If there is one country where knife forging and sharpening is deeply rooted in culture, it is Japan. For instance, every knife connoisseur knows the famous Higonokami knife. And the Japanese knife, or sword, is also a staple of Western and Japanese pop culture.

Japanese pocket knives

The Fällkniven A1 is a large outdoor knife, popular amongst bushcraft enthusiasts, survival enthusiasts and hunters. The A1 is the biggest knife in the 1 collection. With a blade length of 16 cm, this knife has already been dubbed a bushcraft sword. Despite its size, it's still a versatile knife to take with you. This knife can do it all: from cutting work to chopping tasks.

Fällkniven A1 knives

A shotoh is the practical little knife for all kinds of precision work. Any task for which your chef's knife, gyuto or santoku is just too big: you can grab your shotoh. The shotoh is the Japanese version of the European paring knife. The shotoh is pretty much identical to the petty knife, with 'petty' being the more European term, and 'shotoh' being more common in Japan. Shotoh means 'small sword' in Japanese.

Shotoh kitchen knives 

The **Silky Tsurugi collection** contains light-weight saws that have the same aggressive power as ‘large’ saws. The perfect combination! Silky was able to produce a collection of unique pull saws that enable you to saw very precisely. And all of that without having to compromise when it comes to cutting power. The saws from the Tsurugi collection are perfectly balanced and named after an ancient Japanese double-edged sword. Narrow and elegant, but very effective!

Silky Tsurugi

**Okatsune pruning and hedge shears** belong to the best on the market. In Japan they have known for centuries how to forge the best knives and swords. So why not razor-sharp pruning shears? Okatsune even uses a type of steel that was used for Katana-swords in the past. Optimal resilience and razor-sharp at the same time. According to many botanists and garden lovers a joy to work with.

Okatsune

## Reasons to buy a Moki knife 

Choosing a Moki knife is an excellent decision because of the combination of craftsmanship, tradition and high-quality materials. These handmade knives from Japan, a country with a rich knife tradition, are known for their exceptional sharpness and precision. 

 

### Moki knives: blade and handle 

Moki uses premium materials such as VG10, AUS6, stainless steel, bone and mother-of-pearl. These steel types guarantee durability and long-lasting sharpness. The ergonomic handles feel great in hand and offer a comfortable grip even during prolonged use. 

 

### Moki knives: valued by enthusiasts 

Fans appreciate the performance and reliability of these knives, evidenced by positive reviews and recommendations. Moreover, Moki knives are true collector's pieces. These high-quality knives are easy to maintain, ensuring long-lasting fun. Moki has knives in different shapes and sizes, so there's always a knife to suit your style. 

 

## History of Moki 

Founded in 1907 in Japan, Moki carries a rich history of craftsmanship and quality. Founder Hiroaki Yoshida was shaped by a family tradition of knife making, where the art of producing knives and swords had been practiced for generations. Initially, the focus was on creating traditional Japanese knives, but over the years, Moki evolved. 

 

The dedication to craftsmanship is what sets Moki apart. Moki knives are handmade in Japan, resulting in high-quality knives that are very durable. The sharp edges of Mooki knives are achieved through the use of high-quality materials such as VG10 stainless steel and AUS6 for the blades, and bone, stainless steel or mother-of-pearl for the handles. 

 

Moki combines traditional Japanese techniques with modern technologies. This combination results in knives that are as beautiful as they are practical. This approach has earned Moki a strong reputation in the knife industry, cherished by knife enthusiasts and collectors around the world. Moki's commitment to quality and innovation ensures their products maintain a prominent position on the market.

Moki

## Features of the Spyderco Murray Carter Collection 

These knives are made from top-quality materials such as stainless VG10 steel. This steel is known for its excellent sharpness retention and corrosion resistance. 

The kitchen knives in this collection were inspired by traditional Japanese knife designs. The blades are long, sleek and have a razor-sharp edge. These knives feature traditional WA-style handles. The handles are designed to offer maximum comfort during use. 

 

The knives in the Spyderco Murray Carter Collection are carefully finished and sharpened to perfection. Each knife has a unique pattern, and some knives may have handmade details or patterns that are hallmarks of Murray Carter's style. 

Although some knives in this collection are designed for specific tasks, most of them are still versatile enough to be used for a variety of cutting tasks. 

 

## Murray Carter 

Murray Carter, born in Halifax, Canada, fell in love with Japanese culture as a teenager. At 18 years of age, he visited Japan and met Sensei Yasuyuki Sakemoto, a 16th generation knife maker whose ancestry can be traced back to some of the most respected sword makers. Carter and Sensei Sakemoto's remarkable relationship led to a 6-year internship and another twelve years of work experience as a knife maker in Japan. Today, Carter is considered to be one of the world's leading experts in the field of Japanese kitchen knives. 

