A Yuzo Japanese knife with a VG10 blade
The chef 's knife, also known as gyuto in Japanese, is a versatile model that lets you perform a wide range of cutting tasks. Chop your meat, slice your fruit and vegetables or slice your fish with ease! Efficient and precise, it's a kitchen must-have.
This range of handcrafted knives was produced by the Kiryu company, which has existed in Japan since the late 1920s. It was the first to mass-produce knives in stainless steel, a material just imported from Europe. It benefits from the heritage of the Japanese blacksmiths of yesteryear, who forged swords by hand.
This gyuto knife features a blade with a damascened structure: a technique in which a rigid steel core is forged and then covered with several layers of softer steel. The result is a protected core and a balanced blade that becomes softer and less brittle.
Damascus also has a real aesthetic appeal: you can see the superimposition of different layers of steel all over the surface of the blade. The steels form fine waves with random patterns that are unique to each knife.
The steel used for the blade's core is VG10, a Japanese alloy much appreciated in the kitchen.VG10 steel has a high carbon content of around 1%, which is the essential element that increases a steel's hardness. In fact, the hardness of this blade is 60HRC on the Rockwell scale, making it a high-performance blade that holds its edge over time. You can space out sharpening sessions without any problem.
The VG10 alloy also contains around 15% chromium, an element that ensures greater resistance to corrosion. However, this blade still contains a high proportion of carbon, and therefore requires careful maintenance to avoid oxidation.
As explained above, to complete the damascus structure, several layers of softer steel are added to protect the core and make your blade more resistant.
Finally, the blade has been given an elegant polished finish.
A handcrafted knife with a solid wooden handle
The handle of your Yuzo Hamono Japanese knife is made of olive wood, a solid species renowned for its longevity. This wood is both antibacterial and dense, making it resistant to humidity and preventing it from warping with condensation. What's more, olive is appreciated for its light hue and darker grain, which contrasts for a natural, authentic result.
A black horn bolster links the handle to the blade. The bolster is set with a white micarta ring that adds a touch of finesse. Please note that horn is a natural material, so its appearance may vary slightly from one piece to another.
This handcrafted knife features a carved octagonal handle suitable for all cooks: left- and right-handed alike! You'll benefit from an ergonomic grip for optimal handling, especially during prolonged use.
To fill the small gaps where the blade fits into the handle, wood putty is added. This makes the whole unit watertight and prevents water or small food items from seeping inside.
To care for your Yuzo knife, it should only be hand-washed with a non-abrasive sponge and mild detergent. Once washed, wipe immediately with a dry cloth to dry it without any traces of moisture and store it in a dry place. Do not soak in the sink or put in the dishwasher.
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