Takahiro Nihei
Takahiro Nihei "Hyomon" Shirogami #2 Mirror Damascus 210mm Gyuto
£681.00
Pickup currently unavailable
Introducing the Takahiro Nihei Hyomon Shirogami #2 Mirror Damascus 210mm Gyuto—a masterpiece of exceptional craftsmanship, where tradition and artistry converge in extraordinary detail. Unlike mass-produced Damascus knives, each blade crafted by Master Nihei is meticulously forged by hand, showcasing a uniquely intricate Damascus pattern, a testament to unmatched precision, dedication, and time-honored Japanese techniques.
At the heart of this exquisite knife lies Shirogami #2 steel, revered for its purity, razor-sharp edge retention, and superior cutting performance. The hand-forged artisan Damascus finish isn't merely decorative—it reflects countless hours of careful layering, folding, and hammering, resulting in a blade that is not only stunning but also exceptionally resilient and precise.
The mirror polish highlights the mesmerizing Damascus pattern, reflecting a harmony between beauty and functionality that only a true artisan can achieve. Every detail, from the refined balance and ergonomic handle to the astonishing sharpness out of the box, speaks volumes of the skill and passion behind its creation.
Spec:
- Origin (Made in): Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
- Brand: Takahiro Nihei
- Blacksmith: Takahiro Nihei 二瓶 貴大
- Knife Type: Gyuto
- Blade
- Construction: San Mai
- Grind: Double-edged Blade (50/50 Grind)
- Hagane (Core Steel): Shirogami #2 (White #2)
- Jigane (Cladding): Soft Iron
- Hardness: 61-62 HRC
- Hand-forged, hand-ground, hand-sharpened
- Blade Finishes:
- Mirror
- Damascus
- Blade Length (heel-to-tip): 210mm (8.3")
- Blade Height (at heel): 50mm
- Spine Thickness
- Above heel: 3.6mm
- Middle: 3.2mm
- Handle
- Shape: Hachikaku (Octagonal)
- Material: Blue Stabilized Wood
- Ginmaki: Nickel Copper (x3)
- Length: 137mm
- Overall Length: 365mm
- Weight: 212g (7.48oz)
- Hand Chiseled Mark: Flower Engraving
About Takahiro Nihei 二瓶 貴大
Takahiro Nihei, a renowned Japanese knife maker from Fukushima City, trained under Yamamoto san of Yoshimitsu in Sanjo City before founding his workshop in 2019. Known for hand-forged knives, he blends tradition with modern materials. His Hatsukokoro Shinkiro series, made from Aogami Super carbon steel with kurouchi and damascus finishes, offers sharpness and rustic beauty at 63-64 HRC. Nihei also crafts knives with SLD steel and Shirogami #2 steel under his own name, featuring nashiji and mirror polish for edge retention. His work, praised for thin grinds and performance, reflects Japan’s blacksmithing heritage, earning him recognition among chefs and collectors.
Care:
Shirogami #2 (white #2) steel is one of the most popular types of high carbon steel found in Japanese kitchen knives (Wa Knives). It is not stainless, therefore you must 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.