 

As an active knife maker who has made over 25,000 knives, Carter soon realized that he could never meet the insatiable worldwide demand for his handmade knives. To make his elite designs available to a wider audience he decided to work with another legendary presence in the knife industry, a company which also has deep ties to the Japan's most important knife tools: Spyderco. 

 

Spyderco took the meticulous craftsmanship of Carter's handmade designs and turned it into a breath-taking collection of production knives known as the Murray Carter Collection. This amazing knife collection, produced in Japan according to Spyderco's strict quality demands, highlights Carter's very refined expressions of five traditional Japanese kitchen knives.

Spyderco Murray Carter Collection 

## Reasons to choose Shizu Hamono 

Are you passionate about cooking and are you looking to expand your collection of kitchen tools? Shizu Hamono kitchen knives are just the thing. It might be an investment, but you'll be investing in your own cooking delight! 

 

### Japanese kitchen knives 

Shizu Hamono knives are handmade by Japanese artisanal knife makers. They have years of experience in forging knives and use traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. Shizu Hamono uses premium steel types like VG10 and Aogami (Blue Paper Steel). These steel types are known to be durable and have an excellent sharpness retention. The thinly-ground edges guarantee exceptional sharpness. 

 

Shizu Hamono kitchen knives are very comfortable to hold and offer good balance. This contributes to a pleasant cutting experience. The brand has a wide range of knives for different applications in the kitchen, including chef's knives, santoku knives, nakiri knives and more. This allows chefs to choose knives that best suit their cooking style and needs. Shizu Hamono knives have beautiful designs and are clearly made with great attention to detail. These knives are appreciated for their aesthetic value alongside their functionality. 

 

### Craftsmanship 

Owning a Shizu Hamono knife is often seen as a sign of dedication to the culinary arts. This brand has a great reputation and is often associated with professional chefs and gourmets. 

 

## History of Shizu Hamono 

Shizu Hamono Co. Ltd. was founded in 1980. However, the brand's history goes back much, much further. The name of the company subtly refers back to its origins. 'Shizu' refers to Saburo Sizu. A master craftsman and sword maker from the Edo period (1603-1868). Hamono refers to Japanese cutting tools such as chisels, scrapers, knives and other products with a blade existing of two parts: a rock-hard steel core, forged together with a softer, stainless steel. This is still a popular choice for Japanese knife makers. And that includes Shizu Hamono! 

 

Not much more information can be found about this mysterious knife manufacturer. But as they put it: 'Our dream become products from our enthusiasm and technology'. We're sold.

Shizu Hamono kitchen knives

## Features of a Higonokami pocket knife

The construction of a traditional Higonokami is really simple. The handle is made from one piece of usually brass or stainless steel. This has been folded over, which forms the grip scales. This simple but effective construction keeps the price of a Higonokami quite low.

Typically, these knives are not fitted with a lock. The thumb rest (chikiri), and the friction of the hinge screw and handle ensure that the knife stays in the opened position during use. The friction of the handle scales also ensures that the knife does not open when it shouldn't. This type of knife is called a 'friction folder'. The reversed-tanto style blade, with its pointed tip, is another typical feature.

## How to choose the best Higonokami

### Choose your preferred brand

The first step in choosing a Higonokami is to select the brand. At Knivesandtools, you will find Higonokami knives from 3 renowned brands:

**Higonokami**: the only original brand officially allowed to use the name. The knives are entirely handmade, by one maker: Mr. Motosuke Nagao.

**Ohta**: this brand produces beautiful handmade knives with the same attention to detail and quality as the original Higonokami.

**Böker**: these modern interpretations lack the traditional chikiri (lever), giving them a sleeker and contemporary look.

### Steel types

Choose a knife based on steel type:

**SK-carbon steel**: tough and easy to sharpen.

**Aogami (Blue Paper carbon steel)**: a premium steel with excellent cutting properties.

**Stainless steel**: low-maintenance and corrosion-resistant, ideal for those who value convenience.

## The history of Higonokami knives

The origins of the Higonokami are intertwined with Japanese history. Towards the end of the samurai era, the samurai lost many of their privileges. Including carrying a sword in public spaces. As a result, many blacksmiths lost their biggest customers and started mass-producing knives. Many of these blacksmiths settled around Miki, a region with many rivers and iron ore sands, and the historic birthplace of the Higonokami.

The name Higonokami is a contraction of 'Higo no Kami'. This means 'lord of Higo' in Japanese; an honorary title for samurai from the Higo region in Japan. In 1899, a knife makers' guild was established in Miki, which established the name 'Higonokami' as a trademark in 1907\. Only members of the guild had the right to produce a Higonokami. At its peak, the guild counted as many as 50 blacksmiths. From carpenters to schoolchildren, everyone in Japan used to carry a Higonokami pocket knife.

