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Nakagawa Hamono  |  SKU: NAKA_B1EBDA_SJ240-EB

Nakagawa Blue 1 KU Damascus Sujihiki 240mm Etched Black Ebony by Hatsukokoro

$12,058.00
IMPORTANT: Carbon steel knives can rust or patina quickly if not cared for properly. They require regular cleaning, drying, and oiling. If you are unfamiliar with carbon steel maintenance, we recommend choosing a stainless steel option instead.

Add a saya or K&S Knife Roll to receive $20 bundle discount!

Detailed Specifications
Line Nakagawa Blue 1 Damascus Etched black Wide Bevel
Profile Sujihiki / Slicer
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 174 g        6.14 oz
Edge Length 230 mm   .9.06 inch
Heel Height 34 mm     .1.34 inch
Width @ Spine 3.4 mm     0.13 inch
Width @ Mid 2.4 mm     0.09 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 0.9 mm     0.04 inch
Steel Blue 1 / Aogami #1 | Carbon
Blade Construction Sanami - Soft Iron Damascus Clad
Hardness (HRC) 61 - 64
Surface Finish Etched
Handle Octagonal Ebony
Region Sakai
Best for
  • Pro chefs
  • Collectors
  • Enthusiasts
    		•
    • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
    • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


    The Nakagawa Blue 1 Damascus Etched/Kurozome Wide bevel is Satoshi Nakagawa's classic wide bevel knife with a twist in finish. When talking about Sakai, most of the knife enthusiasts will think about well polished blades with prestige Migaki or Kasumi finish that comes in all kinds of metallic silver colour. This Kurozome is an interesting attempt to utilize the contrast created with etching to highlight the geometry created by the wide bevel finish. As the result, we see a very polished Sakai knife that look like Kurouchi from afar, but very tame if inspected closely.

    One thing with Nakagawa-san's knife is that his Damascus gyuto seems to be a bit thicker than the Sanmai ones, but thanks to the well-done concave grind, these blades stays very thin behind edge and still cuts beautifully. Additional material above the primary bevel adds some weight and rigidity to the blades, if you are in favor of knives with solid handling, this line will easily fall into that category.

    The level of finish is still Sakai standard, chamfered choil and spine are all polished with a good shine. But the etching is really the highlight of these knives: the two different steel in the damascus cladding react differently with the acid, leading to a well aged look composed of intertwining brown and blue colour. This vintage finish contrast strongly with the Migaki finished bevel and buffed spine at the clearly defined boundary, rounding these knives up with a sharp geometrical look.

    I say this a is an interesting finish, and it's always nice to see Sakai makers to be innovative with their finishing technic and pushing boundaries. The main drawback of these knives might be the level of care required for them, as both the soft i on Damascus cladding and the core steel are prone to rust. But if you are interested in a beautifully finished knife with a lots of hand crafting goes into it, please do consider this blue 1 Damascus line.

    Pros Cons
  • Excellent performance
  • Great artistic
  • Excellent fit and finish
    		•
  • Prone to rust
  • High budget
    		•

    Care Instruction
    1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
    2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
    3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
    4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
    5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
    6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.
    7. Oil the (carbon) knife if storing for an extended period of time to prevent rust.

    Satoshi Nakagawa

    Nakagawa Hamono, established by Satoshi Nakagawa (中川悟志) in April 2021, carries on the legacy of the renowned Shiraki Hamono under the guidance of Nakagawa-san, a dedicated disciple of the legendary craftsman Kenichi Shiraki. With nearly two decades of experience, primarily under Shiraki-san, Nakagawa-san has been instrumental in creating some of the finest honyaki blades in the last five years of Shiraki-san's work.

    His expertise is not limited to Shiraki Hamono’s offerings but extends to forging top-tier knives for Sakai’s esteemed brands such as Sakai Takayuki, Kikumori to name a few. Based in Sakai City, Osaka, Nakagawa Hamono specializes in Ginsan and blue steel knives with wide bevels.

