NORA #1311 - CPM M4 Chef - Paper Cranes

KNIFE HIGHLIGHTS

• Blade Type: Santoku
• Blade Length: 6.75 Inches
• Total Length: 12 Inches
• Handle Style: Western | Right or Left Hand Use
• Steel: CPM M4 Carbon Steel 
• Handle Materials: Mexican Cocobolo Wood, White G10, brass pins, Acrylic Based Resin in a pebbled turquoise finish
• Rockwell Hardness: 66 HRC
• Grind Type: Workhorse Hybrid Grind (3 different bevels, blended)
• Weight: .46 lbs

• This Blade is Ground...
• Thin for Performance (Best performance but delicate! This knife will cut flawlessly but should not be used on any bones, squash, frozen foods, etc.  This one can be considered a "laser" and should be treated with care.)
• 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)

• This Handle Feels...
• >>>Thick
• Thin
• Mid-Range 

GENERAL USES OF THIS KNIFE:

Santoku

Our version of a Japanese Santoku, this is an extremely versatile knife that functions similarly to a Chef knife.  Santoku literally translates from Japanese as "three virtues" which refers to the three tasks this knife does exceedingly well: slice, dice, and mince. While Santoku knives generally lend themselves towards a chopping motion, we have also designed the blade with just enough belly to facilitate a light rocking motion as well.

This is a compact version of our normal NORA santoku and we think its the perfect size for line use and also just all around utility.  Its a great all purpose knife that doesn't feel overbearing in hand.

HANDLE DESIGN & MATERIALS:

Every one of our knives is handmade, unique and numbered.  This NORA is handled with a sturdy piece of Mexican Cocobolo wood combined with a pebbled, Turquoise-colored resin piece.  We really love the soft teal against the clay red of the wood.  We added white G10 liners for contrast and pins are brass. 

The engraving on the knife is a grouping of paper cranes, done in origami style and hung from string. Did you know that in Japanese culture it is believed that if you fold 1000 origami cranes then you will be granted your most desired wish by the God(s)?  Yup. Have fun with that. We gave you a head start by engraving these six.)  If you are interested, you can quickly read more on this legend HERE. 

Even if you don't fold a 1000 paper cranes, know that these birds are symbols for peace, good health, truth, fidelity and healing.  They are also considered good luck charms and who couldn't use a little more good luck.  (Your welcome.)

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 can be treated to a very high hardness. 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 it to maintain 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 try to muscle it through a very hard object (i.e. hard gourd, thick bones, etc.), 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. 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.  Over time this etch will fade slightly and will be replaced by the individual patina you make while using the knife.