The Higonokami has grown into one of the most famous knife designs ever. And it's deeply rooted in knife history. Today, the guild has all but disappeared. There's only one original creator who still produces them: Mr. Motosuke Nagao. You'll recognize his knives by their blue and gold cardboard boxes. According to tradition, he is the only one who is allowed to use the term Higonokami. Nevertheless, there are many other brands using this name. Such as the Japanese brand Ohta. They are just as distinctive!

Higonokami

## How to choose the best survival knife 

### Survival knife: steel type 

The first choice to make is the type of steel you're looking for. Do you prefer a blade that is easy to sharpen? One that is stainless? Or rather one made from really tough (but not stainless) carbon steel? Carbon steel, in general, doesn't retain its sharpness as long as stainless steel. However, carbon steel is easy to sharpen, so that shouldn't be a problem. It's incredibly tough and can handle its own. Then there are hybrid steels like D2, which is relatively corrosion resistant but still very tough. 

In short; it depends on your intended use and personal preferences. 

### Survival knife: handle 

The handle should be comfortable to hold and offer enough grip in a variety of circumstances. G10 is a commonly used handle material; it's strong and lightweight. Micarta is strong and lightweight too. It differs from G10 in the way it becomes even more grippy when wet. Rubber is by far the best material in wet conditions. The disadvantage of rubber is that it's not very heat-resistant. 

Natural materials like horn or wood are stunning, but less suited for survival knives as they're not equipped to handle extreme changes in weather. 

### Survival knife: blade shapes 

The most commonly used blade shape is the drop-point shape. A survival knife with drop-point blade is a true all-rounder, from processing game to building a shelter; it can handle it all. The clip-point blade shape is another popular option, which you might recognise from bowie knives. This shape is optimised for processing game. The spear-point and tanto blade shapes are great piercers. The spear-point is more suitable for general cutting tasks than the tanto. 

### Size of the blade 

Survival knives come in many shapes and sizes. There are survival knives with blades of only 10 cm in length, to miniature swords. Which outdoor knife should I choose? A smaller outdoor knife will be perfect for more precise cutting tasks like woodcarving or making feathersticks. Moreover, smaller survival knives are usually easier to carry. Large survival knives, on the other hand, are great for heavy-duty tasks like batoning or chopping away vegetation as you move through the woods. 

### Serrated or not? 

Survival knives can have a serrated edge, a plain edge or a partially serrated edge. A serrated edge is ideal for cutting through tough materials like rope. Think, for example, of knives designed for pilots, capable of cutting through seat belts or even the relatively thin metal of a cockpit. Serrated blades usually retain their sharpness longer than a plain-edged blade. They are also more suitable to use as an impromptu saw, for example. 

### Survival knife sheath 

Sheaths for survival knives are often made of plastic, kydex, nylon or leather. Plastic sheaths are a usually included with more affordable survival knives. It's water-resistant and easy to clean. Kydex is a great material that is low-maintenance, water-resistant and durable. Nylon is lightweight, resistant to different climates but not very wear resistant. Leather is a stunning natural material, of course, but it's susceptible to wet or too dry conditions. That's why leather will require a bit more maintenance than other materials. 

Sheaths can also be used in combination with different carrying systems, like belt clips, belt loops, a leg strap or MOLLE system.

Survival knives

## Why choose Suncraft knives?

In terms of designs, Suncraft remains largely faithful to the traditional Japanese kitchen knives of the past. Where they distinguish themselves is in the use of high-quality materials such as stabilized pakka wood, Damascus steel with a core of Japanese VG10 steel, and premium SG2 powder steel, which is one of the best types of steel for kitchen knives. It is prized for its excellent corrosion resistance and sharpness retention. The brand also plays with the concept of a Japanese kitchen knife. The Senzo Twisted Octagon series with spiral 'Wa-style' handle is a fine example of this.

### Suncraft: amazing value for money

Are you looking for a kitchen knife, or several, that have a great price-quality ratio? Then Suncraft is the right brand for you! Despite the use of premium materials and sleek finishes, they manage to keep prices low. The knives are robust and feel at home in every kitchen!

## Suncraft series

### Suncraft Senzo Black

Those not afraid of some darkness in the kitchen will choose the [Suncraft Senzo Black series](kato://category/suncraftsenzoseries). These knives feature a dark handle with the high-contrast markings of a damascus blade.

### Suncraft Senzo Classic

The [Suncraft Senzo Classic series](kato://category/suncraftsenzoclassicserie) will appeal to fans of classic Japanese-style knives. However, they have been lifted all the way to the 21th century with a forged, steel bolster. As a result, these knives are incredibly well-balanced.

### Suncraft Senzo Twisted Octagon

The [Suncraft Senzo Twisted Octagon series](kato://category/suncraftsenzotwistedoctagonseries) is a very special line of knives with octagonal, twisted handles. Very unique!

### Suncraft Elegancia

The [Suncraft Elegancia series](kato://category/suncrafteleganciaseries) is one of a kind. The blades are relatively large, and the handle is also placed quite high compared to the blade. As a result, you have quite a lot of space for your hand between the knife and the cutting board.

