Loading... Please wait...
)
Product Description
First impressions: hey, nice bannou. Take two: oh, they call it a yanagiba. On reflection: I'm a little confused.
There's no need to be. Shiro Kunimitsu Hamono's roots run deep - they can call this knife whatever they want. In their literature they refer to the style as mukashinagara-no-hocho-desu, which can be understood as a kitchen knife in the traditional form.
They're talking old, old traditions, as befits a knife making enterprise in business since the eighteenth century. Their special-forged yanagiba doesn't quite fit with the more specialised modern understanding of the name; it's a double-bevel blade for one, and described in the company literature as ideal for meat, vegetables and small fish. Call it a yanagiba, enjoy it as that or as you would a bannou or santoku.
There's something else about this knife, but it's hard to put a finger on. The overall impression is one of rustic beauty, solidity and... confidence? Maturity, perhaps. The blade finish somehow seems to hark from times past, juxtaposed by a precision in the execution of the blade. There's no doubt when you hold it in your hand that it's a hand-crafted item of the highest order.
| Blade steel: | Shirogami #1 | Nantetsu |
| Bevel: | Ryōba double bevel |
| Blade construction: | Warikomi |
| Left-handed available: | Handle and blade suit both hands |
| Handle: | TBA |
| Ferrule: | Horn |
| Blade length: | 170mm |
| Overall Length: | 300mm |
| Blade height: | 44mm |
| Blade spine: | 4mm |
| Handle length: | 130mm |
| Handle width: | 26x22mm |
| Weight in hand: | 126g |
Product Reviews
-
Bonjour de la Suisse romande,
Posted by Philippe - Châtillon / Suisse on 14th Mar 2024
j'ai eu le plaisir de commander 4 couteaux artisanaux japonais chez Knife Japan récemment.
Le service est haut de gamme.
D'une part la force de frappe de 30 artisans couteliers est simplement énorme! D'autre part si vous vous prenez au jeu et passez du temps à examiner les commentaires de Michael sur chaque artisan vous vous surprendrez à approcher de plus près chacun d'eux de manière intuitive.
Après le grand dilemme du choix: pour lequel vous allez apprécier la réactivité du responsable du site, vous allez profiter du professionnalisme de Knife Japan. C'est à l'écoute, c'est carré et c'est très, très rapide. Quand vous toucherez le paquet par DHL de Hiroshima et vous verrez ce que conditionnement veut dire. Protégé par le plastic à bulle tout autour, chaque produit calé au petits oignons, bref du sucre candy. C'est un privilège de pouvoir commercer ainsi avec des personnes de qualité. Sincère merci à Michael.
-
The Perfect Example of Form and Function
Posted by David on 27th Oct 2020
I discovered the work of Shiro Kunimitsu after watching a BBC series on hand crafted items called Made in Japan. In this series they featured these sword smiths making a samurai sword. Their process and reverence to the craft and material spoke to me. When i discovered they made kitchen knives too, I wanted to buy one to support them and their ancient craft.
My experience buying this knife through knife Japan has been amazing. From my initial query regarding delivery to the UK, through to the unboxing. Every step has been a 5 star experience.
Naturally the knife is fantastic. Having trained as a chef, I can comfortably say that this is the sharpest knife I’ve ever used, it’s also beautiful to look at and a real joy to use.
