16,5cm Sukenari HAP40 San Maï japanese Utility knife with rosewood handle

Sukenari is a Japanese cutlery company founded in 1933. It has inherited the ancestral forging techniques used to make samurai katanas, and today enjoys a high reputation in the industry. Its team of highly skilled blacksmiths is capable of forging Honyaki blades of the highest quality. With all its experience and know-how, Sukenari offers you knives that combine traditional techniques with modern visuals.

A handcrafted Japanese knife with a San Maï blade

This Universal knife features a 16.5cm blade with a typically Japanese San Maï structure. San Maï means "3 layers" in Japanese, and this design consists of creating a core of rigid steel, then surrounding it with a layer of softer steel that sandwiches it. This protects and balances the core.

The core of the blade is made from HAP40 powder steel, a very recent Japanese alloy manufactured by the world-famous steelmaker Hitachi. Still rare on the market, the alloy is relatively expensive and difficult to work. That's why only expert blacksmiths like those at Sukenari know how to shape it and avoid major losses.

This alloy has a very fine grit that makes it extremely resistant, preventing it from chipping along the edge. It is also known to retain its cutting edge 3 to 5 times longer than conventional steels. In fact, HAP40 steel achieves a hardness of 65 HRC on the Rockwell scale, synonymous with a very sharp edge that lasts a long time indeed. Despite its high rigidity, the steel is easy to sharpen with a stone when necessary.

Steel is a hybrid alloy due to its composition. It contains 1.3% carbon, an element that contributes to its high hardness, but it is considered a semi-stainless steel that requires meticulous maintenance (see our tips below).

Next, this rigid steel core is covered with a layer ofsofter steel that surrounds it on both sides: the San Maï is created. This outer layer protects and softens the rigid steel, making it less sensitive to impact when cutting, and therefore less brittle in use. You can see the superimposition of steel layers at the cutting edge: a wave undulates randomly along the length of the blade.

Finally, the blade has an elegant polished finish, with the steel type and kanji engraved on each side. This blade has a very authentic character.

Octagonal rosewood handle

Your handcrafted knife features an octagonal-shaped handle that ensures a very comfortable grip and easy handling, especially for prolonged cutting. The handle conforms to the shape of your hand, whether you're right- or left-handed.

The handle is made from rosewood. This sturdy wood is resistant to humidity and shock. Its brown color is adorned with a dark veining that gives the knife an authentic look, the veining being unique to each piece.

A black buffalo horn bolster completes the handle. It forms a link with the blade and gives the knife balance. The bolster is separated from the handle by a silver ring, providing contrast and finesse.

Finally, wood pulp has been injected where the blade fits into the handle. This makes the knife perfectly watertight, preventing the introduction of food scraps and cleaning water.

How do I care for this top-of-the-range knife?

This Japanese knife has been crafted from top-quality materials, so it's essential to maintain it meticulously. To begin with, you should never put it in the dishwasher or leave it to soak in your sink.

The knife should be washed by hand with a soft sponge and suitable soap. Wash in lukewarm water, taking care not to wet the handle. Dry the knife immediately after washing, taking great care to remove all traces of moisture.

You can then store the knife in a dry place, such as in its box. As the blade contains carbon, it may change its appearance slightly over time. You can apply a littleoil from time to time to preserve its original appearance.

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