Kanetsugu Zuiun steel SPG2 damascus 15cm japanese Utility knife

The Kanetsugu brand was created in 1918. It was founded by Matsujiro Kawamura, a descendant of the Japanese sword maker Kanetsugu. For over 100 years, Kanetsugu has been offering high-performance, long-lasting knives to help you prepare your recipes. To celebrate the centenary of its creation, the Kanetsugu Zuiun knife series is born!

It perfectly combines modern production techniques with the traditional techniques of the blacksmiths of yesteryear. Zuiun means "the cloud that appears as a happy omen", a fitting name to celebrate the brand's 100th anniversary.

Model:

This 15cmUniversal knife makes it easy to cut medium-sized fruit and vegetables. Thanks to its substantial size for a universal, you can also use it to mince small pieces of meat that don't contain bones. The blade is angled at the tip. It's this detail that makes it strongly resemble a traditional sword, and adds authenticity.

Blade :

The blade has a core of SPG2 steel, which is powder-metallurgically produced (unlike so-called solid steel). Powder steel is created by grinding metal particles and gradually adding other alloying elements.

It is then compacted using powerful hydraulic presses, and sintered (with the addition of a high-temperature heat treatment) for consolidation. The advantage of this process is that the resulting steel has a more homogeneous composition.

This core contains 1.3% carbon, which considerably increases the hardness of the cutting edge. You can then sharpen it with precision, as the alloy can withstand such a finish. Reaching a hardness of -+63 HRC on the Rockwell scale, the blade retains a marked edge over the long term.

The core is then surrounded by softer steels to protect it (as it is porous and therefore more susceptible to oxidation): the blade is damascened. This gives the knife a slight suppleness (so that it's less brittle when you use it). What's more, damascus is highly aesthetic, and you can admire the intertwining waves on the cutting surface, unique to each knife.

Finishes :

The blade undergoes a special tempering process, the Sub-Zero treatment. This involves heating the steel to -70°C in a matter of seconds. The purpose of this maneuver is to increase the blade's rigidity and perfect its cutting edge, which can more easily be brought to a razor-sharp finish.

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

Handle:

It's made from Pakkawood, a tough composite material of laminated wood and resin, all hot-pressed together. The result is very close to standard wood, and you can see the original veins created by the mix of materials. A unique rivet with a magnificent mosaic logo is visible at the end of the sleeve. The black bolster ties in with the superb damascened blade.

The handle is even more original in that it is cut into 7 facets. This unique shape fits perfectly into the palm of your hand.

Good to know:

The knife comes in an elegant box made of light, polished paulownia wood, with a beautiful Japanese design on the top. So you can easily give it to an enthusiast, or make yourself a very nice gift.

Care: wash the knife by hand and wipe dry immediately with a soft cloth, before storing away from moisture. Do not put in the dishwasher or soak in water.

Discover all Kanetsugu Zuiun knives selected by our team!