## Suncraft product types

### Suncraft santokus

Santokus are Suncraft's most popular product type. The classic Japanese kitchen knife, made by a high-quality Japanese brand.

### Suncraft chef's knives

People who prefer Western blade shapes will also be satisfied by Suncraft's range. Suncraft offers excellent chef's knives. Or as they're known in Japan: gyutohs.

## History of Suncraft

Suncraft was founded in 1948 in Seki City, Japan, by Kohei Kawashima. Seki is the knife capital of Japan. Here, samurai swords and other cutting tools have been made for hundreds of years. It's a city that is alive with knife culture and history. Over the years, Suncraft has continued to invest in the latest production methods, without losing sight of the rich traditions of Japanese knife making. And still, the company is run by the Kawashima family. Knivesandtools has been selling Suncraft knives since 2022.

Suncraft kitchen knives

## Reasons to choose Nontron 

A Nontron knife is traditionally made to be used. From food prep during a picnic to cutting your steak in a fancy restaurant. This ancient, proven design still exists for a reason after all. It is a functional tool that is also aesthetically pleasing. 

### Turning ferrule lock 

Many Nontron pocket knives are equipped with a ferrule lock. This is a type of latch that is somewhat similar to the one we know from Opinel. The ferrule is a ring that rotates around the pivot. This makes sure the blade is blocked. 

 

## Nontron series 

### No. 22 

The No. 22 is a French pocket knife as you would expect a French pocket knife to look. The No. 22 has an 8 cm long blade, making the No. 22 one of the more compact pocket knives from the Nontron range. 

### No. 25 

The Nontron No. 25 is very similar to the No. 22, but just a size bigger. Thus, the No. 25 sits between the No. 22 and the No. 30. 

### No. 30 

The Nontron No. 30 is one of the largest pocket knives in the Nontron range, in the same style as the No. 22 and the No. 25. 

### Violin Knife 

The Nontron Violin Knife is a classic slipjoint pocket knife from France. Take it with you on your picnic or hikes for small cutting tasks. This pocket knife is also popular among collectors! 

 

## Nontron kitchen knives 

Nontron's kitchen knives are made in traditional French style, but with a simple and elegant design. Like their pocket knives, most kitchen knives have handles made from wood, usually olive wood or boxwood. This gives them a natural look and makes them feel great in hand. Nontron kitchen knives often feature an identifiable brand stamp on the blade or handle to reflect their authenticity. Nontron's range of kitchen knives includes a bread knife, a carving knife, an oyster knife, a corkscrew and more. 

 

## History of Nontron and Coutellerie Nontronnaise 

Writings and excavations have proven that forging knives was a part of daily life in France long before the Middle Ages. Writer Guillaume de la Villeneuve, for instance, already refers to 'Pierregord knives' from Perigord in the 13th century. Even after those days, they praised blacksmiths for their skills in poems and songs. Historians even claim that the French king Charles VII (1403-1461), also called 'The Conqueror' by Joan of Arc, had his sword made in Nontron. In the 18th century Nontron had thirty-five knife makers. Because of a series of events, this number was reduced until only one was left in 1928: Coutellerie Nontronnaise. On 21 June 2000, the new studio, designed by Luc-Arsène Henry opened its doors. Coutellerie Nontronnaise is the only one who continues and maintains this ancient knife tradition. It's an homage to all blacksmiths who, throughout the centuries, put their heart and soul into these knives. In short: a Nontron knife speaks volumes! 

 

### Made in France, by real craftsmen

Today, Nontron knives are still largely made by hand. With local products and equipment, just like in the 16th century. It takes 40 steps to produce a Nontron knife. Each knife is made by the same person from start to finish. From shaping the handle and adding the brass or nickel silver ferrule, to polishing the wood and sharpening the blade. These blades, made from French T12 steel, have been produced in the Forge de Laguiole workshop ever since 1992. Coutellerie Nontronnaise uses box wood for many of its knives. This wood originates in France and is left to dry for 4 years before it is used.

Nontron pocket knives

## What makes Old Bear knives unique? 

The first thing you notice is how lightweight the knives actually are. It is the result of the thin blade and the laminated wood that was used for the handle. The wood is often also enhanced with a stunning colour. 

Old Bear is very environmentally conscious and aims for a small ecological footprint. To achieve this, they use a lot of environmentally friendly materials and production methods. Even the packaging has been given a lot of thought, as it is made of recycled cardboard. 

Each Old Bear knife is enhanced with a unique lock. This ring lock, also called 'Lupo' or 'Wolf' is rock-solid. Once fully opened you can easily lock the knife with one hand. Closing the lock is easy and can also be done with one hand. The lock is what distinguishes Old Bear from comparable knife brands. 

