Kohetsu knives are made to our specifications by talented blacksmiths who work with both traditional and modern steels.
The alloy used for this honesuki is HAP40, a semi-stainless steel hardened to an impressive 65 Rockwell. Known for exceptional edge retention, HAP40 can be refined to a razor-sharp edge with relative ease given its hardness. The core is clad in full stainless steel, making the knife durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
This HAP40 Western Honesuki is designed specifically for poultry work, with its pointed tip, triangular profile, and stout build. Unlike many single-bevel honesuki, this version features a double-bevel edge, which makes sharpening more straightforward. Keep in mind that honesuki are boning knives—not cleavers—so avoid using them to chop through bones.
The blade is paired with a handsome Western-style handle made from rosewood scales secured with three stainless steel rivets.Brand: Kohetsu
Location: Seki City, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Core Edge Steel: HAP40
Cladding: Stainless
HRC: 65
Knife Type: Honesuki Boning Knife
Weight: 4.8 oz (138 g)
Edge Length: 141 mm
Total Length: 258 mm
Spine Thickness: 2 mm
Blade Height: 37 mm
Handle: Yo (Western)
Scales: Rosewood
The alloy used for this honesuki is HAP40, a semi-stainless steel hardened to an impressive 65 Rockwell. Known for exceptional edge retention, HAP40 can be refined to a razor-sharp edge with relative ease given its hardness. The core is clad in full stainless steel, making the knife durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
This HAP40 Western Honesuki is designed specifically for poultry work, with its pointed tip, triangular profile, and stout build. Unlike many single-bevel honesuki, this version features a double-bevel edge, which makes sharpening more straightforward. Keep in mind that honesuki are boning knives—not cleavers—so avoid using them to chop through bones.
The blade is paired with a handsome Western-style handle made from rosewood scales secured with three stainless steel rivets.
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
5 Star Steel, 4 Star HandlePosted By: Charles Binger
42 people found this review helpful
Would I buy this again? In a second. In fact the only reason I'm on the site today is to buy a Hap 40 Nakiri. HAP 40 is everthing good you've ever read about it, and the grind of this blade is great. HAP 40 tests (by Larrin) show it having about 85% of the edge retention of ZDP-189 and about 50% tougher. I can't wait to try Magna Cut steel (came out 4/21) with 70+% of ZDP's edge retention and 2 to 4 times it's toughness (depending on heat treat). CKTG checked all the boxes with this knife, especially the Hap 40 steel selection. I have a furniture hobby, so I'm picky about wood. The handle has a great shape and feel. The finish and sizing was off. Someone filed down the tang in one area after the knife was assembled, which left scratches on the tang and the wood finish. Nothing major but it shows some. Someone sanded the wood in a couple spots after it was stained (but b4 final finish coats) to bring its size in line with the tang and touched up the stain badly which leaves the handle a little 2 toned. As I said, I'd buy again. The steelwork is perfect and I didn't expect perfect fit and finish on the wood.
42 people found this review helpful
Would I buy this again? In a second. In fact the only reason I'm on the site today is to buy a Hap 40 Nakiri. HAP 40 is everthing good you've ever read about it, and the grind of this blade is great. HAP 40 tests (by Larrin) show it having about 85% of the edge retention of ZDP-189 and about 50% tougher. I can't wait to try Magna Cut steel (came out 4/21) with 70+% of ZDP's edge retention and 2 to 4 times it's toughness (depending on heat treat). CKTG checked all the boxes with this knife, especially the Hap 40 steel selection. I have a furniture hobby, so I'm picky about wood. The handle has a great shape and feel. The finish and sizing was off. Someone filed down the tang in one area after the knife was assembled, which left scratches on the tang and the wood finish. Nothing major but it shows some. Someone sanded the wood in a couple spots after it was stained (but b4 final finish coats) to bring its size in line with the tang and touched up the stain badly which leaves the handle a little 2 toned. As I said, I'd buy again. The steelwork is perfect and I didn't expect perfect fit and finish on the wood.
Love this knife!Posted By: Gretchen - verified customer
8 people found this review helpful
Great for piecing out whole birds - raw and cooked. We raise our own pastured poultry, so lots of opportunities to use this beautiful and effective knife. Feels great in the hand and gets the job done. A pleasure to use! Good online shopping experience and shipping was quick.
8 people found this review helpful
Great for piecing out whole birds - raw and cooked. We raise our own pastured poultry, so lots of opportunities to use this beautiful and effective knife. Feels great in the hand and gets the job done. A pleasure to use! Good online shopping experience and shipping was quick.
