Hasegawa Gyuto

In February 2009 we introduced the Zanmai Elite Collection, made by an outstanding blacksmith called Yasuhisa Hasegawa. The collection was an instant success especially amongst cooks favoring lighter tools; they loved the deftness these delicately beautiful handmade blades lent their cutting techniques. However, some customers found these multiple beaten blades too delicate, and light having used heavy European knives for most of their lives and being accustomed to a more conventional Western-style handle. So, JKC asked Hasegawa-san to produce a knife of similar quality and performance but with a Western handle and more weight. The result is a firm sturdily balanced blade with an amazing edge. We felt it was time to give credit to their creator thus have christened this the Hasegawa Collection. All steel and other construction details are the same as the Zanmai Elite Collection these 33 layers of Damascus blades have a very thin specially forged VG10 steel central core protected by 16 layers of alternating High Nickel, Low Nickel soft steel on each side. The knives are totally handmade using a hydraulic hammer creating a wider and longer mass, which is then cut away by laser. These collections have what is known as a Hamaguri (Clamshell) grind which means the side of the knife is very slightly curved adding immense toughness to the blades – the edge sharpening is the same as other knives. Hasegawa handles are composed of stunning Desert Iron Wood with three steel rivets
to fix the handle onto the full tang. The Bolster has a very gentle, deep, and long curve to minimize calluses and strains during prolonged use. Every knife has its own Black Cardboard box, which is useful for storage when not in use and presents well as a gift. Wash by soft sponge with kitchen detergent and rinse well after use. Not dishwasher safe. Store in a clean, dry place. Please Note: The handle being natural wood can vary in colour.

GYUTO (Gyu – cow & To – sword): This is the Japanese interpretation of a Western Chef’s knife. It is flat from the handle end for about 1/3rd of the edge and then curves to the tip. It is ideal for the Western style of roll cutting. Function – Multipurpose chef knife. For Slicing, Dicing, Mincing, Filleting and Chopping of meat, fish and vegetables. Normal length – 180mm to 300mm. Tip: With the edge flat for about 1/3rd of the blade – 210 mm or longer the knife-edge profile is the same as a 180mm Santoku from the handle to tip and the same as a 180mm Gyuto from the tip to handle – so essentially a 180mm Gyuto & 180mm Santoku in one knife. The 210mm is the most favoured size for most chefs.