Masakage Shimo 15cm Shirogami Utility knife japanese craft Utility knife

Masakage Shimo knives are handcrafted by master blacksmith Yu Kurosaki san. This craftsman works at the TakefuKnife Village, which brings together blacksmiths especially skilled in the traditional art of forging. So they can share their skills with each other! Apprentices like to go there to follow the advice of these master blacksmiths.

Returning to Kurosaki san, he began his training in the 2000s and worked with master Kanehiro for 12 years. Kanehiro taught him everything from knife forging to knife sharpening. As soon as he received orders from customers satisfied with the workmanship of his blades, he set up his own workshop, encouraged by his master. He also trained with the renowned Hiroshi Kato san, a recognized master blacksmith and founding member of the Takefu Knife Village. Now it's Yu Kurosaki san's turn to train his own apprentice, so that one day he too can open his own workshop.

Discover the Masakage Shimo 15cm Universal knife, a versatile, easy-to-handle model. It can be used to cut medium-sized fruit or vegetables, as well as small pieces of meat... It will quickly find its place in the kitchen.

This knife features a beautiful forged blade. The steel used is White Paper Steel, an alloy produced by Hitachi steelworks. Recognized the world over, they supply a large number of Japanese steel manufacturers. This steel is quite pure: it has a high carbon content of up to 1.2%, with an HRC hardness of around 61 on the Rockwell scale.

As a result, the cutting edge is much more durable, but also remains pleasant to work with when you need to sharpen it.

Beyond this high-grade steel, the blade features a subtle damascus finish that alternates steel and iron. The result is refined, and the range takes its name from its visual: "shimo" means "frost" in Japanese, and the damascus of these knives gives the impression that the blade is slightly glazed.

Although discreet, the kanji mark has been engraved on the cutting surface for authenticity.

The handle is made from magnolia wood, a light, grit species. Cut in an octagonal shape, it is perfectly suited to both right-handed and left-handed users.

The bolster, which links the blade to the handle, is made of Pakka wood, an antibacterial composite material that is highly resistant to humidity. Its dark color provides an attractive contrast between the handle and the light-colored blade. To fill the junction between blade and handle, wood paste has been added to make it watertight and hygienic.

How to care for your Shimo knife :

It's important to maintain your knife by hand. Run it under lukewarm water, using a mild soap and no abrasive sponges. Then wipe with a cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to remove all traces of moisture from the blade and wooden handle.

Note that the knife is sensitive to oxidation. In fact, its carbon steel is not stainless (which is why the cutting edge is sharper and more durable), so don't soak it in the sink or put it in the dishwasher! Note also that a carbon blade may change color with use (or show small stains), which is perfectly normal (contact with the acidity of food, humidity in the air...). For a more thorough treatment, you can dip it in mineral oil from time to time.

The knife comes in a sober, traditional blue box.

See also our selection of sharpening stones for knife maintenance!