Yoshihiro Rugged Black 13.5cm Japanese craft Utility knife

The Yoshihiro brand distinguishes itself by manufacturing high-quality Japanese knives, ensuring a remarkable edge for many years to come. Founded over a century ago in Japan, the brand's team is made up of craftsmen who are descendants of the blacksmiths of yesteryear, the same ones who created katanas. These craftsmen perpetuate ancestral forging techniques, now applied to the design of Japanese kitchen knives, giving them a high-end edge.

Each Yoshihiro knife is unique, embodying the prestige that characterizes the brand. Yoshihiro's motto, 一期一会, translates as "every moment is an opportunity in a lifetime".

An elegant blade on a Yoshihiro knife

The blade of this Universal knife features a typically Japanese San Maï (meaning "3 layers") structure. This consists of forging a rigid steel core, which is then covered by a softer layer of steel that folds in on itself to form the remaining 2 layers. This technique gives your blade optimum balance, while protecting its core.

Japanese Aogami #2 steel (also known as Blue Paper Steel #2) has been selected for this blade, an alloy produced by the internationally renowned steelmaker Hitachi. It has a high carbon content, reaching 1.2%: an essential element for increasing the hardness of an alloy. Its hardness is therefore 62HRC on the Rockwell scale, giving your blade excellent edge retention for a high-performance cutting edge.

To finish the San Maï, the core is covered with a softer layer of steel to balance its hardness and provide better protection. In fact, you can see the superimposition of the different alloys all along the cutting edge, where they form a fine wave with unique patterns.

This blade features a rough forged finish for a dark, unpolished appearance. It's a traditional finish that lends character to your handcrafted Japanese knife. For added authenticity, kanji have been hand-engraved by the blacksmith.

The special feature of your Yoshihiro knife is the carbon, which comes out slightly on the surface of the blade in elegant shades of blue. Of course, the appearance of carbon does not interfere with the use of your Japanese knife.

A handcrafted Japanese knife with a sturdy handle

The handle of your handcrafted knife is made of oak, a species renowned for its strength and long-term durability. This wood has a high density, making it resistant to shock, vibration and humidity: it doesn't warp easily.

The handle has been burnt at one end to give it extra strength, but also to contrast ideally with the warm tones of your Japanese kitchen knife. At the other end of the handle, an Urushi-style blue lacquer has been added, like a bolster where the blade joins the handle. It recalls the blue shades of carbon present on the blade.

With its octagonal shape, the handle of your knife adapts to the hands of all cooks, whether right- or left-handed! It gives you a comfortable, ergonomic grip for optimum control, especially during prolonged use.

Finally, wood filler has been added to fill the small gaps where the blade meets the handle. This ensures a watertight seal and prevents water from seeping inside.

How to care for your carbon-enriched knife

To care for your handcrafted Japanese knife, wash it exclusively by hand with a non-abrasive sponge and a mild detergent, avoiding wetting the handle. Once cleaned, dry immediately to remove all traces of moisture and store in a dry place. Do not put your knife in the dishwasher or soak it in the sink.

Over time, the color of your blade may change slightly, which is normal! This is a natural reaction of carbon to the acidity of cut food and the humidity in the air.

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