The kiritsuke is Japan's multi-purpose chef knife for experienced cooks - combining the push-cutting efficiency of a gyuto profile with the precision of a pointed tip that mirrors the katana geometry it evolved from. In the hands of Nigara Hamono, forging since the Edo period in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture at the base of the World Heritage Shirakami Mountains, that profile gets the Anmon Damascus treatment: 25 layers of folded stainless steel around an SG2 powdered steel core, hand-finished into the raindrop pattern that takes its name from the Anmon Waterfalls nearby. Every knife carries a unique version of that pattern because every knife is hand-finished individually. One reviewer describes the knife as eye candy you can use without worrying about patina or rust - which is the precise value proposition of SG2 stainless behind a Damascus finish this striking.
At 228mm blade length with 52mm height and 174g, this is the most substantial knife in the Nigara Damascus lineup by blade height - tall enough to be a genuinely capable workhorse through high-volume prep while the kiritsuke profile provides the precision that makes it attractive to experienced cooks. The 2mm spine keeps the knife light and responsive despite the tall blade. SG2 at 62+ HRC delivers excellent edge retention and sharpens to a fine edge on quality water stones, and the stainless construction means no reactive surface management is needed. The wenge octagonal handle and black buffalo horn ferrule complete the knife. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner describes this knife as the rare combination of something you would display and something you use daily without restriction - eye candy backed by SG2 stainless performance that requires no patina or rust management. The value at the price point is specifically noted.
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.
At 228mm blade length with 52mm height and 174g, this is the most substantial knife in the Nigara Damascus lineup by blade height - tall enough to be a genuinely capable workhorse through high-volume prep while the kiritsuke profile provides the precision that makes it attractive to experienced cooks. The 2mm spine keeps the knife light and responsive despite the tall blade. SG2 at 62+ HRC delivers excellent edge retention and sharpens to a fine edge on quality water stones, and the stainless construction means no reactive surface management is needed. The wenge octagonal handle and black buffalo horn ferrule complete the knife. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
What Customers Are Saying: One owner describes this knife as the rare combination of something you would display and something you use daily without restriction - eye candy backed by SG2 stainless performance that requires no patina or rust management. The value at the price point is specifically noted.
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: Black Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 6.1 oz (174g)
- Blade Length: 228mm
- Total Length: 380mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 52mm
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