Yaxell Zen Japanese Kiritsuke knife 20cm Damascus blade 37 layers micarta handle

The Yaxell Zen Japanese knife kiritsuke knife is both an incredible collector's knife and an efficient tool for your culinary work.

Yaxell is a Japanese cutlery company. Its expertise dates back to the 1930s, and originates in the ancestral manufacture of Japanese katanas, whose blades are world-renowned for their efficiency.

Yaxell designs knives that can be used by all cooks. Their blades ensure exceptional cutting performance for years of enjoyable work.

The Zen series is one of Yaxell's finest ranges, and they ensure cutting that's both precise and easy.

The blade of the Zen Series Kiritsuke knife is both incredibly aesthetic and robust, and boasts top-of-the-range technical features.

Its core is made of VG10 steel, an expensive, high-quality steel. This steel is composed of 1% carbon, 15% chromium, 1% molybdenum, 0.2% fr vanadium and 1.5% cobalt: an alloy that makes the blade particularly strong. Its hardness is 60 HRC on the Rockwell scale, enabling it to retain its sharpness for a very long time.

The blade is then coated with 37 layers of hard and mild steel, one after the other (a layer of hard steel followed by a layer of mild steel), using the damascening technique. This process gives the blade greater flexibility and strength.

The characteristics of the Kiritsuke knife are similar to those of a European chef's knife, the only difference being that the back of the blade falls towards the tip. This allows the user to easily cut vegetables, boneless meat, mince meat and fish, and chop fresh herbs. It's a versatile knife that's always needed in the kitchen.

Finally, the blade features a hammered finish on the upper side that contrasts with the damascus layer below for an original, authentic look. These micro-alveoli ensure optimal cutting of food, which glides delicately over the knife without sticking. The blade is engraved with a punch.

The handle is made of micarta, a high-pressure decorative laminate based on resin and linen. This composition makes the material particularly resistant to humidity, impact and the passage of time. It won't splinter and remains stable for a long time. It is also resistant to temperature variations, withstanding temperatures of up to 150°C. In many countries, this material is widely used as the basis for handles on top-of-the-range knives.

Two stainless steel rivets reinforce the handle.

For maintenance, keep your knife away from moisture to preserve its full splendor. Never use the abrasive side of a sponge, and never use a dishwasher. After cleaning, dry the knife with a soft cloth and store it in a dry place.

Opt for Japanese craftsmanship with the Yaxell Zen series kiritsuke.

To find out more about Yaxell's Zen series, visit our website!