We’re obviously suckers for pocket knives around here. But what do you do once your pockets are full? Level up. Pocket these at your own risk. Prepare for an Iron Chef of one with beautifully practical Japanese tools for culinary traction. Midori Hamono and Tosa knives belong in the kitchen, and in the right hands they’ll will win you an excellent dinner.
Midori Hamono knives set a stellar example for pragmatic tools made beautifully. Handmade in Japan, the thin blades have a professional grade VG-10 stainless core with 15 layers of laminated stainless Damascus cladding, and a tsuchime or hammer marked finish. The dappling of the hammer marks prevents materials from sticking to the side of the knife and the VG-10 is great because it means “gold” and “10.” The long Chef’s Knife is an ideal all-purpose worker, adept at precise and delicate cutting—from sashimi fillets to other delicate, um, meatwork. The Paring Knife, while smaller, is a heavy hitter for small fruits, cheese and decorative cutting, or baby’s first Damascus steel.
The Tosa Nakiri is a traditional blunt vegetable knife. Ideal for fast, small chopping. Between the sharp blade and stout shape, the Nakiri gives good leverage for excellent prep work. The thin blades are handmade in Tosa, Japan. The double beveled edge and core is made from high carbon steel (hagane), forged to hammered iron (jigane) for tensile strength. The Tosa Santoku knife features the same blade stock with a shape ideal for careful slicing. Ideal for many many jobs around the kitchen, these Santoku knives are used for all manner of slicing and skinning, from filleting to peeling.
They’re both easy to sharpen and well known for their durability and long lasting cutting edge. The light wood handles may darken with use but resist breakdown. The blue-black of the forged iron cladding also looks super-boss—perfect for all your stealthy daikon dicing. Make sure to clean and wipe the moisture off the blade after each use to prevent rust. Don’t soak at length. And don’t point, it’s rude.
Check out these cool cutlery options and more, available now at Core77’s Hand-Eye Supply. Order now for Xmas shipping within the US!
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