Kikuichi is one of Japan oldest cutlery companies - founded in Nara Prefecture in 1300, with over 700 years of blade production behind them. The Elite Carbon line uses SK-5 carbon steel in a mono-steel laser-cut construction - a simple, proven alloy at 59-60 HRC that takes a very fine edge and sharpens easily on quality water stones. Black pakka wood handle with a clean, understated profile suited to both professional and home kitchen use. Carbon steel reactive edge, stainless-look finish on the cladding.
The Elite Carbon petty 150mm uses Swedish carbon steel rather than SK-5 - a softer alloy that responds even more quickly to water stones and forms a patina faster than most Japanese carbon steels. Nick calls it awesome for home use - sharpens very well, patina forms quickly which he loves, and it is a very beautiful knife. He notes it is softer carbon and worth keeping that in mind before buying - a fair point for cooks used to higher-hardness Japanese steels. At 2.9 oz and 29.4mm height with a 1.7mm spine this is a narrow, light, and nimble detail knife for in-hand work and small board tasks. Matt notes the handle has some small gaps and the markings are stamped rather than engraved - worth knowing for buyers who prioritize finish quality. The cutting performance and ease of sharpening are the strengths.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviews averaging 4.5 stars. Nick calls it awesome for home use - sharpens very well, patina forms quickly, very beautiful. He notes it is softer carbon than most Japanese alternatives - a characteristic worth knowing. Matt notes the handle had very small gaps at the tang junction and the markings are stamped rather than engraved - minor finish issues that affect appearance more than performance. Both reviewers find the cutting performance and sharpening ease the defining strengths.
Care Instructions: Swedish carbon steel is reactive and softer than most Japanese carbon steels - it will patina quickly with use, which is normal and desirable. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - the softer steel responds quickly and takes a fine edge with minimal effort.
The Elite Carbon petty 150mm uses Swedish carbon steel rather than SK-5 - a softer alloy that responds even more quickly to water stones and forms a patina faster than most Japanese carbon steels. Nick calls it awesome for home use - sharpens very well, patina forms quickly which he loves, and it is a very beautiful knife. He notes it is softer carbon and worth keeping that in mind before buying - a fair point for cooks used to higher-hardness Japanese steels. At 2.9 oz and 29.4mm height with a 1.7mm spine this is a narrow, light, and nimble detail knife for in-hand work and small board tasks. Matt notes the handle has some small gaps and the markings are stamped rather than engraved - worth knowing for buyers who prioritize finish quality. The cutting performance and ease of sharpening are the strengths.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviews averaging 4.5 stars. Nick calls it awesome for home use - sharpens very well, patina forms quickly, very beautiful. He notes it is softer carbon than most Japanese alternatives - a characteristic worth knowing. Matt notes the handle had very small gaps at the tang junction and the markings are stamped rather than engraved - minor finish issues that affect appearance more than performance. Both reviewers find the cutting performance and sharpening ease the defining strengths.
Care Instructions: Swedish carbon steel is reactive and softer than most Japanese carbon steels - it will patina quickly with use, which is normal and desirable. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - the softer steel responds quickly and takes a fine edge with minimal effort.
- Brand: Kikuichi
- Line: Elite Carbon
- Founded: 1300 AD, Nara Prefecture
- Construction: Mono Steel, Stamped
- Steel: Swedish Carbon Steel (SK-4)
- Handle: Pakka Wood
- Weight: 2.9 oz (84g)
- Total Length: 268mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 1.7mm
- Blade Height: 29.4mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Very enjoyablePosted By: Nick - verified customer
6 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy this knife. It sharpens very well. It is a softer Carbon so keep that in mind when your buying. For home use it is awesome. The Patina forms quickly which I love. It is a very beautiful knife.
6 people found this review helpful
I really enjoy this knife. It sharpens very well. It is a softer Carbon so keep that in mind when your buying. For home use it is awesome. The Patina forms quickly which I love. It is a very beautiful knife.
Product ReviewPosted By: Matt - verified customer
6 people found this review helpful
The knife is a decent deal for the money. Fit and finish leaves a little to be desired as the handle had some very small gaps where it attached to the tang. Also, the markings on the knife were stamped on rather than engraved which means they'll disappear with any amount of patina/use. Holds and edge well and takes one very quickly. Blade is flexible (though not like a boning knife).
6 people found this review helpful
The knife is a decent deal for the money. Fit and finish leaves a little to be desired as the handle had some very small gaps where it attached to the tang. Also, the markings on the knife were stamped on rather than engraved which means they'll disappear with any amount of patina/use. Holds and edge well and takes one very quickly. Blade is flexible (though not like a boning knife).
