Shoichi Hashimoto "Tobikumo" Aogami #2 / Shirogami #2 Coreless Twisted Damascus 240mm Gyuto with Violet Stablized Wood Handle

This luxurious Shoichi Hashimoto "Tobikumo" gyuto is a grand expression of the art of knife-making, featuring a combination of Aogami #2 and Shirogami #2 steel in a rare, dark yellowish steel body. Inspired by the twisted Damascus pattern that reminds the maker of cloud jumping through the sky, the knife was named "Tobikumo", which means "Cloud Jump" in Japanese. This captivating twisted Damascus design offers exquisite craftsmanship and an elegant, violet stabilized wood handle, making it a truly coveted piece. 

Spec:

• Origin (Made in): Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima Perfecture, Japan
• Artist: Mr. Shoichi Hashimoto
• Knife Type: Gyuto
• Blade
• Construction: San Mai
• Grind: Double-edged Blade (50/50 Grind)
• Steel Type: Aogami #2 (Blue #2) & Shirogami #2 (White #2)
• Hardness: Unknown
• Hand-forged, hand-ground, hand-sharpened
• Blade Finishes: Artistic Damascus
• Blade Length: 240mm (9.4")
• Blade Height (at heel): 52mm
• Spine Thickness
• Above heel: 3.5mm
• Middle: 2.1mm
• Handle
• Premium Custom Handle
• Shape: Hachikaku (Octagonal)
• Material: Stabilized Wood
• Color: Violet
• Ginmaki: Nickel Copper (x3)
• Length: 145mm
• Overall Length: 399mm
• Weight: 225g (7.94oz)

About Shoichi Hashimoto 橋本 庄市

Born in 1982, Mr. Shoichi Hashimoto (橋本 庄市) developed a strong interest in steel work while pursuing an arts degree in design and modelling. So after graduation, he stayed in academia as Researcher in metal arts and design. He spent his spare time making insanely beautiful Damascus knives under the direction of Master Takanori Mikami. He was particularly excited about creating unusual Damascus patterns by mixing different steel types together. He once compared the process of creating Damascus patterns with that of drawing a portrait, and he was particularly excited about the similarities between Damascus patterns and how plant cells look like under a microscope. Feeling that his forging skills are not good enough, this humble knifemaker in his 30s doesn’t call himself an “Artisan”, instead a “Damascus Artist”. He said that the appreciation shown by his customers and the general public has been the most important element that supported him along the journey of becoming a “Damascus Artist”.

Care:

Aogami #2 (Blue #2) steel and Shirogami #2 (white #2) are premium Japanese high carbon steel for knife making. Despite some corrosion resistant quality (for a carbon steel), it is not stainless, therefore you should wipe your knife dry after each use. Patina will develop over time. Rust may develop if left in prolonged contact with water or acidic food. Use a rust eraser to clean if rusts develop. Avoid cutting into bones, frozen foods, hard fruit pits.

Cutting Surface:

Recommended cutting surface: wood, rubberized boards and high-end composites, and quality plastics such as polyethene make acceptable cutting surfaces, and will help protect and prolong knife’s edge. AVOID glass, metal, countertops, and other rigid, non-forgiving surfaces.

Sharpening:

We recommend sharpening all quality Japanese knives on whetstones, as we believe they yield the best results for your knives.