Japanese Carbon Steel Knife - Umeki Shoji
*For UK orders, this item will be delivered with age verification service (over 18 years old).
This is the most common type of Japanese everyday kitchen knife for most purposes. 'Santoku' means good for cutting vegetables, fish and meat.
The tip of blade tapers with a curve so that it forms a focal point transmitting more strength - for cleaving meat and cutting fish. The part of the blade nearer the handle is straight, which is suitable for paring and rhythm slicing vegetables.
Hand-forged (or black-forged, 'kuro-uchi') by blacksmith Umeki Shoji in Tanegashima, Japan.
Umeki hand 'forge welds' high carbon steel on to the mild carbon steel body to ensure the knife's functionality and durability. The welded part is visible on the blade with a wavy pattern. As high-quality Japanese knife, this item is made in the same way Japanese swords were made.
The double-bevelled 'ryōba' blade is suitable for either right- or left-handed use.
The handle has a traditional octagonal shape. The combination of Japanese zelkova and mahogany is used to ensure durability and resist water.
Each knife bears a different hand-hammered feature and the maker's mark. Presented in a box, it is perfect as a gift or for yourself to treasure, for life.
Measurements:
Blade 12cm (4.7 inches)
Total 24.5cm (9.6 inches) / 60g
Fruits and paring
Blade 15cm (5.9 inches)
Total 28.5cm (11.2 inches)/ 80g
Great for filleting, breaking down medium-sized fish
Blade 18cm (7.1 inches)
Total 30.5 cm (12.0 inches)/ 110g
All-rounder chef's knife.
Material:
Carbon steel (blade)
Japanese zelkova and mahogany (handle)
About the Maker
Umeki Shoji is a blacksmith who hand forges scissors and knives. After working for a steel company in Tokyo, Umeki returned to his native Tanegashima island. He served an apprenticeship with Makise Yoshifumi, the 37th and last master of a renowned blacksmith lineage. Umeki is now the sole keeper of Makise's artisanal heritage. Read more.....
Care
*Please note that all carbon steel items require love and maintenance to prevent rust. The blade will develop patina after years of use. Care instructions are provided with each order. Optional rust eraser is available with a small fee.
