Yoshihiro Kogeta White 2 steel 15,5cm handmade japanese Utility knife

Manufacturer Yoshihiro offers you high-performance Japanese knives that will accompany you for years to come.

Each knife created by the brand is unique: prestige assured! The Yoshihiro manufacturer's motto is: 一期一会. This could be translated as "every moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". That's why the brand strives to offer long-lasting knives whose performance will delight you for years to come, so you can enjoy every moment in the kitchen!

The brand has been established in Japan for around 1 century, and the craftsmen who create the knives are descendants of highly-skilled blacksmiths, who themselves produced the swords of the warriors of the time (the know-how takes root around the 14th century). Little by little, the techniques used to create swords were transferred to the field of cutlery, which is why Japanese knives are so sharp!

This 15.5cmUniversal knife features a blade built according to the typically Japanese San Mai structure. This is the superposition of 3 alternating layers of different alloys.

The core is made of carbon steel, White #2 Steel. This alloy, produced by Hitachi steelworks (Japan's most renowned steel supplier), has a carbon content of 1.05%.

This alloy is widely used for top-of-the-range Japanese knives. This carbon content makes the steel stiffer, which in turn makes it easier to sharpen. As a result, the cutting edge is developed, for clean, precise cuts every time. This alloy is "purer" than stainless steel. This makes its structure more homogeneous, and the knife more resistant to wear (there is less risk of chipping).

This core is then surrounded by a layer of soft iron, as you can see from the color differences on the bottom of the blade.

The Yoshihiro knife has a rough forged finish. This means that the blade is not polished, which gives it its dark, rustic look. Japanese chefs love this type of finish, which makes the cutting material more authentic.

A black horn ferrule links the blade to the handle, adding contrast. This natural material can have random white streaks, which will of course be different on every knife. The handle is made of light magnolia wood.

The special feature of the Kogeta series lies in the handle: kanji have been engraved on its surface. They are inscribed with a hot iron, hence the slightly "burnt" appearance visible all around. In fact, "kogeta" means "burnt" in Japanese. Then, the junction between the blade and the bolster is filled with a wood paste that makes the whole thing watertight, and prevents small scraps and water (when cleaning) from penetrating the wood.

Last but not least, the logo visible on the blade has been directly hallmarked by an expert craftsman. Each Yoshihiro knife therefore bears an undeniable stamp.

Care and maintenance:

It's important to note that due to the carbon and iron content, the knife is sensitive to oxidation. The knife should therefore be washed by hand, without soaking. After washing, wipe with a soft cloth to remove all traces of moisture. Note, however, that a carbon blade will tend to change color over time, no matter how careful you are. This is normal (the knife is in constant contact with moist food, and moisture is also found in the ambient air...). You can apply mineral oil to the steel from time to time, to maintain it.

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