The word Santoku translates as: three virtues, which can refer to the cutting of meat, fish and vegetables or to the following three types of cutting; chopping, slicing and dicing. Very versatile, the santoku is one of the types of knives we recommend as the first or main knife in the kitchen.
Ginsan is a steel very similar to Shirogami 2 in its composition. An addition of 14% chromium results in a stainless steel with low impurities. As a result, blades forged from Ginsan have a high hardness and cutting retention capacity that rivals most blades made from traditional high carbon steels. The purity of Ginsan makes it a preferred steel for blacksmiths who work with steel in the traditional way and is pleasant to sharpen.
Nashiji is a Japanese word meaning "pear skin pattern". Coming from a knife finishing technique where the surface of the blade is left raw or rustic, imitating the skin of the Asian pear.
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.