Nigara Hamono has a excellent reputation for creating one-of-a-kind knives. We are very excited to be stocking these knives. In the words of me ‘they are well nice.’ 

SHAPE: Sakimaru . A version of a yanagiba, being used for precise slicing typically when preparing sushi. With it's distinct flat tip making it look more like a samurai sword than a chef knife, it's the ultimate Japanese knife.

STEEL:  steel. This is very similar to white paper steel but with tungsten and chromium added to it which helps with edge retention and slows down rusting. This steel differs from Blue 1 in its carbon content, Blue 2 being slightly less. Due to the non stainless nature of this steel care must be taken to dry the knife properly after use. 

FINISH: or suminagashi. This type of finish is made by creating a Kitaeji; which is produced by repeatedly folding/stacking then compressing two different steels until they create a laminated pattern. This can then be manipulated in various ways to produce the maker’s desired pattern effect. This material is then clad around the core metal of the blade as an elaborate protective layer for the core steel - thus giving the knife a beautiful and striking appearance.

Jihada (alloy banding) - a Damascus looking pattern, formed when one steel is repeatedly folded. The pattern, visible through polishing, is the result of tiny differences in carbon content through the layers.

HANDLE: Octagonal Ebony wood handle with black Buffalo horn ferule and one silver spacer.

RANGE: Mugen (fantasy)

BLADE LENGTH: 360mm.

MAKER: - Japan

SAUNDERS SAYS: “A truly one off piece. I knew i had to have it as soon as i saw it. One for those who love the alloy banding”