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.

Urushi Varnish Knife - with Sheath

For more than 6000 years precious Urushi varnish (see below) lends a beautiful gloss to Asian artifacts. We are proud to present an exclusive selection of Japanese knives with Urushi painted handles and sheaths. Each is a unique piece of art, the blades forged in Japan and the varnish applied by master Peter Zehmisch. Many years of experience in Urushi painting make him to an expert of this field, he also is teaching our Urushi classes. The Japanese lacquer finish is not only visually spectacular, it is also resistant to wear, water, heat and solvents. The blades are not rustproof.

Urushi Varnish

Japanese Urushi embodies the art of varnishing in its highest form. It is made from the natural resin of the Asian tea tree (rhus vernicifera) and has been used in Japan to protect and lend a beautiful gloss to furniture, bowls, boxes, handles and jewelry for centuries. Once fully hardened, Urushi varnishes are resistant to water, heat, alcohol, acids, bases and solvents. In addition, Urushi varnishes are not susceptible to wear and are 100% natural. Any number of coats can be applied, without the risks of cracking or granulation.