NORA #1643 - O1 Carbon Steel - 10 Inch Kiritsuke - Cherry Blossoms
$ 508.69
PLEASE BE AWARE - THIS IS A CARBON STEEL KNIFE. THIS IS NOT A STAINLESS STEEL KNIFE. A CARBON STEEL KNIFE WILL FORM A PATINA ON THE KNIFE AND IS PRONE TO RUST IF NOT CARED FOR PROPERLY.
KNIFE HIGHLIGHTS
- Blade Type: Kiritsuke
- Blade Length: 10 Inches
- Total Length: 15 Inches
- Handle Style: Western | Right or Left Hand Use
- Steel: O1 Carbon Steel
- Handle Materials: Stabilized Spalted Maple, Black G10 Liners, Black Micarta Pins
- Rockwell Hardness: 61 HRC
- Grind Type: Full Flat
- This Blade is Ground...
- Thin for Performance (Best performance, but delicate)
- Thick for Durability (tough, built to last for heavy wear-n-tear)
- >>> Mid-Range with Special Geometry (specially ground for food release and glide but blade is kept slightly thicker for durability)
- This Knife Feels...
- Heavy in Hand (hefty, durable)
- Light (nimble, maneuverable)
- >>>Not too heavy, not too light (Switzerland)
GENERAL USES OF THIS KNIFE
KIRITSUKE KNIFE
A Kiritsuke knife is one of the very few Japanese knives that is considered multi-purpose. It is a hybrid between a Yanagi (fish slicer) and a Usuba (vegetable knife.). A Kiritsuke knife works well for slicing and breaking down protein but it also excels at vegetable prep. and general purpose tasks. In Japanese kitchens, the Kiritsuke knife is reserved only for the executive Chef as a sign of respect and also due to the skill needed to efficiently use these knives.
Our Kiritsuke design does not have as flat of a belly as the more traditional Japanese style knives. We have done this to allow just the slightest amount of rock in the cut. We feel it adds a bit more versatility to the knife.
HANDLE DESIGN & MATERIALS:
Every one of our knives is handmade, unique and numbered. This NORA is as simple and classic as they come. We took a beautiful piece of stabilized spalted maple and we added black G10 liners. The liners help with overall durability of the knife and they also accent the various veins of spalting in the wood.
Wood stabilization is an added feature that we offer with our knives and spalted wood, in particular, benefits greatly from stabilization. Wood that is stabilized has been injected with a clear acrylic resin under a vacuum process. Stabilization helps to minimize any cracking, warping, shrinkage and/or expanding of the material. Stabilized wood will not absorb water and is generally impervious to oils.
Please note that virtually every piece of spalted wood will have some small voids and cracks. This is just the nature of spalted wood and if it concerns you, we don't suggest you purchase this knife You will find very fine cracks in your handle but you will also be able to notice that the stabilization fluid has filled into these areas making the wood incredibly durable. We let you know this only so that you have full disclosure up front. Some people don't like cracks. We understand. Personally we love spalted wood but, again, we like to provide full disclosure up front so there are never any surprises with your purchase.
ENGRAVING:
We are already in full anticipation of spring over here and what better sign of spring than the delicate cherry blossom. We love the simple but detailed drawing of this lone cherry blossom springing from the side of the blade. No deep meaning here, just a sincere love for what nature provides.
General Notes: This knife has been custom engraved. The engraving was done via fiber laser so there is depth to the engraving more so than you generally see with an electro etch or CO2 laser. We do, however, keep the depth low so it does not catch food and minimally interferes with the primary cutting function of the knife. A small amount of stickage is normal around the engraved area, especially initially. (due to a very small burr that is formed around the engraved area) This will lessen over time as the blade is used. The engraving should last as long as the knife but please note that it will slightly degrade over time as abrasives are used on the knife. We recommend the soft end of a sponge with soap and water for cleaning and mineral oil periodically to condition the blade (and handle). Keep in mind that stronger abrasives, such as steel wool, scotch brite pads, sand paper or stone sharpening directly on the engraved image will further degrade the image.
STEEL INFORMATION:
01 CARBON STEEL
The blade on this knife is composed of a high carbon O1 tool steel with a hand-sanded, satin finish. O1 tool steel is a great all around choice for carbon steel as it is easily sharpened and the fine grain structure produces a very sharp edge. It is also an economical alternative to some of the more expensive Japanese carbon steels while offering similar benefits and a more hardy steel. HRC hardness on this knife comes in at a solid 61.
As this is a carbon steel, the blade will form a slight patina over time. This is normal and actually the mark of a beautifully used knife. Please note, however, that a carbon steel knife does require more maintenance than its stainless steel counterpart, mainly that it must be washed or wiped clean shortly after each use to prevent unwanted rust or stains.