The Anmon Damascus pattern begins with 25 layers of stainless steel folded around an SG2 powdered steel core. The folding process and the subsequent acid treatment that reveals the pattern are both done by hand at Nigara Hamono in Hirosaki, Aomori - one of Japan's original Edo-period forging centers, where Nigara has operated since the castle town era. The raindrop ripple effect that emerges is different on every blade because the hand-finishing process is never exactly the same twice. The name Anmon comes from the Anmon Waterfalls at the foot of the World Heritage Shirakami Mountains near Hirosaki - and looking at a finished blade under light, the connection to cascading water is not difficult to see.
The 210mm gyuto (Japan's all-purpose chef knife) is where the Anmon Damascus line finds its most practical expression - the format that handles the full range of daily kitchen work and puts the blade character in front of more cutting sessions than any other in the lineup. At 199mm actual blade length, 49mm height, and 142g with a 2mm spine, this is a light, responsive knife for its visual weight. The SG2 core at 62+ HRC delivers excellent edge retention and sharpens to a very fine edge on quality water stones, while the stainless construction means no reactive surface care is needed. The wenge octagonal handle and buffalo horn ferrule are consistent with the rest of the line. Photos by Gustavo Bermudez. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and somewhat chip-prone at this HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Strop regularly and use quality water stones for full sharpenings.
The 210mm gyuto (Japan's all-purpose chef knife) is where the Anmon Damascus line finds its most practical expression - the format that handles the full range of daily kitchen work and puts the blade character in front of more cutting sessions than any other in the lineup. At 199mm actual blade length, 49mm height, and 142g with a 2mm spine, this is a light, responsive knife for its visual weight. The SG2 core at 62+ HRC delivers excellent edge retention and sharpens to a very fine edge on quality water stones, while the stainless construction means no reactive surface care is needed. The wenge octagonal handle and buffalo horn ferrule are consistent with the rest of the line. Photos by Gustavo Bermudez. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and somewhat chip-prone at this HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Strop regularly and use quality water stones for full sharpenings.
- Maker: Nigara Hamono
- Location: Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: SG2 Stainless Steel
- Cladding: 25-Layer Stainless Damascus (Anmon - Raindrop)
- HRC: 62+
- Edge Grind: Double Bevel, Even
- Handle: Wenge Octagonal
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 5.0 oz (142g)
- Blade Length: 199mm
- Total Length: 347mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 49mm
- Photos: Gustavo Bermudez
