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.

Bear in mind that quality edge tools in woodworking and gardening use high carbon or tool steel for their cutting edges and it is a largely unavoidable trade off that this steel will rust.

In the kitchen so called stainless 'steel' - critics don't accept it as steel at all - has 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.

Arata Hocho

Lovely shaped knives with hand-forged blades of archaic appearance. The cutting edge is of Blue Paper Steel flanked by two layers of rustproof steel. Hammered surface, handles of walnut wood. Not rustproof, hardness 63 HRC, double-bevelled.

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 3.1mm 3 layers Overall 310mm Weight 160 gms Item Code: F8210
	Petty Double Bevel Blade 90 x 2.0mm 3 layers Overall 195mm Weight 50 gms Item Code: F8211
	Gyuto Fish & Meat Double Bevel Blade 125 x 2.0mm 3 layers Overall 230mm Weight 60 gms Item Code: F8212
	Gyuto Fish & Meat Double Bevel Blade 180 x 2.0mm 3 layers Overall 320mm Weight 160 gms Item Code: F8213
	Gyuto Fish & Meat Double Bevel Blade 210 x 2.0mm 3 layers Overall 350mm Weight 180 gms Item Code: F8214
	Usuba - Vegetable Double Bevel Blade 150 x 3.4mm 3 layers Overall 295mm Weight 180 gms Item Code: F8215
	Sashimi Double Bevel Blade 245 x 2.0mm 3 layers Overall 380mm Weight 180 gms Item Code: F8216
	Set of 2 Santoku - Item Code: F8210 Gyuto - Item Code: F8212 Item Code: F8217
	Set of 3 Santoku - Item Code: F8210 Gyuto - Item Code: F8212 Usuba - Item Code: F8215 Item Code: F8218