Japanese Artisan Nakiri Knife 17cm Takeshi Saji R2 Damas

Please note that quantities are limited, due to the origin of the knives and the capacity of the blacksmith, who performs all operations by hand.

The 17cm nakiri knife is a typically Japanese model. Its wide, rectangular blade cuts vegetables quickly and precisely. The movement is natural, the result immediate. Once the pieces have been cut, you can delicately use the wide cutting surface as a small "scoop" to move said pieces from your board to a container.

The blade has a beautiful damascened surface, i.e. it is constructed of several intersecting layers of steel. There is always a more rigid core, followed by several layers of softer steel, which will soften it and make it more resistant to breakage during use.

This knife features a core of R2 Japanese steel (also known as SG2): a stainless alloy produced by powder metallurgy. It is quite rare but highly appreciated. Its ratio is 63 HRC on the Rockwell scale: it holds its edge over time, so you'll need less sharpening! What's more, despite its hardness, R2 steel is easy to maintain should the need arise. That's a plus for such a rigid alloy. You can even maintain it with a Sharpening stone, to keep its sharp edge! Another advantage of this alloy is its purity. At the microscopic level, its structure is very homogeneous, which makes it more resistant (for example, there's less risk of chipping when you use it).

This high-end core is surrounded by several layers of nickel and stainless steel, which contrast with its extreme rigidity. You can see them intertwining on the cutting surface.

Finally, the blade benefits from a Diamond Finish, which creates a beautiful polished/blurred effect. What's more, polishing a blade makes it more resistant to corrosion, as its surface is smootherand less porous.

Next, the handle is made of sandalwood, a dark species that lends the knife a great deal of elegance. What's more, this wood is resistant to bacteria, and depending on the maturity of the tree, is considered precious. The veins on each part are unique.

It is completed by a bolster in dark Pakkawood, a composite material resistant to moisture and temperature variations. Its octagonal shape makes it suitable for both right- and left-handed cooks.

It also features wood pulp that fills the space between the blade and the handle. This makes it watertight and prevents small scraps from getting inside.

Finally, the knife comes in a beautiful wooden box, perfect for gift-giving.

The knife is not dishwasher-safe. It must be washed by hand under lukewarm water, using a sponge and a mild detergent. Once washed, wipe with a soft cloth to remove all traces of moisture, then store.

Find out more about the blacksmith :

Takeshi Saji R2 Damas Japanese knives are handcrafted by Takeshi Saji san. This expert enjoys an excellent reputation in Japan. His knives are highly appreciated for their finesse and elegance. He brilliantly combines old-fashioned forging techniques with original visuals, appealing to all cooks. In fact, he has been certified as a "traditional master craftsman" since the 90s.

His workshop is located in the renowned Takefu Knife Village , one of Japan's leading centres for the manufacture of knives and cutting Utensils. Here, the best blacksmiths work in the traditional way, so as not to lose their ancestral know-how. They continue to train the new generation in this way, and being together in the same place enables them to share their tricks of the trade.

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