Hocho

Japanese chef's knives - generically known as hocho - have an unrivalled reputation for edge quality and retention and jaw droppingly beautiful aesthetics.

There are several manufacturing - or perhaps a better word is making - techniques because the best of these hocho are hand made by master smiths.  The most renowned technique is lamination where a core of multi layered, high carbon, edge holding steel - often referred to as blue paper or white paper - is forged between rust resistant steel cheeks which serve to cushion the hard core steel, rust proof the majority of the surface of the blade and provide a softer layer where the master smith can leave his 'chop' or insignia.

In the kitchen some formulations of so called stainless 'steel' - critics don't accept it as steel at all - have application as an edge steel for some Japanese hocho and it remains a passionate debate as to whether the stainless formulations match their traditional carbon steel counterparts.

Bear in mind that quality edge tools in woodworking, gardening and the kitchen which use high carbon or tool steel for their cutting edges are subject to rust.  A susceptibility to rusting is an unavoidable trade off for the edge taking and holding nature of high carbon steels.

Nakagoshi Hocho

These traditional Japanese kitchen knives are handmade by Mr. Satoshi Nakagoshi and his son in his small workshop on the island Shikoku. The water-resistant magnolia wood handles fit securely in the hand. Cutting edge made of White Paper Steel, not rustproof. Hardness 61 HRC.

Stock Note: Not always held in stock.  Please contact us for likely delivery timing. These knives are artisan made and not mass produced.

Care & Maintenence

• See HERE for recommended Japanese water stones for sharpening and honing.
• See HERE for for Keshigomu abrasive rubbing blocks for polishing.
• See HERE for storage and mothballing options.

	Santoku - General Purpose Double bevel Blade 170 x 2.1mm 3 layers Overall 315mm Weight 150 gms     Item Code: F8070
	Usuba - Vegetable   Single RH Bevel Blade 165 x 3.0mm 2 layers Overall 300mm Weight 150 gms     Item Code: F8071
	Sashimi   Single RH Bevel Blade 150 x 3.0mm 2 layers Overall 300mm Weight 80 gms     Item Code: F8072
	Sashimi   Single RH Bevel Blade 200 x 3.5mm 2 layers Overall 345mm Weight 125 gms Item Code: F8073
	Sashimi Single RH Bevel Blade 270 x 3.5mm 2 layers Overall 420mm Weight 210 gms Item Code: F8074
	Deba   Single RH Bevel Blade 180 x 8.0mm 2 layers Overall 330mm Weight 330 gms Item Code: F8075
	Gyuto -Fish & Meat   Double Bevel Blade 115 x 2.1mm 3 layers Overall 235mm Weight 60 gms Item Code: F8076
	Gyuto -Fish & Meat   Double Bevel Blade 145 x 2.1mm 3 layers Overall 280mm Weight 80 gms Item Code: F8077
	Set of 3 - Santoko, Usuba, 345mm Sashimi   In Wooden case Item Code: F8078