Gyuto knife, Aogami 1 with iron cladding, Damascus finish, Komorebi range - Hatsukokoro
Some more premium Sanjo knives with a classic look and excellent blade detailing.
SHAPE: Gyuto. Japan's answer to the chef's knife with a thinner profile. Gyuto translates to cow sword.
STEEL: Aogami (blue paper) 1 steel. This is very similar to white paper steel but with tungsten and chromium added to it which helps with edge retention and slows down rusting. The difference between blue 1 and 2 is the amount of carbon present with 1 being the highest. Due to the non stainless nature of this steel care must be taken to dry the knives properly after use.
FINISH: Damascus or suminagashi. This type of finish is made by creating a Kitaeji; which is produced by repeatedly folding/stacking then compressing two different steels until they create a laminated pattern. This can then be manipulated in various ways to produce the maker’s desired pattern effect. This material is then clad around the core metal of the blade as an elaborate protective layer for the core steel - thus giving the knife a beautiful and striking appearance. The blade is finished using natural stones, giving it a very reflective and almost 3D effect.
HANDLE: Octagonal ebony handle with a buffalo ferrule.
LENGTH: 210mm or 240mm blade length.
MAKER: Hatsukokoro
RANGE: Komorebi
SAUNDERS SAYS: "Thin and fit, and some of the best fit and finish around."