For the discriminating professional Chef, Masamoto’s Master craftsmen proudly present these exceptional HA Series Honyaki Ao-Ko (Blue Steel No.2) knife. Masamoto HA Series knife is perfectly mirror polished, finished and sharpened entirely by hand and will surely enhance you joy of cooking.

To ensure the best possible cutting performance and blade hardness (HRc. 64-65), Masamoto use a special differential heat-treatment procedure.

Whilst the hardness, edge retention and sharpness of Masamoto’s Ao-ko Honyaki knife is truly remarkable, they are also difficult to sharpen and can be easily damaged by incorrect use. In Japan, they are normally only used by very experienced top-star Chefs, and similarly, we only recommend them for people who have extensive experience with traditional Japanese knives, or to knife collectors who wish to keep them in perfect, unused condition.

Masamoto HA Series knife is fitted with a traditional Japanese octagonal magnolia wood handle with a water buffalo horn ferrule / collar and also includes a matching magnolia wood Saya (Sheath) for safekeeping.

Masamoto’s legendary Ao-ko Honyaki knives are made by special order request and are available in limited quantities, so please ask us about availability and delivery times before placing an order.

The Usuba is ideal for cutting vegetables and fruits which are served raw, because the thin and sharp blade produces cut surfaces with very little cell damage, and this minimizes the discoloration and change in flavor often caused by oxidation. The versatile middle section of the blade can be used for thinly slicing vegetables and also for performing the specialized Katsuramuki ("Rotary peeling”) technique.

Notice about White and Marble Colored Water Buffalo Horn Ferrules for Masamoto Knives:

Unfortunately, Masamoto and most other Japanese knife makers have recently been struggling to source Wa handles with White or Marble colored Water Buffalo Horn Ferrules, which are becoming very scarce.

Due to these unfortunate circumstances, Masamoto cannot guarantee that they will be able to supply your knife with a White or Marble colored Horn Ferrule. Both we and Masamoto will do our best to supply your chosen color of ferrule, but it is very likely that Masamoto will only be able to supply a knife with a Black colored Ferrule.

We actually recommend the simple, stylish solid Black colored Ferrules because, over many years, numerous Wa Handle Craftsmen, professional Japanese Food Chefs and Experienced Knife Users have found these Black Horn Ferrules are stronger and more durable than White colored Ferrules and Marble colored Ferrules.

If you order a Masamoto knife with a Marble or White colored Horn Ferrule and Masamoto cannot fulfil your request, we will inform you by Email and ask if you are willing to accept a Black colored Water Buffalo Horn Ferrule instead. We apologize for this inconvenience, but no matter the color of the ferrule, we are confident that you will enjoy your Masamoto knife.

Knife Model: Masamoto HA Series Usuba

Blade Material:  Blue Steel No.2

Rockwell Hardness (HRc): 64 to 65

Blade Grind and Edge Shape: Single Bevel Edge

Handle Material: Octagon Shaped Magnolia Wooden Handle with Water Buffalo Horn Ferrule

Saya Included: Yes.

 Japanese Traditional Style “Wa-Bocho” knives generally come with Single bevel edge for right handed use (the opposite side of blade is ground flat with slightly concaved shape). The reverse grinding left handed version is also available at 50% extra of regular price. (Sorry for much extra! Due to a small demand for the left handed version in Japan, it is costly to run a special small production from the beginning step). We try to keep the left handed versions in stock, but once sold out, it may take 30 to 45 days for delivery. Please contact us first for the availability at email.

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

Important

This is the Carbon steel blade kitchen knife that can get rust and discolor easily, and requires extra care and attention to prevent rust.