It has been always pleasure to work with Master Gotou and his team of highly skilled craftsmen to develop our high quality KAGAYAKI series of Western-styled knives. Due to the consistently high standards of quality and craftsmanship achieved by Master Gotou and his team of fine craftsmen, our KAGAYAKI Basic Series, KAGAYAKI CarboNext Series and KAGAYAKI R-2 Damascus Series knives have become very popular with our customers.
In order to satisfy new market demands, including those of a large number of experienced users and knife enthusiasts, Master Gotou has been refining his techniques for making a new generation of special steel knives. Master Gotou selected a special Powdered Metallurgy High Speed Tool Steel called “R-2”, which he heat treats to HRc. 63. R-2 is produced by a highly reputable Japanese company called Kobelco and offers remarkable cutting performance and edge retention. The blades have a 3-layer construction, with outer layers of soft stainless steel that support the hard R-2 steel core, providing improved blade strength and allowing easy maintenance.
The knives feature full tang construction, water-resistant black pakkawood (Resin impregnated wood composite) handle scales and a “JCK” Handmade Mosaic Pin that adds a stylish design accent. The forged stainless steel bolsters increase durability and improve blade balance.
Many of our experienced and serious users prefer the style and practicality offered by a 'Kiritsuke blade’, so we have worked closely with Mr. Gotou to develop a new Kiritsuke-Petty, Kiritsuke-Bunka and Kiritsuke-Gyuto. He worked very hard to develop a well-balanced collection of Kiritsuke knives that have superb cutting performance and a great visual appearance. The blade spine is mirror polished for extra visual beauty and the overall quality of the angular Kiritsuke blade is extra high.
We hope you enjoy these simple, yet stylish and practical, R-2 Kiritsuke knives with Western-style handles. Each knife comes with a matching wooden Saya (Sheath), which has a decorative black lacquer finish.
