Tohji Kengata Shirogami #1 195mm (7.7")
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✔︎ No import fees & duties - worldwide |
- Description
- Specifications
- Knife Care
- Shipping
Tohji Kengata Shirogami #1 195mm is a multi-purpose Japanese kitchen knife, able to tackle any type of fresh—and cooked—produce, from vegetables to cuts of meat and fish. It’s a real minimalistic marvel fit for the contemporary Japanese knife purist. Adhering strictly to tradition, it’s forged out of Shirogami #1 steel and fitted with a magnolia wood handle. The kengata shape is a bit more unconventional, but it draws gracefully from the rich history of sword manufacturing in Japan – the name kengata literally meaning “sword-like”.
BLADE SHAPE:
The kengata (meaning “sword-like”) shape is similar to the bunka, whose fundamental attributes are instantly recognizable: reverse tanto tip for precision work, wider profile and a slightly shorter blade length. It departs from the usual form, though, with a blade that isn’t as flat, but instead curves slightly towards the tip. This way, the knife can be rocked back and forth on the cutting board, allowing for a different cutting technique that some might miss with a traditional bunka. It is still great for chopping, though, as it is for preparing all kinds of meat and raw fish.
STEEL:
Shirogami #1 is a very pure steel, and therefore one of the best in terms of sharpening. For the same reason, blades forged from Shirogami #1 steel will be able to achieve an insanely fine sharpness and retain it for a long time as well. They will, however, need a little extra care and maintenance owing to the fact that the steel isn’t corrosion resistant, and will develop a patina overtime.
Learn more about knife maintenance here.
LAMINATION:
San-mai is a lamination method that is achieved by pressing two outer layers of steel onto the blade’s core, made from Shirogami #1 steel. This kind of construction enables the outer steel layers to serve as protection for the very hard—and therefore brittle—core, improving the blade’s toughness.
GEOMETRY:
It has a double bevel (symmetrical) blade.
BLADE FINISH:
This knife sports a minimalistic migaki finish, meaning the blade has been polished and given a whetstone kasumi finish stretching from the shinogi line and over the kireha (cutting edge). The polished surface is adorned with a unique, hand chiseled kanji.
HANDLE:
The blade is fitted with an oval traditional Japanese (Wa) handle, made out of magnolia wood and finished off with a beautiful buffalo horn ferrule.
Blade shape: Bunka
Steel type: Shirogami #1
Blade construction: San-mai / migaki
Hardness (HRC scale): 61-62
Overall length: 339mm (13.3")
Blade length: 195mm (7.7")
Blade height: 42mm (1.7")
Spine thickness: 2.8mm (0.11")
Weight: 170g (6 oz)
Handle length: 134mm (5.3")
Handle type / wood: Japanese / Magnolia
Kanji on the blade:
Blacksmith: Sakai Tohji
Location of the smithy: SAKAI / Osaka Prefecture / Japan
☝️ Japanese kitchen knives in our store are handmade from natural materials. Slight variations in color, texture, weight and other dimensions are possible. We try to give a good photographic representation of our products, however computer screen resolution and colors do vary, so products might not look exactly as they are seen on screen.
☝️ THIS KNIFE MAY DEVELOP PATINA
Knives made of carbon steels can, due to their low chromium (Cr) content, discolor and develop patina. The knife is the most sensitive when it is still new and a patina had not developed yet, but later, patina will protect the blade. These types of knives require a touch more care:
✔ Wipe it regularly with a clean and dry cloth (you can also do this during use).
✔ After use, rinse it with lukewarm water and wipe it dry.
✔ Coat it regularly with knife maintenance oil or plain refined sunflower oil.
✔ Store the knife by wrapping it in paper which will absorb moisture and protect the blade.
A patina is a thin layer that forms on the surface of oxidized steel and protects it from further oxidation. The patina should not be confused with rust. Patina protects the blade, while rust causes corrosion and deterioration of material, so it should be removed (see Rust erasers).
→ For in-depth information about patina, read our dedicated post on patina.
GENERAL KNIFE CARE TIPS:
Blade wear depends on the quality of steel, usage and maintenance of the blade. Japanese knives are made of high-quality steels. Follow these tips to keep your Japanese knife in top-notch shape:
✔ Use a wooden, plastic or rubber cutting board.
✔ After use, wash the knives and wipe them dry.
✔ For storage, use a knife holder or a protective knife sheath (saya).
✔ A good cutting technique is your best bet to prolong sharpness.
✔ Use sharpening stones to sharpen the knife.
❗️Don’t leave the knife in the sink. Wash it by hand.
❗️Don’t wash the knife in the dishwasher.
❗️Don’t use the knife on glass, ceramics, marble or steel surfaces.
❗️Don’t scrape the food off the cutting board with the edge of the blade. Use the spine of the knife instead.
❗️Knife is a tool intended for specific use - cutting food. It is not a can opener, screwdriver, trowel, wire cutter, hammer etc.
→ For more details, read our guide
on Maintenance of Kitchen Knives.
🤙 Contact us if you need some help. We reply within 1 business day.
SHIPPING RATES:
- €10 - flat worldwide rate with DHL Express (express delivery, 2-5 business days).
- FREE - all orders over €300 (DHL Express).
EXCEPTIONS:
- United Kingdom - shipping to UK costs €15. All orders are shipped with UPS Express (2-3 business days). Free shipping on orders over €300.
- Russia (currently not available) - shipping to Russia costs €40. All orders are shipped with EMS postal service.
DUTIES AND IMPORT TAXES:
We ship all orders DDP (duties & taxes paid). This means you will not be charged for any import fees and taxes (including VAT). All our prices are final. The price you see at checkout is the final price, no hidden costs.
DELIVERY TIME:
- Europe: 1-2 business days
- US & Canada: 2-4 business days
- Rest of the World: 3-5 business days
RETURNS:
Our return policy lasts 30 days. If more than 30 days have gone by since the day you received your order, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
→ Read our SHIPPING & RETURNS policy for more info. We strive to solve any issues fast and with as little hassle for you. If you have some additional questions, please contact us.
Each knife comes with:
✔️ Instructions and knife care leaflet.
✔️ A preventive Band-Aid – the knives are very sharp! 😉
✔️ Original box from the blacksmith, which we wrap in an old Japanese newspaper sheet – so every knife is ready to be passed on as a gift as soon as it hits your doorstep!
✔️ We also offer a special gift wrapping option with the traditional Japanese washi paper.
Quiz
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