Masamoto Sohonten Blue #2 Hongasumi Yanagi
Features
Style:Yanagi
Steel Type: Carbon steel (CAUTION: MOISTURE AND ACID CAUSES RUST AND DISCOLORATION)
Steel Material: Blue Steel #2
Classification: Hongasumi
Saya Cover: Magnolia Wooden Cover Included
Knife Bevel: Single Sided
Handle Material: Magnolia Wood
Bolster Material: Water Buffalo Horn (Bolsters are made from natural horn therefore colors may vary)
HRC: 62 - 63
Knife Weight:
Blade Width (Widest Part):
Spine Width:
Handle Length:
Hongasumi knives are high-grade kasumi knives. They are forged,
tempered, and finished with great care and precision. To create these
blades, high carbon steel is layered with soft iron then forged and
hammered in a process similar to kasumi knives but with more
detailed steps involved. Blue steel #2 is a mixture of chromium, tungsten, and white steel #2. The addition of chromium and tungsten to white steel gives it added hardness, making it a good compromise for those who want a carbon knife with a longer edge retention.
About Masamoto
Minosuke Matsuzawa, the founder of the Masamoto Sohonten Company started making knives in 1866. It was his dream that his family would come to be remembered as knife craftsmen throughout the generations. Now, five generations later, Matsuzawa’s vision has been realized and professionally crafted Masamoto knives have become widely regarded as the finest knives made for professional use.
Purpose of Yanagi
The yanagi is used to slice boneless fish fillets into sashimi and toppings for sushi. The graceful, long and thin blade is designed to cut slices in one drawing stroke, which applies minimal pressure on the flesh of the fish to avoid stress and cell destruction. Different cutting techniques are used with the yanagi to enhance the aesthetics and the flavors of the fish. There are several variations of fish slicers that are all used in different situations and regions, however the yanagi style is the most widely used. Originated in Kansai (Osaka) region.
CAUTION: Moisture Causes Rusting and Discoloration
For Left-Handed Customers
- Left-handed blades must be special ordered from Japan, and will cost 50% more than the right-handed blades. Due to how each traditional Japanese knife is handmade by right handed craftsmen, it will take 4 to 6 weeks to forge and deliver.
Did you know?
- Korin offers their customers a free maintenance service for all traditional Japanese knives!
- The initial blade serves as a sharpening guide in the future. Free initial sharpening and uraoshi sharpening is available with every purchase. Please be aware that sharpened knives are not eligible for returns.
General knife care tips and warnings
- Never wash knives in the dishwasher
- This is not stain resistant. It will rust and discolor after cutting acidic ingredients or if one leaves it wet.
- Improper care will result in chipping.
- Please wipe knives dry after use to prevent rusting. Korin recommends wiping carbon knives with tsubaki oil to keep moisture off the knife.
- Western style knives sold at KORIN have significantly thinner blades than typical Western knives. Use of honing steels or sharpening machines may result in chipping.
- We advice all customers to always use sharpening stones to sharpen or hone knives.
Please be cautious when inspecting carbon knives with wet hands after purchase. We ask customers to inspect all knives prior to using, and will not accept returns on damaged goods. In the event you receive a rusted knife, please call customer service within 48 hours, and we will be happy to assist you.
For more information, please check our pages on different types of sharpening stones or sharpening tips.