Masamoto

This exceptional Honyaki (“True Quenching”) knife is handcrafted from solid piece of Hitachi Shiro-ko #2 (White Steel No.2) by a select group of Masamoto’s finest Master craftsmen. Each knife is hand sharpened and finished 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 uses a special differential heat-treatment procedure.

Whilst the hardness, edge retention and sharpness of Masamoto’s Shiro-ko Honyaki knife is truly remarkable

Whilst the hardness, edge retention and sharpness of Masamoto’s White Steel No.2 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 HS Series knife is fitted with a traditional Japanese ‘D-shaped’ magnolia wood handle with a water buffalo horn ferrule / collar and also includes a matching magnolia wood Saya (Sheath) for safekeeping.

Masamoto’s legendary Shiro-ko Honyaki knife is made by special order request and is 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:

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

Under these difficult circumstances, both we and Masamoto have done our best to satisfy customers who have requested knives with White Ferrules or Marble colored Ferrules. However, to cover increased costs, Masamoto will now require an extra US$13 when you request a knife with either a White or a Marble colored Ferrule. Please note that even if you request a Marble colored Ferrule, there is still a possibility that Masamoto will only be able to supply your knife with a White Ferrule. Similarly, even if you request a White Ferrule, Masamoto might only be able to supply your knife with a Marble colored Ferrule.

Although White and Marble colored Ferrules have an appealing, distinctive appearance, we actually recommend the simple, stylish solid Black Horn Ferrules because many years of expert experience (Including numerous Wa Handle Craftsmen, professional Japanese Food Chefs and Experienced Knife Users) suggests that Black Horn Ferrules are stronger and more durable than White or Marble colored Horn Ferrules.

If you order a Masamoto knife with a White or Marble 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, however, no matter the color of the ferrule, we are confident that you will enjoy your Masamoto knife.