## Old Bear knives: series 

### Old Bear Total Black series 

The Old Bear Total Black is black, as the name suggests. These knives feature a laminated, black wooden handle and a blade with a black coating. Even the famous Lupo lock is black on these knives. As a result, these knives have a sleek and modern look. Like any other pocket knife, the Old Bear total black series is suitable for standard cutting tasks. 

### Old Bear Rainbow series 

The Old Bear Rainbow series has perhaps one of the most beautiful handles of Old Bear knives. For those who want colour, this knife is perfect as the handle has all the colours of the rainbow. The Old Bear Rainbow series consists of several pocket knives a mushroom knife and a child's knife. 

### Old Bear Wood Carved series 

Looking for a unique knife with a wooden handle? The Old Bear Wood Carved collection is just the thing. The thoughtfully crafted handles in this series are made from wood. Functional and stylish. 

## Old Bear product types 

### Old Bear pocket knives 

The Old Bear pocket knives have a classic look and feature Lupo-lock mechanism. The nail nick in the blade makes the knives easy to open. Old Bear pocket knives are available in different handle materials, including walnut wood and olive wood. The wooden handles come in different colours such as: blue, green or rainbow. 

An Old Bear pocket knife is perfect for standard cutting tasks such as opening boxes or opening an envelope. An Old Bear knife is perfect for making a sandwich or peeling an apple while camping. 

### Old Bear mushroom knife 

Like the pocket knife, a classic-looking knife with wooden handle. The Old Bear mushroom knife has a curved blade perfect for harvesting mushrooms. On the back of the handle is a brush for cleaning the mushrooms. The Old Bear mushroom knife is a very practical, intuitive knife. 

### Old Bear pruning knife 

A garden knife with classic look specially designed for the garden. The Old Bear pruning garden knife has a curved blade for cutting flower stems or small branches. 

### Old Bear children's pocket knife 

Small in size but no less useful. The only difference is that the pocket knife has a blunt blade. This teaches children to use a pocket knife independently without the risk of accidentally cutting themselves. 

### Old Bear grafting knife 

The Old Bear grafting knife was designed to graft plants. For this, a part of the plant is attached to a part of another plant. This technique is often used to improve and reinforce the plant. 

## History of Old Bear 

The Old Bear brand emerged in 2015 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Antonini Knives. So, the history of these two brands is inherently intertwined. Antonini knives was founded in 1925, so it has been around for almost 100 years. For 3 generations, Antonini knives have been making knives for use in agriculture, fishing and industry. The company was founded with a passion for quality and craftsmanship. Around 300,000 knives are produced per year on site in Italy. The Maniago region is the knife capital of Italy. Swords, knives and other tools made of steel have been made here since the Middle Ages.

Old Bear pocket knives

## Why choose a Kai knife? 
Kai has been making cutting tools according to the traditions of the legendary Samurai of ancient Japan for over 115 years. Kai kitchen knives do justice to this ancient Japanese art of forging. This forging art still forms the basis for many of their new products today. Kai aims to produce exceptional knives of the highest quality, regardless of the price range of the kitchen knife. That's why the price-quality ratio is always top-notch! 
 
Kai knives are made from natural materials, which are processed and shaped with the expertise of traditional Japanese forging. Kai kitchen knives are the epitome of Japanese craftsmanship. If that's not a reason to choose a Kai knife, we don't know what is. 
 
## Kai series 
### Kai Shun Classic 
The Shun Classic series is Kai's flagship collection. It consists of stunning kitchen knives with 32-layered damascus steel, with a core of VG-MAX steel. The handles are made from black pakka wood. These knives have a traditional D-shaped handle: a Japanese feature. This knife series is among one of the most comprehensive series in the world. 
 
### Kai Shun Classic White 
The Shun Classic series, now available in white. The Shun Classic White series consists of six beautiful kitchen knives made from 32-layers of damascus steel and a core of VG-MAX steel. The handles are made from beautiful light-coloured pakka wood, with a traditional D-shaped handle: a Japanese design 
 

### Kai Shun Pro Sho 
Kai's Shun Pro Sho series consists of premium kitchen knives with the traditional one-sided grind as is common in Japan. One side features a decorative pattern, made with an innovative etching technique. The other side is blasted to create a matt finish. The dark handles are made from beautiful pakka wood, with a traditional D-shaped handle: a Japanese design feature. 
 
### Kai Shun Nagare 
The Shun Nagare series is Kai's signature collection. These are premium-quality kitchen knives with 72-layers of damascus steel, with a pattern reminiscent of rays from the rising sun. A paragon of Japanese forging. The handle features a Western design and is as aesthetically pleasing as the blade. 
 
### Kai Shun Premier Tim Mälzer 
The Shun Premier Tim Mälzer series is an extensive collection of knives, developed in collaboration with German TV chef Tim Mälzer. These Kai shun knives were made according to his preferences. They feature a beautiful damascus-steel blade with hammered finish and a brown handle made from walnut wood. 
 
