SRK8 is not a widely known steel, which is part of why these knives fly under the radar until people try them. It is a Hitachi-made alloy with a composition close to Shirogami (white paper steel) #2 but with small additions of chrome and nickel that improve toughness without compromising the edge-taking qualities that make white paper steel desirable. Kyohei Shindo heat-treats it to HRC 63+ in his small workshop in Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, working alone in the Tosa region blade-making tradition. The resulting edge is sharp, stable, and well-suited to daily kitchen use.
At 140mm blade length the 135mm petty steps up from the compact 120mm into the range where board work becomes more comfortable alongside in-hand tasks. The 32mm blade height keeps the profile narrow and precise - good for detail cuts, fine vegetable prep, protein trimming, and herb work. San mai construction with soft iron cladding. The finish transitions from kurouchi (black as-forged) on the upper blade road to a sandblasted matte lower section, with the polished SRK8 core showing clean at the edge. The burnt oak octagonal handle has a urushi (lacquer) finish. Each knife shows the handmade character of a small-production workshop. 3.2 oz.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers, consistent verdict: the blade, handle, and finish are exquisite, and the knife arrives very sharp out of the box. A second buyer describes it as the perfect size for a wide range of kitchen tasks, with a look that holds up well in regular use.
Care Instructions: SRK8 is a reactive carbon steel - wipe and dry after every use. Avoid acidic foods and moisture. Apply camellia oil for storage. Hand wash only. Sharpen on quality water stones.
At 140mm blade length the 135mm petty steps up from the compact 120mm into the range where board work becomes more comfortable alongside in-hand tasks. The 32mm blade height keeps the profile narrow and precise - good for detail cuts, fine vegetable prep, protein trimming, and herb work. San mai construction with soft iron cladding. The finish transitions from kurouchi (black as-forged) on the upper blade road to a sandblasted matte lower section, with the polished SRK8 core showing clean at the edge. The burnt oak octagonal handle has a urushi (lacquer) finish. Each knife shows the handmade character of a small-production workshop. 3.2 oz.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers, consistent verdict: the blade, handle, and finish are exquisite, and the knife arrives very sharp out of the box. A second buyer describes it as the perfect size for a wide range of kitchen tasks, with a look that holds up well in regular use.
Care Instructions: SRK8 is a reactive carbon steel - wipe and dry after every use. Avoid acidic foods and moisture. Apply camellia oil for storage. Hand wash only. Sharpen on quality water stones.
- Brand: Enjin
- Blacksmith: Kyohei Shindo
- Location: Kami City, Kochi Prefecture, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: SRK8 Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- Finish: Kurouchi (Black As-Forged) / Sandblast / Polished
- Edge Grind: Even
- HRC: 63+
- Handle: Oak Octagonal, Burnt Finish, Urushi Lacquer
- Weight: 3.2 oz (90 g)
- Blade Length: 140mm
- Total Length: 276mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 5mm
- Blade Height: 32mm
2 review(s) 
