Nakiri translates to "leaf cutter". The specialty of this type of knife is vegetable cutting. Its straight profile and blade height encourage a "push-cut" motion, lifting the blade between each cutting motion. The Nakiri is perfect for slicing cabbage, julienning vegetables or rough-cutting vegetables for soups.
Shirogami #2 translates to: Shiro (white) and Gami (Steel) and thus; white steel #2. It is named after the color of the package it was wrapped in at Hitachi Metals. The composition of this steel is very pure and contains almost only iron and carbon (1.05%-1.2%). It is in the hands of very experienced blacksmiths that one realizes the enormous potential of Shirogami #2. The quality of the heat treatment and a lower temperature forging are key elements that can allow Shirogami #2 to compete with and even surpass many modern steels. Try a Shiro #2 blade forged by Tanaka-san, Kisuke Manaka-san or Yoshikane Forge and you will see!
Futana is the name of a line of Hitohira's house knives. As with all products that carry Hitohira's trademark (ひとひら (一片)), a high standard of quality is assured. Under the name of Futana you will be able to find knives of any profile made of stainless or semi-stainless steel. In addition, you will be able to find these blades with several different types of finishes; nashiji, kurouchi, damascus etc.