The kiritsuke is Japan's multi-purpose chef knife for experienced cooks - a profile that combines the push-cutting efficiency of a flat heel with the precision of a pointed tip that mirrors the katana geometry it evolved from. At 210mm it is the most maneuverable kiritsuke in the Nigara Damascus lineup, and the burnt urushi oak handle version gives it a visual character that the wenge version does not have - the warmth of lacquered oak against the Damascus blade face creates a different kind of contrast that suits the knife well. Nigara Hamono produces the Anmon Damascus pattern from 25 layers of folded stainless steel around an SG2 core in Hirosaki, where this forging tradition traces back to an Edo period castle town with over one hundred active blacksmith shops.
At 217mm actual blade length, 50mm height, and 186g with a 2mm spine, this is the tallest knife in the burnt urushi sub-line - the generous blade height giving more board presence and better knuckle clearance than a standard 210mm gyuto while the kiritsuke profile adds precision at the tip. SG2 at 62+ HRC is fully stainless and hard enough for excellent edge retention. The Damascus cladding reduces surface adhesion during cutting and gives the blade a visual depth that increases with closer inspection. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle is lacquer-finished for water resistance and long-term durability. 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.
At 217mm actual blade length, 50mm height, and 186g with a 2mm spine, this is the tallest knife in the burnt urushi sub-line - the generous blade height giving more board presence and better knuckle clearance than a standard 210mm gyuto while the kiritsuke profile adds precision at the tip. SG2 at 62+ HRC is fully stainless and hard enough for excellent edge retention. The Damascus cladding reduces surface adhesion during cutting and gives the blade a visual depth that increases with closer inspection. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle is lacquer-finished for water resistance and long-term durability. 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: 6.6 oz (186g)
- Blade Length: 217mm
- Total Length: 370mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 50mm
