Gihei Hamono has been operational for over 80 years. It is currently run by 2nd generation Hosowaka-san and his son. They have been predominantly specialising in high end powder steels for many years now. 

SHAPE: Gyuto. Literally translates as "cow sword", this is Japan's answer to the western chef knife. 

STEEL: HAP40. This is a semi stainless powder steel manufactured by Hitachi steel. It has high amounts of tungsten, vanadium, molybdenum and cobalt making it a very tough steel. Add to this over 1.2% carbon and we have a steel capable of extreme hardness and edge retention. 

FINISH: Polished or Migaki

HANDLE: Octagonal Keyaki, or Zelkova wood, with a buffalo horn ferrule.

LENGTH: 210 or 240mm in length.

MAKER: Gihei - Sanjo, Japan

BEST FOR: Top of the line knives in crazy steels.

SAUNDERS SAYS: "I waited two years for this and every moment was worth it. Everything Gihei produce is phenomenal and we have quite the collection. I had the pleasure of visiting their forge in autumn 2019. The workshop is tiny and it’s mind blowing to think they produce this array from there."

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