Kazuomi Yamamoto is a 4th generation blacksmith working under the Yoshikane name. The forge is over 100 years old and are renown for the heat treatment and the ability to bring out the finest qualities in all steels.

SHAPE: Santoku. Named after the three best things to do with this knife - slicing, dicing and mincing. It is the classic veg prep knife with both good breadth and width.

STEEL: Shirogami (white paper) 2 steel. This steel has the highest amount of carbon out of the paper steels so will get crazy sharp easily. Due to the non stainless nature of this steel care must be taken to dry the knives properly after use. It is worth noting that this knife has been clad in stainless steel meaning only the exposed core edge will discolour making maintenance a lot easier.

FINISH: Nashiji or pear skin finish. This matt and mottled finish helps with food release and looks very rustic.

HANDLE: Octagonal Teak handle with a buffalo horn ferrule

BLADE LENGTH: 165mm.

MAKER: Yoshikane - Sanjo, Japan

BEST FOR: Those wanting the performance of carbon steel but with the ease of use of stainless steel.

SAUNDERS SAYS: "After met Kazuomi Yamamoto, having his knives in our shop is a real treat."

These knives are hand-forged so there may be slight variations in measurements and finishes.