Masamoto

The Masamoto KK Series is Masamoto’s most affordable range of hand-made Japanese traditional-style Kasumi knives, however, they maintain the high standards of craftsmanship, product quality and cutting performance that Masamoto are famous for.

Masamoto KK Series Knife uses a blade core of Hitachi White Steel No.2 (Shiro-ko #2; HRc. 62-63), which is forge-welded with soft iron. White Steel No.2 is very pure and is capable of achieving a high hardness level without being overly brittle, therefore it can be used to create very sharp edges with good edge retention, which are still easy to sharpen.

 This knife is fitted with a traditional Japanese ‘D-shaped’ magnolia wood handle with a water buffalo horn ferrule / collar. 

The Japanese word "Ko" means “small” or “short” in English, and the Ko-deba is a small Deba that is commonly used in coastal areas of Japan to fillet and butterfly small saltwater fish. The Ko-deba is useful knife for home cooks that prefer to clean and fillet the smaller sizes of fish, including small freshwater fishes such as trout.

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.