The 240mm gyuto (Japan's all-purpose chef knife) is the largest knife in the burnt urushi Damascus sub-line from Nigara Hamono, and the one where the Anmon pattern - 25 layers of folded stainless steel named after the Anmon Waterfalls at the foot of the World Heritage Shirakami Mountains near Hirosaki - has the most blade surface to develop across. At 244mm blade length and 50mm height, this is a knife with genuine presence and reach. The 3mm spine - one millimeter thicker than the rest of the line - gives it a solid, confident feel on the board while the blade geometry still produces a thin, clean cutting action through produce and proteins. SG2 at 62+ HRC delivers excellent edge retention and a fine possible edge, fully stainless with no reactive surface to manage.
Nigara Hamono traces its history to the Edo period, when Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture was a castle town with over one hundred active blacksmith shops. Nigara is one of those original Tsugaru forging shops, and the level of craft visible in the hand-finished Damascus pattern on each blade reflects that depth of tradition. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle is lacquer-finished for durability and water resistance, and the warm tone of the oak pairs well with the movement in the Damascus blade face. At 190g this is a substantial knife with the authority its dimensions suggest. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and 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.
Nigara Hamono traces its history to the Edo period, when Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture was a castle town with over one hundred active blacksmith shops. Nigara is one of those original Tsugaru forging shops, and the level of craft visible in the hand-finished Damascus pattern on each blade reflects that depth of tradition. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle is lacquer-finished for durability and water resistance, and the warm tone of the oak pairs well with the movement in the Damascus blade face. At 190g this is a substantial knife with the authority its dimensions suggest. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and 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: Burnt Urushi Oak Octagonal
- Weight: 6.7 oz (190g)
- Blade Length: 244mm
- Total Length: 396mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 50mm
