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This handcrafted Japanese knife is your everyday companion!
18cm San Mai blade with 3 superimposed layers of steel
Japanese Aogami #1 steel core ( approx. 1.3% carbon)
Ultra-long-lasting sharp edge - Hardness: 63 HRC
Traditional Black Nashiji blade finish
Quince handle and dark ebony bolster
Ambidextrous octagonal shape - White micarta ring
Forged by the exceptional Masashi Yamamoto in Sanjo
High-carbon knife requiring the utmost care
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This 18cm Masashi Yamamoto Japanese santoku features a blade with a structure known as San Maï, terms meaning "3 layers" in Japanese. The blade is constructed from a core of rigid steel, which is then covered by a layer of softer steel, sandwiching it. This structure balances the hardness of the core while protecting it.
The blade core here is made ofJapanese Aogami #1 steel (also known as BS1 or Blue Paper Steel #1). This alloy is manufactured by the world-famous Hitachi steelworks.
Aogami #1 steel contains around 1.3% carbon, the element required to increase the hardness of an alloy. A hard alloy has a sharper cutting edge that lasts longer than average. Here, the blade achieves 63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, proof of its excellent edge retention and cutting performance.
It's an expensive alloy that only a few blacksmiths have mastered. Indeed, if Aogami #1 steel were mishandled, losses would be significant and costly. Masashi Yamomoto san is one of those blacksmiths who are experts in working with this top-of-the-range alloy.
The rigid core is then surrounded by a layer of soft-iron steel folded on each side. This is how San Mai's 3 layers are formed: the core is protected and its high rigidity balanced. Soft iron steel is an alloy enriched with iron ore, so the knife blade is oxidizable and requires very careful maintenance (see our tips below).
Note that Masashi Yamamoto knives have a finer point than the average knife. In fact, the thickness of the blade narrows as you reach its tip, making it more flexible and therefore easier to cut, with a more pleasant, natural feel in use. This is further proof of this outstanding blacksmith's expertise. However, be careful not to press too hard, as flexibility has its limits!
A traditional Black Nashiji finish has been applied to the blade. This gives it a rustic look, with an aesthetic close to that of a forge-finished blade. You can also see the fine kanji engraving and the blacksmith's stamp on the upper part of the blade.
Quince wood was chosen for the knife's handle. Quince is a very dense wood, resistant to temperature variations and humidity. This durable species can be recognized by its light color.
The knife's bolster is made from ebony to complement the handle. Ebony is a precious wood whose dark hue contrasts elegantly with the lightness of quince. The two woods are separated by a delicate white micarta ring.
The handle has an octagonal shape to suit all cooks, left- and right-handed. The handle hugs your palm perfectly for optimum maneuverability and knife control.
As mentioned above, this Japanese knife is oxidizable due to its high carbon and iron content. Putting it in the dishwasher or leaving it to soak in the sink are not recommended.
This knife should only be washed by hand. Use a mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge in lukewarm water, and take care not to get the handle too wet. Once the knife has been washed, carefully wipe dry to remove any traces of moisture, then store in a dry place.
Note that despite the utmost care, the blade may change color over time. This is perfectly normal! The alloy reacts naturally to elements such as the acidity of food or humidity in the air.
To protect your blade and ensure its longevity, we recommend applyingmineral oil from time to time.
This Japanesesantoku knife is the work of blacksmith Masashi Yamamoto, who makes truly exceptional knives. This young blacksmith learned the trade within his family with his older brother. In 2013, he felt ready and decided to develop his own workshop.
Masashi Yamamoto designs and creates knives that are superb one-offs. In fact, they are highly appreciated for the hardness of their blades. Masashi san achieves this hardness through special technical and heat treatments. Despite his youth, he is already teaching his art to two apprentices! Masashi Yamomoto is a blacksmith with a unique style that makes him emblematic: he's used to blacksmithing in flip-flops, often with a cigarette in his mouth!
KnifeLeader offers a wide range of Masashi Yamamoto knives!
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