NORA #1273 - CPM-M4 Carbon Steel Gyuto- Sak Yant Tiger
$ 435.00
KNIFE HIGHLIGHTS
- Blade Type: Gyuto
- Blade Length: 7.7 Inches
- Total Length: 13 Inches
- Handle Style: Western | Right or Left Hand Use
- Steel: CPM M4 Carbon Steel
- Handle Materials: Red, White & Blue G10, Stabilized Walnut Burl, Brass Pins
- Rockwell Hardness: 66 HRC
- Grind Type: Full Flat Hybrid
- Weight: 7.3 oz
- 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, G10 tends to be a very weighty, dense material)
- Light (nimble, maneuverable)
- >>>Not too heavy, not too light (Switzerland, handle is slightly thinner on this one and feels great in hand)
GENERAL USES OF THIS KNIFE
GYUTO
The Gyuto is the Japanese version of the classic Western chef's knife but the blade tends to be thinner and holds a sharper edge. A gyuto is similar to a utility knife in that it is a multipurpose knife that can handle virtually every task including chopping, mincing and slicing meat, fish, vegetables and fruit. Our gyuto has a western style handle but a Japanese inspired blade profile with a fair amount of belly in the blade to allow for a gentle rocking motion. Its a great all purpose design and blade length is not too big but also not too small...we think it is an ideal all-purpose knife that is both nimble but wide-spread in what it can do.
STEEL INFORMATION:
CPM- M4 CARBON STEEL
The blade on this knife is composed of a high carbon CPM M4 steel. M4 is the best carbon steel we have ever used in regards to blade performance. After doing a wide amount of research on this steel, we decided to give it a go and have been extremely impressed with its performance thus far.
CPM M4 steel is unique in that it gets extremely hard. Hardness in steel generally equates to a finer edge and great edge retention. We took this blade to a solid 66 HRC which is incredibly hard compared to most production knives which fall in the mid to high 50's.
The high hardness allows amazing edge retention but, unlike other steels at this hardness, its not as brittle or delicate. It is actually highly wear resistant which means you don't need to worry as much about the knife chipping or breaking. As an added bonus, M4 is surprisingly corrosion resistant when compared to other carbon steels.
Its a rugged knife for the performance it offers and this combination is rare when you harden steel to beyond 62 HRC. Please note though that the steel isn't bullet-proof...if you drop the knife on a very hard surface or slam it down on a hard object, it is likely to chip.
The pros of this steel outweigh the cons but it must be mentioned that this steel is harder to sharpen than many others so you will need to factor that into your decision as it does represent a bit more maintenance than other knives. On the flip side, you don't need to sharpen this knife nearly as frequently as others.
**As this is a carbon steel, the blade will form a slight patina over time. This is normal and is actually the mark of a beautifully used knife. Please note, however, that a carbon 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. We have acid etched this knife to protect the steel and start the patina process. The dark etch will initially cause the knife to be slightly more "sticky" than expected. This will reduce over time as the blade is broken in and glide will improve. Likewise, over time this etch will fade slightly and will be replaced by the individual patina you make while using the knife.
HANDLE DESIGN & MATERIALS:
Every one of our knives is handmade, unique and numbered. This NORA is a mix of stabilized walnut burl paired with red, white and blue G10. Its a classic, simple combo that is timeless in design and should serve you well for many years to come.
*Wood stabilization is an added feature that we offer with our knives. 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 absorb very little water and is generally impervious to oils. The process helps to ensure your knife has a long lifespan in the kitchen. We do recommend, however, that you periodically oil your wood with mineral oil to keep the wood conditioned and in top condition.
CUSTOM ENGRAVING
This knife was custom engraved with a Tiger in a Sak Yant style. Sak Yant tattoos are an ancient ritual that was introduced originally by the Khmer Empire and has since been wholeheartedly adopted by both the Thai and Cambodian people.
The tattoos are traditionally completed by Thai mystics or Buddhist Monks who use either a metal rod or bamboo stick. The tattoos are believed to bring luck and give strength. In the same way they serve as good luck charms when placed on items other than the body.
The tiger we chose for this knife is called a "Suea Hiaw Lang" which translates roughly as "Tiger Looking Back." This symbol, in particular, is used to provide protection. The tiger has your back, so to speak, and guards you from things you can not see. The tiger also confers power, strength and stealth.
*Full disclosure on this...we aren't Thai. We are going off of research that we did on the internet and hoping that what we are reading and piecing together is correct. If your really concerned about bad mojo then we encourage you to do your own research or maybe just not buy it. ( It's OK...we'll understand.)
**This knife has been custom engraved. The engraving was done via laser so there is depth to the engraving more so than you see with an electro etch. We do, however, keep the depth minimal 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. This will lessen over time as the blade is used. Please note though, if performance is your #1 priority then we encourage you to NOT purchase this blade. A blade with no engraving WILL have a smoother glide than a blade with engraving. For most, however, this difference is so minimal that it is barely noticed. We just like to provide a full disclosure up front so you know exactly what you are purchasing.
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.