We have been working closely with Master Gotou to create a new range of 'super-high end' knives that will include unique 'one-of-a-kind' knives and limited edition custom knives with special handles. Today, we are very excited to introduce the KAGAYAKI NOVEL― Limited Edition Custom Series!

 “Beautiful”, “Exclusive” and “Powerful” are the words that perhaps best describe these Custom Limited R-2 Damascus kitchen knives from Master Gotou.

 One day, at a large US Knife Show, we unexpectedly discovered this  beautiful, vividly colored, Stabilized Hybrid Wood material. We decided to ask Master Gotoh to combine this special wood with his highest quality Traditionally Forged R-2 Damascus blades. Now, the KAGAYAKI NOVEL-Limited Edition Custom Series is ready and available!

 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 two outer layers of the blade are made from a unique and elegantly patterned Damascus steel, which is comprised of alternating layers of white-colored nickel steel and sparkling mirror polished layers of steel. Mr. Gotoh decided to work in collaboration with a Master forge smith, who uses traditional forge hammering techniques to exploit the best characteristics of the steel. The blade finishing work and handle work is then carried out by Master Gotou’s reliable team of highly skilled craftsmen.

 KAGAYAKI NOVEL R-2 Custom Damascus KNLTD-136 Santoku 175mm Knife comes with a  Beautiful Custom Handcrafted Stabilized Dark Grey Color Maple Wood / Wine Red Color Hybrid Handle that is carefully hand contoured and polished to ensure both a beautiful appearance and a comfortable, secure grip. Each knife is supplied with a matching wooden Saya (Sheath), which has been finished with a decorative black lacquer that complements the appearance of the Dark Damascus blade very well.

 The knives feature full tang construction, premium handle scales, perfectly mirror polished stainless steel bolster and a  Handmade “JCK” Mosaic Pin that adds a stylish design accent. 

The tall blade and rounded nose / tip of the Santoku make it a versatile knife that is well suited to cutting meat, fish, or vegetables; Hence it’s name, which literally means “Three-purpose”. The Santoku is often recommended as a multi-purpose kitchen knife.

Knife Model: JCK Original Kagayaki NOVEL- Limited Edition Custom R-2 Damascus Series KNLTD-136 Santoku 175mm (Forged Blade)

Blade Material:  Hammer Forged R-2 Damascus

Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 63

Blade Grind and Edge Shape: Double Bevel Edge 50/50

Handle Material:  Custom Handmade Stabilized Dark Grey Color Maple Wood / Wine Red Color Hybrid Handle with Stainless Steel Bolster

Saya Included: Yes. 

This knife comes with 50/50 double bevel edge geometry for both right and left handed use.

For your information, Japanese Kitchen knives are generally designed for right hand use with a slightly thicker and rounded grinding on the right side blade and a less rounded (almost straight flat) grinding on the left side blade. However, both right and left hander can use the knives that have double bevel edge sharpened 50/50 without problems. 

We believe the quality and cutting performance of Japanese knives are the best in the world, and hope you enjoy fine craftsmanship and sharp edge with your new knife. With proper cares, every Japanese knife should be your special cooking partner for long times.

Important

This is the Powdered High Speed Tool Steel blade kitchen knife that has a rust resistance for easy maintenance. However, it may get rust, if kept in wet condition.