The Metal – Tamahagane San is a clad knife, made from 3 layers of VG5 (core) and SUS410 (outside layers) steel.The inner core of VG5 steel has a Rockwell Hardness of 58-59.This hard inner core is then cushioned by the outside layers of SUS410 steel, which have a Rockwell hardness of 28-32.
Edge – An exceptionally sharp factory edge is the pride of Tamahagane San.Cook’s will love how easily Tamahagane San knives sharpen because of the very thin VG5 core and much softer SUS410 steel.The optimal sharpening angle is 14-15 degrees.
Handle – The eye catching handle is distinctive yet classic.Made from strongly compressed laminated wood, the handle has the traditional warmth of wood with the weight of a perfectly balanced knife.
Tamahagane knives are manufactured by Kataoka and Company in Niigata, Japan. The word tamahagane means precious steel. Historically, the word tamahagane has been known as a particular, very pure and high quality steel produced using traditional Japanese techniques. Today, Kataoka uses Tamahagane as the brand name for the exceptional knives it makes from similar quality steels produced using modern techniques. With their unsurpassed sharpness and edge retention, these knives are definitely precious steel.
