New knives

So, here's some fun stuff from my recent trip to Japan. 

The top knife is made by a true master, Tsukasa Hinoura san,  from Sanjo, just outside of Niigata. He is a third generation knife maker and has been forging since he was 22 years old (that's 31 years experience now).  His method of twisted damascus steel is unique and totally cool. The blade is forged from #1 Shirogami (HRC63ish) and the handle is octogon magnolia wood and water buffalo. I only have a santoku for now and it could be yours for a mere $1400CAD.

The other knife is hand forged in Sakai city, just outside of Osaka, by Sugo Yamatsuka san and sharpened by Yukinori Oda san. The blade is forged from Ginsan (HRC63ish) and the handle is octogon magnolia wood and water buffalo. Ginsan or three silver steel has the qualities of carbon steel: capable of wicked sharpness, easy to sharpen, keeps a great edge and feels super silky BUT IS STAINLESS. Sounds like the future to me. I suspect we will be seeing more of this steel. Check out the damascus pattern. It looks like finer prints. How cool is that. We only have 1 x 240mm gyuto left. $565.

Thanks for kicking my ass, Otokar.