### Kai Shun Premier Tim Mälzer Minamo 
The Shun Premier Tim Mälzer Minamo series is a three-piece extension of the Shun Premier series. These knives are an artistic combination of Japanese style and European design, featuring distinctive high blades. The combination of black pakka wood and the damascus pattern has turned this Kai shun knife into a unique work of art. 
 
### Kai Tim Mälzer Kamagata 
The Tim Mälzer Kamagata series is a budget-friendly collection of knives that prioritises functionality, high quality and minimalist aesthetics. . There is a knife for every cutting task. The name 'Kamagata' comes from the knives' characteristic straight edges. 
 
### Kai Seki Magoroku Composite 
The Seki Magoroko Composite series is a hybrid knife series. Unique within Kai's range, this collection of knives features a distinctive ornate copper line on the blade. It is the dividing line between the two types of steel that were used for the blade. Hence the name 'Composite'. 
 
### Kai Seki Magoroku Redwood 

The Seki Maroku Redwood series is a budget-friendly series, prioritising sharpness and functionality, recognizable by its reddish-brown D-shaped handle made from pakka wood. The design combines a minimalist basic design with traditional Japanese aesthetics. 
 
### Kai Seki Magoroku Shoso 
The Seki Magoroku Shoso collection distinguishes itself from other Kai collections with its striking design. Completely made from stainless steel and with an ergonomically shaped, non-slip handle. These are truly unique Japanese knives. 
 

### Kai Seki Magoroku Kinju & Hekiju 
The Seki Moroku Kunju & Hekiju series was specially designed for cutting meat and fish. Therefore, you will mainly find debas and yanagibas, which are traditional Japanese knives for this intended use. The blades are made of highly corrosion-resistant steel. 
 
### Kai Wasabi Black 
The Wasabi series is an extensive collection. It has everything from santokus to 5-piece knife sets. If you're looking for an inexpensive and high-quality Japanese kitchen knife, look no further. This series is perfect for beginning chefs and amateur chefs. 
 
### Kai Michel Bras 
The Michel Bras series was specifically designed to suit the wishes and requirements of French chef Michel Bras. These premium knives are breathtakingly beautiful. These knives feature a laminated, black wooden handle and a blade with a black titanium coating. Each knife comes with a unique serial number: that's how special they are! 
 

## Kai product types 
Kai's range is immense! In addition to knife collections, Kai also excels in the amount of product types they offer. We've listed a few of these for your convenience. 
 

### Kai chef's knives 

When it comes to high-quality Japanese kitchen knives, Kai is at the absolute top. So with a Kai Shun chef's knife, you are in the right place. From entry-level series for the amateur chef, to professional chef's knives for accomplished chefs. 

 

### Kai santoku knives 

With a major Japanese brand like Kai, the iconic santoku is a must. The santoku is the Japanese version of a European chef’s knife. They are extremely versatile kitchen knives. Ideal for cutting, crushing and scooping meat, fish and vegetables. 

 

### Kai nakiri knives 

The nakiri should not be missing from the Kai range either. A nakiri knife is a traditional Japanese vegetable knife, recognisable by its rectangular blade. This is without doubt the knife with which you can effortlessly chop all kinds of vegetables. 

 

### Kai bread knives 

Kai bread knives are knives with which you can cut all types of bread. From hard crusts to soft buns, from bread rolls to freshly baked bread. Even hard vegetables like pumpkin can be effortlessly cut with a bread knife from Kai. 

 

### Kai knife sets 
With many sets and series to choose from, there is a suitable knife set for everyone. A knife set is often not only more affordable, it also looks great when your kitchen knives match. We sell all knife sets from Kai. From basic sets to everything you need in the kitchen. 
 

### Kai accessories 
Though Kai is known for their sublime kitchen knives, but they also offer many accessories. For example, beautiful knife blocks or stunning knife guards for storing your knives. There are also cheese graters and cutting boards. Kai accessories complete your kitchen! 
 
## History of Kai 
Kai was founded in Seki City, Japan. The forests and water sources in and around Seki are what made the town the perfect base for swordsmiths. During the Meiji period (1868 - 1912) a law was implemented prohibiting the samurai from carrying swords. As a result, swordsmiths were forced to convert their sword-making skills to cutlery, kitchen knives and other cutting tools. 
 
Under these circumstances, Saijiro Endo's older brother opened a factory to produce folding knives. Once he finished school, Saijiro started working in the factory. During his eight-year apprenticeship, he learned the craft and got married. At the age of 20, he opened his own small factory in 1908. That's how Kai started out. After the start of World War I, demand for knives dramatically increased. Despite many difficulties, Saijiro persevered in his craft. His hard work paid off. After producing a very popular folding knife, his fame increased, and he became the number one knife manufacturer in Japan.

Kai kitchen knives

There are different famous kitchen knife brands that produce damascus steel knives. The number of steel layers varies, but the similarity is clear: these knives are stunning. We added four of the best knives to this line-up.


