ZDP189 is made by Hitachi Metals and stands as one of the go to choices for cooks who want top tier performance from a stainless steel. Hardened here to about 65 HRC, it is a steel that not every blacksmith can heat treat properly, but the smiths at Sukenari have built a reputation for doing it right.
This kiritsuke carries a symmetrical 50/50 edge and the angled kiri tip the shape is known for. The fine blade and thin profile combine for a knife that feels nimble and versatile, with a sizable sweet spot for chopping, a gentle belly for rocking motion, and a thin, pointed tip for detail work. Some of these knives are finished with a rosewood octagonal handle and a buffalo horn ferrule to match the blade.
Care Instructions:ZDP189 is stainless but very hard and can chip at this hardness level, so use only wood or soft plastic cutting boards and avoid bones, frozen foods, or other hard materials. Hand wash and dry the blade after use, and strop the edge regularly between full sharpenings to keep this high hardness steel performing at its best on quality water stones.
This kiritsuke carries a symmetrical 50/50 edge and the angled kiri tip the shape is known for. The fine blade and thin profile combine for a knife that feels nimble and versatile, with a sizable sweet spot for chopping, a gentle belly for rocking motion, and a thin, pointed tip for detail work. Some of these knives are finished with a rosewood octagonal handle and a buffalo horn ferrule to match the blade.
Care Instructions:ZDP189 is stainless but very hard and can chip at this hardness level, so use only wood or soft plastic cutting boards and avoid bones, frozen foods, or other hard materials. Hand wash and dry the blade after use, and strop the edge regularly between full sharpenings to keep this high hardness steel performing at its best on quality water stones.
- Brand: Sukenari
- Blacksmith: Hanaki
- Location: Toyama, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: ZDP189
- HRC: 65-66
- Cladding: Stainless Steel
- Finish: Hairline
- Edge Grind: 50/50
- Handle: Rosewood Octagonal
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 6.6 oz (186 g)
- Blade Length: 233 mm
- Total Length: 385 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3 mm
- Blade Height: 51 mm
