Handmade Japanese santoku knife Yoshihiro ZAD 18cm damascus blade

Yoshihiro knives are made by Japanese craftsmen

Yoshihiro is a brand that manufactures high-quality Japanese kitchen knives, designed to accompany you for many years. With an established presence in Japan for over a century, the brand's blacksmiths are descendants of highly skilled craftsmen who made warriors' swords as far back as the 14ᵉ century. The techniques for making katanas have been passed down from generation to generation, and then, have been integrated into cutlery, giving Japanese knives exceptional sharpness.

Each knife created by the brand is unique, guaranteeing unrivalled prestige. Yoshihiro's motto, 一期一会, means "every moment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

The santoku knife is the equivalent of our Western chef's knife, with a blade that allows for swinging movements. It's a versatile knife that can be used to make all kinds of cuts: you can mince your meat, slice your vegetables or chop your herbs with ease. Be careful not to use it on hard foods such as squash, bones, etc.

A quality blade for this santoku knife

This handcrafted Japanese knife features a superb damascened blade. Its core is made ofZA-18 Japanese steel, a stainless alloy produced by Aichi Steel. Its composition is similar to that of VG10 steel, widely appreciated in the kitchen, but with a higher carbon content of 1.2%. This characteristic gives the blade a hardness of 61HRC on the Rockwell scale, ensuring a long-lasting edge with a high-performance cutting edge.

The alloy also features a high chromium content, reinforcing the blade's resistance to corrosion. Nevertheless, particular care must be taken in maintaining this blade to avoid oxidation.

Next, the core of your blade is enveloped in several layers of softer steel to offer increased protection and ensure optimum balance. As a result, your blade becomes less prone to breakage during use! It is this superimposition of different layers that creates the damascus pattern. The patterns are unique to each blade, lending character to your Japanese kitchen knife.

A solid, ergonomic wooden handle

The handle of your handcrafted Japanese knife is made from oak wood, a durable and solid species. Its high density makes it remarkably resistant to condensation, shock and vibration. The end of the handle has been burnt to further enhance its strength, while creating an elegant visual contrast with the warm tones of the oak.

With its octagonal shape, this handle is suitable for all cooks, whether left- or right-handed! It offers a comfortable grip for optimum maneuverability, ideal for prolonged use in the kitchen.

To care for your damask knife, wash it exclusively by hand with a sponge and mild detergent, avoiding wetting the handle. Wipe dry immediately after washing and store in a dry place. Do not put in the dishwasher or leave to soak in the sink.

Find everything you need to care for your Japanese knife on KnifeLeader.eu!