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Free shipping in Canada for all purchases of $150 or more (More details)

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Yoshida Hamono HAP 40 Santoku 180mm Kurouchi Maple burl (Green)

Sold out
Original price $555.00 - Original price $555.00
Original price
$555.00
$555.00 - $555.00
Current price $555.00

Store availability

Montréal ● Out of stock Québec ● Out of stock

*Transfer available between stores, contact us at info@staysharpmtl.com or 514-503-1185 (MTL) / 418- 440-7770 (QC)

Description
Yoshida Hamono is located in Saga Prefecture, a very rural area of Kyushu Island. Like many rural blacksmiths, they specialize in making agricultural tools such as sickles and hoes, but they are known nationally for their incredible kitchen knives. The first generation of the Yoshida family was, like many, a blacksmith. After World War II, they decided to open a small workshop to produce knives and other steel tools, and in 1971, they expanded to large-scale production to meet a growing demand from all over Japan. They invested early on in modern machinery that made large-scale production possible, which is one of the reasons why they are able to coat their own steel, rather than buying it pre-laminated. Because Saga is not a large knife production center and there are not many other craftsmen, they built a facility that could handle the entire knife making process from start to finish, whereas most knife makers outsource their steel rolling and sharpening.
When HAP 40 first became available, Osamu Yoshida quickly bought the steel and tried it out. He was amazed at how incredibly sharp the steel could become and how long it would hold its edge, so he began making kitchen knives using this super steel. Although it is a difficult steel to handle, he feels a great sense of accomplishment when he forges with it compared to other steels.
In addition to laminating their own steel, they also treat their knives with sub-zero heat to purify the steel, which allows the knife to work better and sharpen better. This is done after quenching, treating the knives with liquid nitrogen to remove excess retained impurities that have not been converted to martensite. This prevents the knife from bending over time by "stabilizing" its structure. While this is scientific mumbo jumbo for most, it is a big deal in the knife making world.

The secret of this knife lies in its hard core made of a somewhat exotic Hitachi HAP-40 steel, which falls into the category of modern, technologically advanced steels. HAP-40 is thin enough to sharpen very well, and knives made from it retain their edge 3-5 times longer than traditional knives. An interesting fact is that because it is a powdered steel, it has a very low chromium content (about 4%) and can react like a high carbon steel under specific circumstances.
This steel is heat treated to an incredible 68 HRC, but it can still be sharpened relatively easily on whetstones. It is extremely durable and therefore less likely to chip along the edge than the steel used in traditional knives.
Tips for best results

Make sure your knife will deliver its absolute best by having it professionally sharpened at least once a year. Please note that our meticulously handcrafted Japanese knives are – unless otherwise noted – carbon steel and not stainless steel. To prevent rust, make sure the blades are patted dry – especially when cutting acidic items. Never cut frozen foods, hard products, bone, or twist the blade when using. Never soak in water after use or put in the dishwasher. After use, store in a cool, dry place and avoid high temperature fluctuations. 

Our commitment to you – our customers
Warranty

Every knife we carry has a lifetime warranty from manufacturing defects and errors. For example, if the handle becomes detached or cracks appear after a few weeks of proper use. Or if there are any blade cracks from the edge to the spine. While such defects are indeed rare, they can occur. In such cases, we will exchange the knife in question or give you a refund. Each warranty case is different depending on the criteria, and we reserve the right in each and every case to evaluate the applicability of our lifetime warranty in the event of any manufacturing defects and errors.

After-Sales service

Do you get the feeling that your knife just can’t “cut it”?

Each knife we carry is supplied with a so-called “factory edge”. Our chef knife range comprises more than 200 different products. While all our handcrafted Japanese knives ship with a “factory edge”, ultimate blade sharpness can vary. If you feel that your knife’s blade edge is not performing to its full potential, feel free to contact us and we will provide you with professional sharpening for free!

Oops! What about the truly Unthinkable?

Was it just through a slight slip of the hand that your knife accidentally fell on the floor and damaged its tip and blade, or it was used to cut a hard, frozen product and chipped? Don’t despair, get in touch with us and we will solve the problem through our in-house, professional sharpening and repair service.

Simply contact us or visit our store to get a free estimate.

Customer Ratings

Dimensions

Size

180mm

Weight

145g

Total lenght

315mm

Handle length at tip

192mm

Edge lenght

180mm

Blade height

48mm

Blade thickness

2.2mm

Handle size

130mm

Blade

Steel

HAP-40

Steel type

Powder steel

Finish

Kurouchi

Handle

Handle material

Maple burl

Details

Profile

Santoku

Usage

All purpose

Hand orientation

Ambidextrous

Making

Production area

SAGA / Saga Prefecture / Japan

Blacksmith

Yoshida Hamono

What are the different types of Japanese knives?

What are the different types of Japanese knives?

Each Japanese knife is made with a specific purpose in mind. There are types of multi-purpose knives such as the Gyuto which is the equivalent of a chef's knife or the Santoku which translates into: three virtues, a name that well represents its multiplicity. The Sujihiki and the Yanagiba are made for slicing while the Nakiri and the Usuba are specialized for cutting vegetables. Without forgetting the Petty for precision tasks. The list goes on and the possibilities are diverse.

Why buy a Japanese knife?

Why buy a Japanese knife?

Japanese blades are lighter, very balanced, higher hardness, sharper and retain their sharpness longer. This allows the user greater control of his work tool and a clean cut to alter the texture and flavor of the food as little as possible.