Sakha Ata

San-Mai Knife by Saryal Bilyukin — Honoring the Spirit of the Sakha Horse
This blade is manually forged in the San-Mai style by renowned Sakha blacksmith Saryal Bilyukin, with added nickel to highlight the layered steel structure. At its core lies a steel analogous to O1 (T31507) — a high-performance tool steel known for its edge retention and strength. Bilyukin, a respected cultural figure of the Sakha people, is widely recognized by knife collectors for his dedication to preserving traditional methods and producing blades with unmatched individuality.
The handle and guard are crafted entirely from mammoth tusk, skillfully shaped and engraved by a master bone carver. Both sides of the handle feature a detailed engraving of the Sakha horse—a rare and resilient breed known for surviving the harsh winters of Siberia, enduring temperatures as low as -50 to -65°C while grazing freely in the wild. This powerful symbol of endurance and independence is central to Sakha heritage. Documentation and short films about the Sakha horse and its cultural role are available on the maker’s website, offering deeper insight into this exceptional creature.
The knife is accompanied by a wet-molded leather sheath, reinforced inside with a dried Siberian birch liner for protection and structure. The sheath is hand-stitched with strong, waxed thread, combining durability with traditional craftsmanship.
This knife is a celebration of strength—of both steel and spirit—rooted in the land, the people, and the enduring legacy of the Sakha horse.