ZDP-189 Santoku Black Ebony 180mm (7.1")

Powder steel knives are next level and we have something limited and rare on deck. Introducing the ZDP-189 Santoku Black Ebony 180mm (7.1"). This santoku is made from premium powder steel, ZDP-189, and features a traditional octagonal ebony handle. Limited stock.

BLADE SHAPE:
ZDP-189 Santoku Black 180mm (7.1") is the one of the knives we designed with a help of the skillful blacksmith Osamu-san from Yoshida Hamono. The design is a result of years of our experience with Japanese knives.

The name "Santoku" derives from the Japanese word "San," meaning "three," representing the knife's three virtues. It effortlessly handles three key ingredients: meat, fish, and vegetables. It is equally adept at slicing, chopping, and mincing, making it a versatile companion in the kitchen.

STEEL:
The heart of the knife is made of ZDP-189 steel, which we selected because systematic testing has proven its superior qualities and long-lasting sharpness.

The steel contains as much as 3% Carbon (C), which is one of the main elements contributing strength and typically found in amounts of up to only 1% in other types of solid steel, while the Chromium (Cr) content, which prevents corrosion, amounts to nearly 20%. It also features 0.60% Tungsten (W), which considerably increases the abrasion resistance of steel, 1.4% Molybdenum (Mo), which helps to preserve the strength and power of steel under variable temperatures, and 0.10% Vanadium (V), the key element in increasing steel strength. Heat treatment produces steel with a hardness of 65-67 HRC.

ZDP-189 composition: C 3.00 % | Cr 20.00 % | W 0.60 % | Mo 1.40 % | V 0.10 % | Mn 0.50 % | Si 0.40 %

LAMINATION:
The steel is laminated, meaning that the core is made of very strong steel covered with an external layer of softer stainless steel - also known as warikomi clad. The softer external layer protects the core steel from external factors.

The hard core of a knife is sandwiched between two layers of softer steel, reaching only up to a half of the blade’s width. This specific type of construction is used for steels that are very challenging to forge, for example for certain types of powder steels. A glowing hot piece of iron is split and a piece of steel is inserted. The material is now forged into one piece. This creates a highly durable kitchen knife with a slightly more pliable core. The main advantage of these knives is that they are thin, sharp and retain their edge very well. Warikomi is also called the “split and insert method”. 

GEOMETRY:
Santoku Black has a double bevel (symmetrical) blade with a low profile and a V-edge grind, which gives it a good balance between the ease of cutting and robustness. This kind of grind produces very sharp edges and is wonderful at making very thin slices. 

BLADE FINISH:
Kuro-uchi finish, the unprocessed (black) part on the top side of the blade has already developed a dark patina, which protects the blade and gives it a traditional Japanese look. 

The knife bears barely visible impressions of the hand-forging process (round hammer dents on the blade), which gives it a beautiful rustic finish and also prevents food from sticking to the blade. Kanji  登録 九佐吉作 "registered as work of Yoshida Smithy in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan" has been chiseled onto the blade.

HANDLE:
The blade is fitted with an octagonal Japanese (Wa) style handle made out of a single piece of luxurious dark ebony wood, renowned for its exceptional hardness and density, which makes it one of the most durable and resistant woods. It is polished to a high gloss, creating a luxurious and elegant appearance and smooth feel that fits into the hand seamlessly. The octagon shape of the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, allowing for precise control during use.

BLACKSMITH:
The knife is manufactured at the smithy of Yoshida Hamono in Japan, a family company with an age-long tradition in manufacturing state-of-the-art tools and Japanese swords (katanas) by hand. Yoshida Hamono has a great deal of experience forging ZDP-189 steel in the traditional manner. See the photo story from our visit to their smithy.

The knife is laminated, forged, and heat treated by the blacksmith in his small smithy in the south of Japan. The kuro-uchi finish has a touch of rusticity and robustness that comes with the purely handmade blade. Therefore, each piece is completely unique.