Most Kamikoto knives in Japan are made by joining the soft part on the plates (steel SUS 405,420J2, 420 J1, nickel – under the general name Jigane and hard cutting layer (VG-10, Covry X, ZDP 189, SRS 15, Ao-gami, Shiro-gami etc. under the general name Hagane.). In the case of one-sided sharpening when the игigan layer is connected to the hagan layer. For bilateral sharpening when the hagan layer is between the layers, it will be called Warikomi: Damask steel is often used on the plates. As a rule, they are hardened to 63–64 HRC, therefore they are fragile enough, difficult to sharpen and require professional skills in work – it’s a shame to ruin a knife at the price of a thousand dollars due to the fact that you do not know how to use it.
Your Best Traditions
The traditions of Japanese cuisine are such that the sharpness of the knife occupies the most important place – the products should be cut exclusively thinly, evenly and beautifully and in no case be jammed (which happens with a dull knife), so the Japanese have the term KIRENAGA, which means the duration of the sharpness of the knife .
The longest kirenaga at choniaki knives
A good kitchen knife is an indispensable tool in home and professional kitchens. There are no doubts that Japanese knives are the best in the world. And this is no accident: historically, the best edged weapons were produced in the Land of the Rising Sun. After World War II, a ban on its manufacture was introduced and the craftsmen switched to forging cook knives, while preserving the samurai technology.
With all the variety of types and forms of Japanese appliances, among them can be distinguished those that deserve special attention of both chefs and housewives.
The best Japanese kitchen knives: popular models
In Japan, more than 700 varieties of knives are made. Most of them have one-sided sharpening, although double-sided products are gaining more and more popularity. Classic Japanese blades should be separated from modern ones, adapted for European buyers. They differ in shape, sharpening angle, size and other features.
Top Japanese classic type knives
Santoku – universal knife
The name of this knife translates as “three virtues.” And that makes sense. This tool is suitable for three roducts: meat, fish and vegetable (greens, fruits, vegetables), and for the same number of works: cutting, cutting, chopping. This knife is the dream of any chef. Its perfect shape and sharp blade cope with any task. The length of the cutting edge is 16-18 cm, the handle is thin and elegant, very comfortable. The sharpness of the cutting edge of Santoku increases from the base to the tip. Knife movements should be single, smooth, direction from top to bottom.
Classic utility knife
Now Santoku is produced by some European manufacturers. Naturally, in terms of characteristics, they are significantly inferior to the Japanese. Their blades are made of less clean and softer steel grades, and the shape is most often changed.