**Sakai Takayuki bunka** 

This [Sakai Takayuki bunka knife](kato://product/TA07480) has a kengata blade. Kengata stands for ‘sword-like’ and refers to the sharply sloping end. The blade has a core made from hard VG-10, encased in 33 layers of damascus steel. The side is hammered. This takes care of the unique look and feel.

[Discover all Sakai Takayuki knives](kato://category/sakaitakayukibrand)


**Nesmuk Exclusive C90 chef's knife** 

When you look at this [Nesmuk Exclusive C90 chef's knife](kato://product/NEEDC90BM180) your eye is immediately drawn to the unparalleled damascus steel blade. This blade is comprised of a whopping 210 layers of damascus steel. The blade has a double-sided hollow grind. As such the edge is extra thin and, as such, razor-sharp.

[Discover all Nesmuk Exclusive knives](kato://category/NEXCLUSIVE)

Line-up: damast kitchen knives

## Aogami / Blue Paper Steel

Taken literally, Aogami means 'blue paper' in Japanese. It owes its name to the packaging in which the manufacturer Hitachi delivers the steel. It is a version of White Paper Steel; a very pure type of steel taken from iron-rich river sand with only carbon as an alloy. White Paper Steel is similar to the traditional Tamahagene steel that was/is used to create Japanese swords.

Blue Paper Steel is White Paper Steel with the addition of small amounts of chrome and tungsten. It might make the steel a little less traditional but it does improve the qualities. Blue Paper Steel is more resistant to corrosion and chipping than White Paper Steel, although it is certainly not a stainless type of steel.

There are three gradations of Blue Paper steel: #2, #1 and Super. For the [Eden Kanso Aogami knives](kato://category/edenkansorechts) the 'number 2' is used with 1.2% carbon. This leaves you with a hard (62-63 HRC) knife that can be sharpened razor-sharp but is also rock-solid.

**Check out all [Aogami steel kitchen knives here](/en/ct/knives-by-type.htm?kitchen-steel=Aogami%20Blue%20Paper%20steel%2CAogami%20Super%20Blue%20Paper%20steel%2CBlue%20Paper%20Super)**

Steel types for kitchen knives

## The history of damascus steel
In the past a piece of rough steel was forged into a longer piece. This was folded and forged together again. By repeating this process multiple times one ended up with a piece of steel that was comprised of hundreds, sometimes even thousands of layers. To create damascus steel the steel is heated in a fire. By heating it like this the steel would absorb the carbon from the coals. By repeatedly folding it the carbon was spread out all over the steel. The carbon hardens the steel and leaves behind a finer grain structure. As such the steel can be sharpened even finer. The knives and swords that were made from this type of steel were less prone to break or fold.

The damascus steel was folded so many times because the steel needed to be hardened and refined. This also removed any imperfections. The fact that the steel absorbed the carbon and became even better was accidentally discovered during the process.

## Damascus steel today
Today the process used in the past is no longer necessary to produce top-quality steel. The alloys coming from the steel factories today are a lot better than the old-fashioned damascus steel from the past. It is said that the original way of forging damascus steel in the 19th century was lost, but that is not true. Producing damascus steel, however, did become an art form. Most often two or more different types of steel are used. Types of steel with a different carbon content, for instance. 

The damascus steel is comprised of complex shapes. You can tell when you look at the pictures of the knives on this page. When a damascus steel blade is finished it is often chemically or mechanically processed. As such the layers become even more visible. Afterwards the blade is held in a container of chemicals.

For industrially-produced damascus steel a 'normal' top-quality type of steel such as VG10 or 3G is often forged in between two layers of factory-made damascus steel.	 At that point the damascus steel merely has an ornamental function because the steel that forms the cutting edge is comprised of one layer of monosteel. 

## Origin of 'damast'
When you hear the word 'damascus steel' you might think of the Syrian city of Damascus. This makes sense because the names are very similar. That this type of steel was named after the city is the most accepted theory. Damast is also a weaving technique that was used on silk fabrics. These fabrics came from Damascus and were, like the damascus steel, enhanced with unique patterns.

Also, the term 'damas' in Arabic means 'watered'. When you look at a damascus steel blade you see that it has flowing and water-like patterns. This is also where the name might have come from. As such we cannot say for sure where the name came from.

## Industrial damast
In addition to the very valuable damascus steel that is produced on a smaller scale, mostly by very skilled 'artists', there is also industrially-produced damascus. This is the damascus steel that is often used for kitchen knives and is still affordable. Kitchen knives made from 'real' damascus steel are pricy.

## Is damascus steel better than normal steel?
Despite the fact that damascus steel is much more expensive than normal steel, this is mostly the result of the process that is used to end up with this type of steel. Many people believe that damascus steel is better, but that is actually never really the case. It is mostly about appearance, considering the fact that each knife is unique thanks to the pattern of the damascus steel.

