Harukaze G3 Nashiji Kiritsuke 240mm

G3 stainless steel, also called Ginsan, has built a strong reputation among budget-friendly Japanese knives, and this 240mm kiritsuke from the Harukaze line shows why. The blade carries a stainless nashiji, or pear skin, cladding over the G3 core, all produced exclusively for CKTG by a mid-sized factory in Tosa, Japan.

The kiritsuke profile combines the reach of a gyuto with a sharp, angled tip, giving it extra versatility for both general prep and more detailed cutting work. The edge is ground symmetrically at 50/50 and finished with kanji engraving on both sides, while the handle is an oval magnolia wood with a black pakka wood ferrule. Despite the thin grind and high hardness typical of G3, the steel takes well to regular sharpening and holds an edge for a long stretch between touch-ups.

What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers single out the edge retention and the ease of sharpening for a stainless steel, with one owner reporting the knife still held a strong edge after about nine months of use. The fit between the handle and ferrule draws consistent praise, and buyers note that a thin, high-hardness blade like this one rewards careful, controlled cutting rather than rough use, which keeps the edge intact over time.

Care Instructions: Ginsan (Silver #3) is a low-maintenance stainless steel. Hand wash and dry it after use, keep it out of the dishwasher, and avoid frozen foods or cutting through bone. A quick touch-up on quality water stones now and then is usually all this knife needs to come back to a sharp edge.

Brand: Harukaze

Location: Tosa, Japan

Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai

Core Steel: G3 Stainless Steel (Ginsan)

Cladding: Stainless

HRC: 62

Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)

Edge Grind: 50/50

Handle: Magnolia Wood Oval

Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood

Engraving: Kanji Engraved

Weight: 5.8 oz (166 g)

Blade Length: 245 mm

Total Length: 400 mm

Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm

Blade Height: 48 mm

Photos credit: Gustavo Bermudez