Japanese precision at the service of your cutting needs
With its long damask blade and smoked oak handle, thisJapanese Yuzo Enju Damas 440C chef’s knifecombines artisanal craftsmanship with versatility in the kitchen. Forged in Japan by the experts at Tsunehisa, it features a 24 cm blade designed for seamless cutting on the cutting board: slicing vegetables, chopping herbs, or slicing cuts of meat and fish. Its 440C stainless steel core, 59 HRC hardness, and octagonal handle make it an effective tool for everyday food preparation.
A damascened blade for precise cuts
The 24-cm blade offers a long cutting edge, which is practical for working with large pieces of food or making broad, continuous cuts. It consists of a 440C stainless steel core surrounded by layers of stainless steel that form the damascene pattern. 440C steel contains approximately 1% carbon, a proportion that contributes to its hardness and edge retention. Its stainless composition also helps limit corrosion when properly maintained.
With a hardness of approximately 59 HRC on the Rockwell scale, the cutting edge maintains its effectiveness throughout use, while remaining sharpenable with an appropriate whetstone.The flat grind promotes a consistent cut and clean contact with food. It is suitable for a wide variety of tasks, from chopping to slicing.
The layers of steel create damascene-style ripples on the blade. Their pattern varies from one knife to another, giving each knife a unique appearance. In everyday use, its length and versatile profile allow you to prepare a variety of ingredients with a single knife.
An octagonal handle made of smoked oak
The handle of this Yuzo Japanese knife is made of smoked oak. The smoking process darkens the wood and brings out its natural hues. The grain varies from knife to knife, giving each handle its own distinct look. Oak provides a sturdy material and a warm feel, making it pleasant to use during repeated food preparation.
It is carved into an octagonal shape that provides multiple surfaces for the fingers to grip. This design makes it easy to position the handle in your hand and helps guide the blade with precision. Its symmetrical design is suitable for both right- and left-handed users.
Paired with the damask blade, the wooden handle creates a striking contrast between the steel’s patterns and the dark tones of the oak. This combination adds character to the preparation area while maintaining a grip suited to everyday tasks.
Key Features
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- 24 cm blade: wide strokes and cutting of large ingredients
- 440C stainless steel core: durability and corrosion resistance
- 59 HRC hardness: effective cutting edge and easy to sharpen
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- Damascened stainless steel layers: protect the core and create unique ripples
- Flat grind: smooth, controlled cut
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- Smoked oak handle: natural feel and subtle grain pattern
- Octagonal shape: comfortable and intuitive grip
- Handcrafted in Japan by Tsunehisa: Japanese cutlery craftsmanship
How to Use and Care for My Japanese Knife
Use the blade on a wooden cutting board or a soft synthetic surface. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard surfaces, which can damage the edge. Wash the knife by hand with a soft sponge, then dry the blade and handle immediately. Do not put it in the dishwasher: heat and prolonged exposure to moisture can damage the wood and the cutting edge. When sharpening, use a whetstone suitable for the hardness of the blade.
Tsunehisa’s Expertise
Tsunehisa’s experts hand-forge their knives in Japan, crafting blades with a variety of finishes and materials. For this line, the 440C steel core is surrounded by layers of stainless steel that form the Damascus pattern. The manufacturing process involves shaping the blade and grinding it to achieve an edge suitable for kitchen cutting tasks.
On this knife, the ripples in the steel and the smoked oak handle give each piece a unique appearance. The combination of a long chef’s blade and an octagonal handle reflects a design focused on versatility and precision. It is thus designed to handle a wide variety of tasks, from mincing vegetables to slicing foods.
Many chef’s knives are available on our website!