Shoichi Hashimoto Shirogami #1 Honyaki Damascus 240mm Gyuto

Behold a rare masterpiece – the Shoichi Hashimoto Shirogami #1 Mizu-Honyaki Damascus 240mm Gyuto, a knife that transcends mere utility to become a coveted collector's piece. This is not simply a tool; it is a testament to the soul of the artisan, meticulously handcrafted by the esteemed Shoichi Hashimoto, a name synonymous with exceptional Damascus artistry. Imagine the subtle play of light across the blade, a mysterious sheen hinting at the extraordinary within. It's only when you look closely, the layers of artistic Damascus patterns reveal themselves. This is the magic of Hashimoto's unique, handcrafted Damascus – an intricate tapestry of layered steel, each ripple and wave telling a story of the forge. Unlike many, here the Damascus is not merely a cladding; it is the blade itself - treated with Mizu-honyaki construction using Shirogami steel - a rare and profound achievement that elevates this Gyuto to an entirely different echelon. This is artisan craftsmanship at its zenith, a visual symphony of steel with an unparalleled depth and character.

Note: You can choose to have this knife sent without handle installed (on the side), if you wish to collect the blade only or install your own handle.

Spec:

• Origin (Made in): Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima Perfecture, Japan
• Artist: Shoichi Hashimoto
• Knife Type: Gyuto
• Blade
• Construction: Mizu-Honyaki
• Grind: Double-edged Blade (50/50 Grind)
• Hagane (Core Steel): Shirogami #1 (White #1)
  
• Hardness: 61 - 62 HRC
• Hand-forged, hand-ground, hand-sharpened
• Blade Finishes: Artisan Damascus
• Blade Length: 240mm (9.4")
• Blade Height (at heel): 53mm
• Spine Thickness
• Above heel: 3.6mm
• Middle: 2.6mm
• Handle
• Premium Custom Handle
• Shape: Hachikaku (Octagonal)
• Material: Stabilized Wood
• Color: Violet
• Ginmaki: Nickel Copper (x3)
• Length: 145mm
• Overall Length: 397mm
• Weight: 242g (8.54oz)

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:

Shirogami #1 (white #1) is a premium Japanese high carbon steel for knife making. 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.