Masakage Kiri 7,5cm 49 layer damascus japanese paring knife

Masakage Kiri Japanese knives are handcrafted by blacksmith Yoshimi Kato san.

He works in the heart of the Takefu Knife Village , which brings together a large number of blacksmiths who have preserved traditional manufacturing methods. Gathered together in one place, they can share their know-how. It's also a coveted spot for apprentice blacksmiths, who can be taken in hand by a master who will teach them all the steps involved in making knives!

To find out more about him: Yoshimi Kato was a pupil of several famous blacksmiths, including Hiroshi Kato San, who is highly respected in Japan (and is also his father-in-law). The latter is one of Japan's greatest master blacksmiths. He has been creating knives almost every day for almost half a century, which shows the level of expertise he has achieved (he is now retired and teaches his art to young blacksmiths). He is also one of the founding members of the Takefu Cutlery Village.

Yoshimi has taken over his workshop and continues to create his master's knives, while having launched his own knife lines. Yoshimi Kato San began his apprenticeship in 2013, and is a very talented blacksmith who learns very quickly. He ensures the continuity of Hiroshi Kato San's work, while bringing innovative ideas that all cooks will appreciate!

The Masakage Kiri 7.5cmparing knife is a small knife for cutting and peeling small fruits and vegetables.

Knife blade :

Its forged blade has a core of VG10 Japanese steel, an alloy much appreciated by blacksmiths for its many advantages. VG10 contains 1% carbon, for example, enabling it to achieve a Rockwell hardness of around 60/61 HRC.

The result is a rigid wire that can withstand further sharpening, for a razor-sharp edge. VG10 also has the ability to hold its edge longer, so you space out sharpening sessions. Finally, thanks to its high chromium content, it is also more resistant to corrosion than other carbon steels.

The VG10 core is then surrounded by several superimposed layers of softer steels: this is called damascus. The Masakage Kiri knife has a 49-layer damascus (24 layers folded in 2 on the core + the core, which is counted in the calculation).

In addition to adding character to the knife, damascus makes the blade more "supple", in the sense that it will be less brittle in use (but not flexible either).

Finish:

Kiri means "fog" in Japanese. It's easy to see why the range is called Kiri, with the damascus creating a sort of scroll-like pattern on the cutting surface, like a light moving fog revealing details of the landscape it hides from time to time.

For added authenticity, the cutting surface is engraved with kanji. They blend in well with the various damask colors and remain discreet.

Knife handle :

The handle is made of magnolia, a grit wood that's light and pleasant to the touch. Its oval shape is suitable for all cooks. A bolster in red Pakkawood (an antibacterial composite material resistant to humidity and temperature variations) links the blade to the handle, providing an attractive contrast in color.

The junction between the blade and the bolster is filled with a wood pulp that makes the whole thing watertight, and prevents small scraps and water from penetrating the inside of the handle.

Care and maintenance :

The knife can be cleaned by hand. You can use a mild soap and run it under lukewarm water, without using an abrasive sponge. Then wipe with a soft cloth to remove all traces of moisture from the blade and wooden handle. It comes in a sober, traditional blue box.

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