Made in Seki by a small group of nokaji whose skills have been passed down over the course of 3 generations, Hammer Collection blades are amongst the sharpest we sell within their price point and beyond. The bewitchingly intricate beauty of these 45 layers of multilayers knives are matched by their effectiveness and unparalleled ease of maintenance. The central core is VG10 which is laminated with 22 layers of soft stainless on each side.
The hand-hammered surface of the blade fulfils a number of practical functions as well as imbuing an intriguing pattern unique to each maker. By hand hammering the body of the blade’s molecules are pushed closer together thus increasing strength and toughness, a much-needed addition to these satiny edges tho’ enduring are delicate. The hand hammer process also allows the actual edge to be innately more even thus facilitating easy re-sharpening. Also, the random hollows along the body of the blade act like ‘Granton’ indentations thus ensuring that ingredients fall away more easily.
The knives of the Hammer Collection hold a very special significance to JKC as they are the perfect tool to demonstrate the edge maintenance technique we call stropping. The inevitable disbelief of customers upon hearing that blades can be made and kept considerably keener by brushing the edge on a newspaper is easily dissolved, as nearly all our knives can easily be transformed into utter sharpness this way. Due to the ultra thinness of the central core, and exceptional qualities innate within these very special traditionally made blades the edge can be taken from resisting tomato skin backwards and forwards to absolutely silky cutting action within under 30 seconds of stropping on newspaper.
Handles are D shaped and comprised of luxurious and enduring red sandalwood, with black lacquered collars.
The edge of this shape is almost flat for the entire length and is the consummate knife for the preparation of vegetables. The wide rectangular blade is ideal for scooping and the best shape for vertical chopping of hard and dense foods like cabbages, celeriac etc.
Function – Vegetable knife. For Slicing, Dicing and Mincing of vegetables.
Normal length – 160mm to 180mm
Tip: A few models have a completely flat edge with no curve so if you need to roll cut as well as vertically chop (to Julienne or Chiffonade herbs) select a model that has a slight curve towards the tip. This is the ‘uber’ knife for vegetables.
The classic slicer. Long and thin, this is the best shape for the preparation of any flesh (meat or fish – cooked or raw) without bones. The slim profile presents a smaller are of contact with the flesh and thus reduces the strength of the vacuum between the blade and the food resulting in a smoother and easier cut.
Function – Slicing and carving of meat and fish without bones.
Normal length – 240mm to 300mm (a few smaller 180mm and longer 330mm are available)
Tip: Whilst the 240mm or the 270mm lengths are the most popular select the longest length you are comfortable with. The longer the blade, the lesser the pressure required to cut the food and thus increase the ability to cut thinner slices. As this is one knife that is often taken to the table for carving in front of the diners, apart from the functionality, aesthetics should be an important consideration.
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