The kiritsuke occupies a distinctive place in Japanese knife culture - longer and more angular than a gyuto, traditionally reserved for senior chefs in professional kitchens, and demanding enough in its geometry to reward real skill. Nigara Hamono in Hirosaki has been forging since the Edo period, when this Aomori castle town was home to over a hundred blacksmith shops. The traditional Tsugaru techniques that shaped those workshops are still present in every blade the company produces today.
This 210mm kiritsuke is built san mai with a Silver 3 stainless core, wrapped in layered Damascus cladding and acid-etched to a deep, distressed surface that shifts in the light. The spine starts at 4mm and tapers aggressively toward the blade, with additional thinning at the tip that gives the knife a precise, pointed character ideal for the kiritsuke format. At 62 HRC the edge is capable and refined. The ebony octagonal handle is well-balanced for a blade of this weight and length, seating naturally in a pinch grip.
Care Instructions: Silver 3 is a stainless steel with very strong corrosion resistance. Hand wash and dry after use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones - the steel responds well and holds an excellent refined edge.
This 210mm kiritsuke is built san mai with a Silver 3 stainless core, wrapped in layered Damascus cladding and acid-etched to a deep, distressed surface that shifts in the light. The spine starts at 4mm and tapers aggressively toward the blade, with additional thinning at the tip that gives the knife a precise, pointed character ideal for the kiritsuke format. At 62 HRC the edge is capable and refined. The ebony octagonal handle is well-balanced for a blade of this weight and length, seating naturally in a pinch grip.
Care Instructions: Silver 3 is a stainless steel with very strong corrosion resistance. Hand wash and dry after use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones - the steel responds well and holds an excellent refined edge.
- Maker: Nigara Hamono
- Location: Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Cladding: Damascus (Acid-Etched)
- Edge Steel: Silver 3 (Ginsan) Stainless
- HRC: 62+
- Weight: 7.8 oz (222 g)
- Blade Length: 198mm
- Total Length: 345mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 4mm
- Blade Height: 49mm
- Handle: Ebony Octagonal
