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How a warikomi knife blade is made Animated diagram of warikomi construction: a hard steel core (hagane) is set into a split in a jacket of softer metal (jigane: soft iron or stainless) and bonded to it under heat and pressure. The jacket wraps the core along the spine, so the core shows only at the cutting edge; the line just above the edge is where the jacket meets the core. In san mai, by contrast, the core runs up to the spine between two separate outer layers. Side view: the line just above the edge is where the jacket meets the hard core.Cross-section: the softer jacket wraps the core, which shows only at the edge.The jacket is split open and the hard core is set into the split …… then bonded under heat and pressure, drawn out and ground into the blade.Jacket (jigane)Core (hagane)Edge: core steel only

On the craft

Understanding Warikomi - Stainless Clad

Warikomi with stainless steel cladding is hard to forge-weld. Stainless contains chromium, the element that gives it corrosion resistance, and chromium forms a persistent oxide layer on the surface whenever the steel is exposed to heat and air. This oxide resists the bond that forge-welding needs. Iron or carbon steel cladding bonds at relatively forgiving temperatures with skilled hammer work. Stainless requires an extremely narrow heat window and careful control of the forge atmosphere to suppress oxidation. Too cool and the weld fails; too hot and the structure of the steel is compromised. Inconsistent timing, temperature or technique can cause delamination, cold shuts or a lost blade.

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What knives use this construction

See the product cards below for the specific knives in our range that feature Warikomi - Stainless Clad construction — every product listing includes the steel, profile, blade construction, and surface finish so you can compare across our catalog.

Care

How to maintain it

Hand wash with warm water and mild detergent, dry immediately with a soft cloth. Avoid the dishwasher, abrasive scouring pads, and prolonged contact with acidic foods. Carbon-steel knives benefit from a thin coat of food-safe camellia or mineral oil between uses.

Explore the catalog

Japanese knives with the Warikomi - Stainless Clad construction

11 knives in our current range

Our Locations

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Experience our knives hands-on at any of our four showrooms across Australia.

St Peters HQSt Peters, Sydney
St Peters, Sydney

St Peters

HQ
Unit 2, 2 Bishop St
St Peters, NSW 2044
(02) 8234 8818 email us
Mon–Fri 10am–4:30pm Closed weekends

Enter via Bishop St. Limited parking — please find nearby street parking.

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Crows Nest Open WeekendsCrows Nest, Sydney
Crows Nest, Sydney

Crows Nest

Open Weekends
107 West St
Crows Nest, NSW 2065
(02) 8234 8848
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am–6pm Closed Wed

Right next to Ryo's Noodles.

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Canberra KakumeiBraddon, Canberra
Braddon, Canberra

Canberra

Kakumei
Unit 3, 32 Lonsdale St
Braddon, ACT 2612
(02) 8234 8808
Wed–Thu 10:30am–4:30pm Fri–Sat 10:30am–6pm Sun 10:30am–4:30pm Closed Mon & Tue
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Prahran NewPrahran, Melbourne
Prahran, Melbourne

Prahran

New
Shop 1, 180 Commercial Rd
Prahran, VIC 3181
(03) 8199 9948
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 10am–6pm Closed Tue & Wed

Just opposite the Prahran Market!

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