Masakage Kumo 13cm Damascus 63-layer handmade japanese Utility knife

The blade:

Forged. Its core is made of Japanese VG10 steel, an alloy much appreciated by blacksmiths for its many qualities. It contains 1% carbon, for example, giving it a Rockwell strength of around 60/61 HRC. The result is a rigid wire that can withstand further sharpening to a razor-sharp finish. The 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 oxidation than other carbon steels.

The VG10 core is then enveloped in several layers of softer steels: this is the damascus process. The Masakage Kumo knife features a 63-layer damascus (31 layers folded into 2 on the core + the core, which is counted in the calculation). To create its contrasting appearance, Takumi Ikeda used a stainless steel and a nickel steel. It's the variation in steels that creates this unique interlacing on the cutting surface. The stainless steel has the advantage of increasing the steel's corrosion resistance, while the nickel steel gives it greater mechanical strength. The contrast in color brings a great deal of originality to the knife. The mix of steels can also be seen on the back of the knife.

Kumo means "cloud" in Japanese, and this range is aptly named, as the random damascus patterns are reminiscent of clouds blending together in the wind just before a storm.

The brand name has been engraved on the cutting surface for even greater authenticity. It blends seamlessly with the various damask colors, and remains discreet.

Handle:

The handle is made of Sandalwood, a pleasantly light, grit wood. Its octagonal shape hugs the palm of your hand, so it's comfortable to hold whether you're right- or left-handed. A black Pakkawood bolster (an antibacterial composite material resistant to humidity and temperature variations) links the blade to the handle. The junction between the blade and the bolster is filled with a wood paste that seals the whole, and prevents small scraps and cleaning water from penetrating the inside of the handle.

Model:

The Masakage Kumo 13cmUniversal knife is versatile, but still very handy thanks to its thin cutting surface and medium-sized blade. You can use it to cut medium-sized fruit and vegetables, but also to mince small pieces of boneless meat.

Method:

Masakage Kumo kitchen knives are handcrafted by master blacksmith Takumi Ikeda, nephew of master blacksmith Katsushige Anryu san. Takumi Ikeda works in the Takefu Knife Village, which is home to a large number of artisan blacksmiths. Gathered in the same place, they can share their know-how with each other. That's why it's such a popular area for apprentice blacksmiths, who can be taken in hand by a master who will teach them everything they need to know.

Katsushige Anryu san has been forging knives for over 50 years. He began his apprenticeship in the 60s with his father, himself a blacksmith, to continue the family tradition (Katsushige Anryu currently represents the 4th generation in the same trade). Drawing on this long experience, this traditional blacksmith passed on his brand and forge to his nephew Takumi.

Katsushige wanted to retire. In Japan, tradition dictates that the eldest son should inherit the business, except that Katsushige had only daughters. Her nephew Takumi was her preferred choice.

In the early 2000s, he began training his nephew. Ikeda is an atypical blacksmith with a passion for rugby. His apprenticeship lasted some fifteen years before Katsushige handed over the reins of the forge to him in 2021. He now perpetuates the meticulous work taught by his uncle, and offers you exceptional knives that will delight the most uncompromising of cooks.

Anryu san on the left and Ikeda on the right

Interview:

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.

The knife comes in a sober, traditional blue box.

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