The city of Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture was one of Japan's great forging centers during the Edo period - a castle town where over a hundred blacksmith shops operated within the same district. Nigara Hamono is one of the workshops that survived that era and kept its traditional Tsugaru techniques intact. The knives they produce today carry that continuity forward, made with the same commitment to forging quality that has defined the region for centuries.
The santoku - Japan's knife of three virtues, excelling at meat, fish, and vegetables - is one of the most versatile formats in the kitchen, and this 170mm version is built to a high standard. The core is Silver 3 stainless, wrapped in layered Damascus cladding and acid-etched to a deep, distressed surface with striking visual character. At 62 HRC the edge is hard and precise, and the grind geometry brings the blade down to a thin, capable performer with good food release through the cladding texture. The ebony octagonal handle is well-fitted and comfortable through extended prep.
Care Instructions: Silver 3 is a stainless steel with strong corrosion resistance. Hand wash and dry after use. Avoid the dishwasher. Quality water stones bring out the best in this steel - it sharpens easily and holds an excellent edge.
The santoku - Japan's knife of three virtues, excelling at meat, fish, and vegetables - is one of the most versatile formats in the kitchen, and this 170mm version is built to a high standard. The core is Silver 3 stainless, wrapped in layered Damascus cladding and acid-etched to a deep, distressed surface with striking visual character. At 62 HRC the edge is hard and precise, and the grind geometry brings the blade down to a thin, capable performer with good food release through the cladding texture. The ebony octagonal handle is well-fitted and comfortable through extended prep.
Care Instructions: Silver 3 is a stainless steel with strong corrosion resistance. Hand wash and dry after use. Avoid the dishwasher. Quality water stones bring out the best in this steel - it sharpens easily and holds an excellent 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: 7.3 oz (207 g)
- Blade Length: 169mm
- Total Length: 310mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 4mm
- Blade Height: 49mm
- Handle: Ebony Octagonal
