This line are made with SRK8 steel, which is an alloy that boasts some similarities to Hitachi Shirogami #2. In the case of SRK8, chrome and nickel are added for extra toughness and resilience. The steel is heat-treated to HRC 63+. It should, therefore, hold a good edge and be easy to sharpen.

These are really fine knives featuring a well-done kurouchi finish on the upper blade road that fades to a nice matte sand-blasted lower portion. The core SRK8 steel shows really well against this backdrop. A great-looking burnt oak wood handle with an urushi finish perfectly matches the blade.

Great knife super sharp cut a couple of things. Don’t like how flat it is. Prefer a little curve to rock chop. Never sharpened.