He agreed to sell it to me on the condition that I also purchase other knives.