| Blade Length |
140 mm |
| Total Length |
265 mm |
| Steel |
Aogami Super(Blue Super) |
| Handle |
Maple |
| Ferrule |
Green Maple |
| Rockwell |
63-6 |
| Height Spine to heel |
31 mm |
| Width at Spine |
2 mm |
| Weight |
64 grams |
| Bevel |
Double (50/50) |
*Core steel issue
The Blacksmith
Nigara Hamono is located in Hirosaki city, Aomori Prefecture, on the west coast of the very northern tip of the main island of Honshu, Japan. Their family has a 350 year old history of making knives and swords and more recently has expanded into structural steel beams for use in construction. Tsuyoshi Yoshizawa stands as the 8th generation smith in the lineage of blacksmiths at Nigara Hamono and creates knives with his younger brother and two other craftsmen.
Nigara Hamono knives are characterized by their signature tsuchime pattern, as well as play with stainless damascus. These knives stand out for their aesthetic appeal, thinness behind the edge, and functionality, given they make their steel in house, and work primarily with high powdered stainless steels. They produce uniquely versatile profiles, ranging from very flat “kiritsuke nakiris” to aggressively curved “kiritsuke gyutos”.
*These knives are extremely thin behind the edge, this gives them an unbelievable cutting feel but makes them more delicate than even other Japanese knives. Twisting and torquing the knife on the board or in an ingredient will certainly cause chipping. Make sure to use only up and down, forward and back motions with the knife.
The Knife
The petty knife is the Japanese equivalent of a utility knife. They typically range in size from 90 mm (3.5 inches) to 150 mm (6 inches) and have a slender, easy-to-control, short blade. They are a perfect accompaniment to a Gyuto, Santoku, or Bunka, as they facilitate smaller tasks. Shorter versions are great for in-hand use. Longer versions are great for fine chopping and managing small ingredients on a cutting board. They also handle butchery tasks with ease.
Knife Care (Stainless Clad)
- This knife is made from 3 layers of steel using a technique called Sanmai (Forge welding). It involves laminating a piece of Carbon steel with two pieces of Stainless steel giving the knife all the benefits of the carbon steel (Edge retention, ease of sharpening, cutting feel) and the Ease of Maintenance from Stainless steel. 2-3 millimeters of the carbon steel is exposed at the edge of the knife and is susceptible to rust and discouloration if not properly maintained.
- Simply Wipe the knife with a damp cloth immediately after use to keep it from rusting or discouloring.
- Wash with regular dish soap and warm water using a none abrasive sponge or cloth.
- Never put your knife in the Dishwasher. The extreme heat will ruin the wooden handle.
- Highly acidic ingredients (Onions, Tomatoes, Citrus) Will cause rust and oxidation to happen faster, thus the user must ensure the knife is wiped clean immediately after working with such an ingredient.
- Should any rust form it can be removed using a rust eraser or a mixture of Baking soda and water to simply scrub it clean.
- Avoid Bones, Frozen foods, nuts and hard candies, parmesan rinds, woody stems or anything other than fruits, vegetables and proteins.