    • Profile: Sujihiki

      Slicer

      The Sujihiki, also known as Sujibiki, stands out as a Japanese slicing knife, characterized by a thinner and sharper edge than those found in Western kitchens. Its long blade is ideally crafted for the artful, thin carving of cooked meats and for slicing terrines and patés with finesse. Blade lengths span from 210mm to 300mm (8.3 to 12 inches), with 270mm and 300mm being particularly favored for their ability to facilitate smooth and efficient slicing. The meticulous design of the Sujihiki reflects a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese precision and a focused functionality, catering to the needs of culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike.

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    • Steel: Blue 1 / Aogami #1

      Blue Steel No.1, also known as Aogami #1 or Yasugi #1 Blue Steel, is a premium high carbon steel from Hitachi Metals Ltd, celebrated for its exceptional edge retention and toughness. This steel is an upgrade from Blue Steel No.2, enriched with higher carbon and tungsten content, making it a favorite for high-grade Japanese traditional single-bevel knives. It's known for being easy to sharpen, achieving a very fine edge that lasts. Despite its susceptibility to rust, with proper care and maintenance, including regular wiping and drying, it can develop a protective patina that minimizes rusting. Blue Steel No.1 is highly regarded among knife makers for its ability to achieve a mirror finish and maintain a sharp edge over extended periods, offering an outstanding balance of performance and durability.

      Manufacturer:

      • Hitachi Special Steel, Japan

      Nature: Carbon

      Hardness: 61- 64

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    • Construction: Sanami - Soft Iron Damascus Clad

      Sanmai(Three-Piece) is a common construction for double bevel knives where two pieces of softer cladding steel are forgewelded to each side of a harder core steel. The harder but more brittle core steel will form the hard cutting edge after heat treating, and the softer cladding will support the core to increase the overall strength of the blade.

      Damascus Sanmai utilize damascus steel as the cladding material for the Sanmai construction, which adds aesthetic feature to the blade. However, the damascus cladding found on Japanese kitchen knives with carbon steel core are ususally made of soft iron, which means they too need to be maintained to stay pretty.

      The soft cladding enables the thinning process to be a lot easier than a honyaki or monosteel construction. However, when the cladding is made of damascus, whether etched, polished or mirror polished, the thinning process will take a toll on the cladding, meaning the damascus won't look the same as when it was taken out of the box.

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    • Finish: Etched

      The etching process starts with the knife being thoroughly cleaned to remove any oils or residues. A protective mask may be applied to the areas not intended to be etched. The blade is then submerged in an acidic solution, such as ferric chloride, which reacts with the different layers of steel at varying rates. This creates a layer of dark oxide on the surface of the blade where the thickness of the oxide varies according to the reactiveness of the steel. After etching, the knife is neutralized in a baking soda solution, rinsed, and dried. The final step involves polishing the blade to highlight the etched design, enhancing both the knife's beauty and showcasing the craftsmanship of its maker.

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    • Handle Specs

      Profile: Octagonal WA

      Material:

      • Ebony

      This handle, crafted from a single piece of ebony, exemplifies minimalist elegance and functional design. Its unique octagonal shape, featuring a subtle taper, offers a comfortable grip and a visually appealing geometric profile. The ebony wood, known for its deep, rich color and durability, has been meticulously milled from a single block, ensuring a seamless construction that highlights the wood's natural beauty and grain. The handle's surface has been highly polished, achieving a glossy finish that not only enhances the ebony's luxurious dark hue but also provides a smooth, tactile experience for the user. This design choice reflects a minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity, quality, and usability. The combination of the octagonal shape with the taper adds a modern twist to the classic material, making it a standout piece that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

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    Nakagawa Hamono

    Nakagawa Blue 1 KU Damascus Sujihiki 240mm Etched Black Ebony by Hatsukokoro

    $12,058.00
    Experience the precision and artistry of this exquisite Japanese kitchen knife, the Hatsukokoro x Satoshi Nakagawa Blue 1 Etched Black Damascus K-tip Gyuto 210mm. Crafted with premium Blue 1 (Aogami #1) steel, this knife offers exceptional edge retention and sharpness, making it a must-have for professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts. The etched black Damascus finish not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also highlights the intricate craftsmanship of Sakai's finest. The octagonal stabilized birch burl handle ensures a comfortable and secure grip, perfect for extended use. Whether you're slicing, dicing, or chopping, this Japanese kitchen knife delivers unparalleled performance and elegance. Test cut in store to feel its superior balance and razor-sharp edge.
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