Shimo means frost in Japanese - and the reactive iron Damascus cladding on this line earns that name, developing a mottled, ever-changing patina that looks like ice crystals forming across the blade. Masakage knives are produced in Takefu Village, Echizen, where a cooperative of blacksmiths work in close proximity and push each other toward higher standards. The Shimo line is forged by Yu Kurosaki, one of the most technically accomplished young blacksmiths in Japan today, working a White #2 carbon steel core with a reactive iron cladding that produces a finish unlike anything else in the Masakage lineup.
At 150mm this masakage petty sits at the longer end of the petty range - long enough for comfortable board work through citrus, herbs, and proteins, nimble enough for in-hand trimming and detail work. White #2 (Shirogami #2) is a very pure carbon steel that takes one of the finest edges available and sharpens easily on water stones. The symmetrical convex grind gets very thin behind the edge, and the fit and finish on this knife is exceptional for the price. Magnolia wood handle with pakka wood ferrule - traditional and lightweight in hand.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer calls this a great do-it-all petty that quickly became a favorite, praising the excellent height for board work, nimbleness for trimming and portioning, and the reactive Damascus cladding as an ever-changing piece of art. Edge retention receives specific praise.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will patina naturally with use. The iron Damascus cladding will develop a mottled patina quickly - this is normal and desirable. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after each use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil before storage.
At 150mm this masakage petty sits at the longer end of the petty range - long enough for comfortable board work through citrus, herbs, and proteins, nimble enough for in-hand trimming and detail work. White #2 (Shirogami #2) is a very pure carbon steel that takes one of the finest edges available and sharpens easily on water stones. The symmetrical convex grind gets very thin behind the edge, and the fit and finish on this knife is exceptional for the price. Magnolia wood handle with pakka wood ferrule - traditional and lightweight in hand.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer calls this a great do-it-all petty that quickly became a favorite, praising the excellent height for board work, nimbleness for trimming and portioning, and the reactive Damascus cladding as an ever-changing piece of art. Edge retention receives specific praise.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will patina naturally with use. The iron Damascus cladding will develop a mottled patina quickly - this is normal and desirable. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after each use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil before storage.
- Maker: Masakage
- Blacksmith: Yu Kurosaki
- Location: Takefu Village, Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: White #2 (Shirogami #2) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Reactive Iron Damascus
- Finish: Damascus
- Edge Grind: Symmetrical Convex
- Handle: Magnolia
- Ferrule: Pakka Wood
- Weight: 2.6 oz (74g)
- Blade Length: 152mm
- Total Length: 279mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 29mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Nothing But the BestPosted By: Jeff B - verified customer
21 people found this review helpful
Great do it all knife for the kitchen. Has quickly taken over as my favorite petty. Excellent height for board work and is nimble enough for trimming and portioning proteins. Love the profile, has very good fit and finish and holds it's edge well. Would expect nothing less from Yu Kurosaki and Masakage. The reactive Damascus cladding is fun to watch like and ever changing piece of art.
21 people found this review helpful
Great do it all knife for the kitchen. Has quickly taken over as my favorite petty. Excellent height for board work and is nimble enough for trimming and portioning proteins. Love the profile, has very good fit and finish and holds it's edge well. Would expect nothing less from Yu Kurosaki and Masakage. The reactive Damascus cladding is fun to watch like and ever changing piece of art.