## Damasteel or Damascus Steel?
Is damasteel the same as damascus steel? Simply put: no. Damasteel is a manufacturer of damascus steel. It is the only commercial manufacturer of damasteel, who uses two types of powder steel to produce damasteel. The result is a combination of the best performances with stunning looks. Damasteel is often confused with damascus steel, but it is really different.

What is damascus steel?

## What is sabering?
When you sabre a bottle of champagne, you remove the top part of the bottle (including cork). Because there is a lot of pressure on the bottle, this piece shoots off.The force is so high that no glass splinters end up in your drink. 

One key condition when sabering a bottle of champagne, is that there is enough pressure inside the bottle. For a bottle of champagne this is 6 bar. The cork really pops when you knock it off. Because a bottle of prosecco only has 3 bar in terms of pressure, it is not suitable for sabering. A bottle of Cava does have enough pressure built up inside the bottle. But let's be frank here, sabering is most impressive if you use a bottle of champagne.

You use a champagne sabre to sabre a bottle. There are different models available on the market today. There are small, practical sabres you can easily carry with you. But more often a champagne sabre is an impressive 'sword' that is meant to stand out. Many people hang the sabre from the wall or place it somewhere as a decorative piece when it is not used. Because the edge is not sharpened, the sabre is not dangerous.

A champagne sabre simply looks amazing. And the blade is great for engravings. As such it is not surprising that it is a popular gift for special occasions. Would you like to give someone a champagne sabre from our range as a gift? [We would love to engrave it for you](kato://product/ENGRAV)!

How-to sabering

A yanagiba is a long, Japanese kitchen knife that is used to cut sashimi, raw fish. It is sometimes also called a type of kitchen katana, after the famous Japanese sword. Makes sense when you look at the shape of the blade: long, thin and with a pointed tip. The edge is always enhanced with a one-sided grind.

Because of the long blade you can quickly cut through a piece of meat or fish in one go. As such you prevent using a sawing movement and end up with the best results. This is a real must-have for sushi enthusiasts. Amazing when cutting through maki rolls and to cut sashimi for on nigiri.

Which types of Japanese knives are there?

UK knife law allows you to carry non-locking pocket knives with a blade length up to 3 inches (7.62 cm) without any need for a valid reason.


You are allowed to carry a knife which exceeds these guidelines in public, but please remember: you will do need a good reason to carry it. Gov.uk has the following to say on good reasons to carry a knife:


*'Examples of good reasons to carry a knife in public can include:*


* *taking knives you use at work to and from work*
* *taking knives to a gallery or museum to be exhibited*
* *the knife is going to be used for theatre, film, television, historical re-enactment or religious purposes, eg the kirpan some Sikhs carry*


*A court will decide if you’ve got a good reason to carry a knife if you’re charged with carrying it illegally.'*


## Abuse is still illegal


Also remember that using any knife (legal or illegal) in any threatening way, is also illegal. So using your (legal) Swiss Army knife in any threatening way is still illegal.


## UK Friendly


Because of the conditions listed above, we like to call these knives [UK friendly](kato://content/migrated_pageid_1073) instead of UK Legal. Knives that are sold on our website that are not UK Friendly are fine as long as you keep them in your own home, or on your own property.


## Knife-free zones


There may be zones where you are not permitted to carry any knife at all, regardless of size or locking mechanism. As you may understand this often is the case in football stadiums, bars, clubs, city centres and other crowded places.


## Other banned knives


There are several other types of knives that are illegal to own. Other banned knives include the following list:


* flick knives (also called ‘switchblades’ or ‘automatic knives’) - where the blade is hidden inside the handle and shoots out when a button is pressed
* butterfly knives - where the blade is hidden inside a handle that splits in two around it, like wings; the handles swing around the blade to open or close it
* disguised knives, eg where the blade is hidden inside a belt buckle or fake mobile phone
* gravity knives
* sword-sticks
* samurai swords (with some exceptions, including antiques and swords made to traditional methods before 1954)
* hand or foot-claws
* push daggers
* hollow kubotan (cylinder-shaped keychain) holding spikes
* shuriken (also known as ‘death stars’ or ‘throwing stars’)
* kusari-gama (sickle attached to a rope, cord or wire)
* kyoketsu-shoge (hook-knife attached to a rope, cord or wire)
* kusari (weight attached to a rope, cord or wire)
* machetes
* zombie (style) knives*

The definition of a zombie knife has changed since 24-08-2024:

A **zombie style knife** is a bladed weapon with:

* A plain cutting edge
* A sharp pointed end, and
* A blade of over eight inches long

Which also has one or more of the following:

* A serrated cutting edge over two inches long
* More than one hole in the blade
* Spikes
* More than two sharp points in the blade


This list is not complete, and laws can change. Please contact your local police when in doubt, and check the [Gov.uk website on Knife Laws](https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives) for additional and current information.

*No rights can be obtained on the basis of this article. Knivesandtools cannot be held responsible on the basis of the information provided on this page.*

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