Hon San Mai Damascus | Chef’s Knife 250 mm

This traditionally forged chef’s knife features a 250 mm long blade made using hon san mai damascus construction – a method where a hard carbon steel core is manually forge-welded into a soft iron clad shaped like a "C". In this case, the outer clad is also multilayered, producing a vivid damascus pattern on the surface.

The warikomi technique involves cutting a groove into the iron cladding and then inserting the core steel by hand. This results in a full wrap construction, combining excellent cutting performance with durability. The finish is kurouchi nashiji, a dark and textured surface that gives the knife a rustic character.

The blade is hand-forged by Munetoshi, a Japanese blacksmith who also crafts tools for agriculture. His approach is rooted in function rather than polish – tools are meant to be used. This knife reflects that philosophy: raw in appearance, precise in performance.

Steel: Shirogami #2 (non-stainless)
Cladding: Warikomi damascus soft iron
HRC: 63
Blade length: 248 mm
Heel height: 52 mm
Spine thickness at heel: 4.5 mm
Spine thickness mid-blade: 2 mm
Weight: 223 grams
Handle: Octagonal macassar ebony with double blond buffalo horn ferrules

Note: Both the core and cladding are reactive. Always dry the blade thoroughly after use to avoid rust.