Tsukasa Hinoura 150mm Petty San Mai Nashiji Kurouchi Shirogami 2 Ho Wood Handle

Hinoura-San’s san mai series is hand-forged with a #2 shirogami, or white steel core, and iron cladding. These are not done in the warikomi style with the cladding folding around the hagane, rather they are in the less labor intensive ‘san mai’ style with the core extending through to the spine. That said these are a great value for a master’s work. Handle is a 1/2 octagonal, 1/2 oval shape and are very comfortable.

These knives are NOT stainless, and extra care should be taken to keep them dry when not in use. The blade will develop a dark patina with use, and any orange rust needs be removed with a light abrasive. Camellia oil is recommended on the blade in between uses.

Tsukasa Hinoura is a third generation knife maker in Sanjo, Niigata, Japan. Hinoura-San uses no modern machinery in the production of his knives, and he does all the finish grinding and sharpening himself. From the forging of the jigane to the final whetstone finish, traditional materials and techniques are employed. Hinoura-San is famous for his heat treatments, coaxing incredible edge life and toughness out of the materials.