Tamahagane 35 Layers Gyuto

We wanted to create a knife that would feel familiar to Western hands with an exceptional edge capable of maintaining the integrity of even the most challenging ingredients and we feel the Tamahagane Collection fulfils this demanding remit.

The word tamahagane refers to the central core of a samurai sword which had to be both strong and outrageously sharp. The ancient joke goes that prisoners should still be pleading for their liberation upon completion of swords strike through the neck, so keen is the executioner’s weapon that the flesh, muscle and sinew are not disturbed and only separate upon movement or blood loss. Our quest for an accessibly priced collection of Western-style knives with an edge of such silkiness that the integrity of even the most challenging ingredients would be maintained led us to the Arai workshop.

Our extensive collaboration with the Arai workshop (in Ogata City, Niigata prefecture) resulted in a range of knives that utilise the best talent and abilities of each of the protagonists. The finest materials (Hitachi and Takefu Special Steels), outstanding knife smiths (Arai family) and uncompromising standards plus an unmatched understanding of the western cook (JKC). This partnership of like minds has led to the birth of what we consider to be an extensive collection of knives that will meet every challenge presented as well as delighting the eye and giving unparalleled cutting action.

The central core of the 35 layers Damascus Steel is a High Carbon Super Steel known as VG10. This High Carbon Super Steel has the highest recommendations in the production of knives by authorities such as the British Steel Confederation and the Solingen Institute of Steel. With 1.1% – 1.3% Carbon the blade is final tempered to a hardness of 60:62 HRC resulting in an edge that can be honed to surgical sharpness and will out endure the best Western knives by 5 to 6 times longer than many in a similar price range. VG10 is often called Cobalt steel due to possessing in excess of 1.5% of Cobalt – an element virtually incomparable in its steel toughening effectiveness. The 17 softer outer layers (SUS410) on either side protect the tough, hard central core and make resharpening much easier than any western knife – whilst giving the blade a most beautiful patina resembling the patterns left by a gentle sea on a fine sand beach.

With a full tang and smooth bolster, the laminated, silicon injected hardwood handles are secured by three steel rivets to provide comfort, wonderful balance and a classic look.

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.