Kanetsugu Zuiun Kiwami Utility knife 15cm

A top-quality blade for this Universal knife

This Kiritsuke 15cmUniversal knife is a handy, versatile and high-performance model. It can be used for a variety of cutting tasks, from slicing small and medium-sized fruit and vegetables to mincing meat (without the bone, of course). It quickly finds its place in the kitchen, and comes in handy when preparing many of your recipes.

With its damascus blade, it offers an interesting structure and a unique look. To produce a damascus blade, you need to choose a hard core, which will form the strongest part of the blade, the one that will maintain a very good cutting edge and enable easy cutting. Then, alternating layers of softer steel are placed on top of this core. They envelop the core, protecting and balancing it.

The Zuiun Kiwami knife features a core of SPG2 steel(also known as SG2), produced by powder metallurgy (as opposed to "solid" steel). Producing powder steel requires mastery of a complex process involving the grinding of metal particles and the gentle addition of other elements essential to the alloy. The whole is then compacted using hydraulic presses, then sintered (with the addition of a high-temperature heat treatment) to consolidate the whole. The resulting steel is more homogeneous in composition, which is an advantage in terms of durability and resistance to impact.

The carbon content of this alloy is also impressive: around 1.3%, which considerably increases the hardness of the cutting wire. As a result, you can sharpen with precision, as the alloy can withstand hard work to obtain a razor-sharp edge. Reaching a hardness of -+63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, the blade retains a sharp edge over the long term.

The Zuiun Kiwami knife also benefits from Sub-Zero tempering. This method consists of heating the steel and then rapidly bringing it down to a temperature of -70°C. The aim is to increase the blade's rigidity and perfect its cutting edge, which can more easily be brought to a razor-sharp finish.

All this is complemented by a black DLC coating. DLC stands for "Diamond-Like Carbon". It will also improve the blade's strength and corrosion resistance, and give it a darker appearance, which is still contrasted by the blade's glossy, mirror-like finish. The DLC coating also enables the blade to glide more smoothly through food, preserving its flesh.

The knife's cutting edge is Hamaguri-ba-finished, i.e. shaped like that of a Japanese sword. This guarantees clean, precise cuts.

An original, ergonomic handle

For the handle, the brand has chosen pakka wood. This antibacterial composite material is made from laminated wood and resin, all hot-pressed together. This material is appreciated for its resistance to temperature variations, humidity and impact. The visual effect is similar to that of natural wood, and you can see the original veins created by the blend of materials all along the gripping surface.

The gray bolster ties in with the superb damascus blade and provides a light contrast to the handle.

We also appreciate the original look created by the 7 facets of the profiled handle. This unique shape fits perfectly into the palm of your hand.

A magnificent mosaic rivet has been added to the top of the handle's gripping surface, for even more originality.

The knife comes in an elegant, light, polished wooden box, with a beautiful Japanese design on the top. This makes it easy to give as a gift, or to treat yourself.

For perfect knife care: wash the knife by hand and dry it immediately with a soft cloth, before storing it in a dry place. In this way, you'll keep your knife looking as good as new for years to come.

The Kanetsugu brand, decades of expertise at your service

Kanetsugu was founded in 1918 by Matsujiro Kawamura, descendant of the eponymous Japanese sword maker. For over a hundred years, the brand has been providing you with high-performance, long-lasting kitchen knives to see you through the years.

The Zuiun Kiwami range of knives brilliantly blends the latest production technologies with the traditional techniques of the blacksmiths of yesteryear.

Zuiun means "the cloud that appears as a happy omen". Kiwami means "ultimate" or "extreme".

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