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Mazaki  |  SKU: MAZA_ASHONKU_GY21_Y24

Mazaki AS Hon-Sanmai Gyuto 210mm Stabilized Birch

$789.00
Tax included Shipping calculated at checkout.

Detailed Specifications
Line Mazaki White 2 Migaki
Profile Gyuto / Chefs Knife
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 229 g        8.08 oz
Edge Length 218 mm   .8.58 inch
Heel Height 50 mm     .1.97 inch
Width @ Spine 6.4 mm     0.25 inch
Width @ Mid 2.6 mm     0.1 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 0.9 mm     0.04 inch
Steel Blue Super / Aogami Super | Carbon
Blade Construction Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad
Hardness (HRC) 62 - 65
Surface Finish Migaki
Handle Octagonal Birch Burl with Spacer
Region Sanjo
Best for
  • Enthusiasts
    • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
    • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


    Naoki Mazaki's Shirogami #2 (White #2) line showcases his mastery of traditional knife-making techniques. These knives are hand-forged from high-carbon Shirogami #2 steel, known for its exceptional sharpness and edge retention. Each blade is meticulously finished with a kurouchi or migaki finish, highlighting its rustic elegance. The handles, often crafted from magnolia wood with walnut ferrules, provide a comfortable and balanced grip. Perfect for both professional chefs and culinary enthusiasts, Mazaki's Shirogami #2 knives are celebrated for their precision, durability, and timeless craftsmanship.

    Mazaki also loves to use other high carbon steel as well, notably Hitachi White #1, Blue #1 and Blue Super.

    Pros Cons
  • Excellent performance
  • Workhorse grind
  • Great OOTB
  • Need extra care
  • Prone to rust
  • Relatively hard to sharpen

  • Care Instruction
    1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
    2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
    3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
    4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
    5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
    6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.
    7. Oil the (carbon) knife if storing for an extended period of time to prevent rust.

    Mazaki

    Mazaki is a one-man operation based in Sanjo, Niigata. His knife is artistically beautful, and from the very beginning with very high level of Fit and Finish. I didn't look further into it as its cutting style was not my preference. 

    A while ago I was able to sample his latest work and was thoroughly impressed by how much it has improved. His knife now cuts much better than his earlier ones. I am particularly impressed that Mazaki's knife is largely finished on a stone by hand, while it is a much more time consuming process, such process ensures the knife is straight and flat with minimal low spots. We are talking about a type of finishing that is very much like Shigefusa's final handle sharpening process (albeit not the same level of polishing), rather than a water grinder sharpening process, which creates uneveness and low spots along the blade road, and sometimes even worse: over-grind. Given the effort that Mazaki-san has put in, the production is understandably very limited, and given the low price, I am sure his work will be highly thought after veyr soon. 

    • Profile: Gyuto

      Chefs Knife

      A Japanese chef's knife is known as a gyuto (牛刀 ぎゅうとう) gyūtō?), literally meaning 'beef knife'. Its blade resembles a flatter version of a French chef's knife. Japanese cutlery is known for sharpness due to its acute blade geometry, and the hardness of the steel used, sometimes exceeding 60 HRC on the Rockwell Scale A typical western chef's knife may be sharpened to an edge angle of 20-22°, while a Japanese gyuto generally has a sharper edge angle of 15-18° (or even lower), which requires a harder, more brittle grade of steel. In recent years Japanese gyuto have gained in popularity with western chefs.

      A modern chef's knife is a multi-purpose knife designed to perform well at many differing kitchen tasks, rather than excelling at any one in particular. It can be used for mincing, slicing, and chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and disjointing large cuts.

      Slide for more >>

    • Steel: Blue Super / Aogami Super

      Aogami Super steel, also known as Blue Super Steel, is highly esteemed among Japanese carbon steels for its exceptional qualities. Produced by Hitachi Metals Ltd., this steel surpasses Blue Steel No.1 in its composition, featuring higher amounts of carbon, chromium, and tungsten, with the addition of molybdenum. Aogami Super is celebrated for its remarkable edge sharpness and superior edge retention capabilities. It can achieve high levels of hardness without becoming brittle, a characteristic that sets it apart and endears it to knife enthusiasts worldwide. The steel's enhanced carbon content enables it to maintain sharpness for extended periods, while the added chromium aids in rust resistance. A touch of vanadium increases its toughness, making it less prone to chipping. These attributes make Aogami Super one of the most revered high carbon steels globally, often described as a knife nerd's dream for its balance of hardness, durability, and maintenance ease.

      Manufacturer:

      • Hitachi Special Steel, Japan

      Nature: Carbon

      Hardness: 62- 65

      << Slide for more >>

    • Construction: Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad

      Sanmai iron cladding is a traditional Japanese knife construction technique where a hard steel core is sandwiched between two layers of softer iron or steel. This method combines the superior edge retention and sharpness of high-carbon steel with the durability and ease of maintenance provided by the softer outer layers. The sanmai structure offers a balanced knife that is both flexible and resistant to breaking, ideal for precision cutting tasks. The softer outer layers also facilitate easier sharpening and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the knife through the development of a unique patina over time. While sanmai-clad knives require careful maintenance to prevent rust, their exceptional performance and distinctive appearance make them often a desirable feature of Japanese knives.

      << Slide for more >>

    • Handle Specs

      Profile: Octagonal WA

      Material:

      • Birch Burl Stabilized

      The stabilized birch burl handle adorning the Hatsukokoro chef knife is a testament to both exquisite craftsmanship and natural beauty. Birch burl, prized for its intricate grain patterns and unique textures, undergoes a meticulous stabilization process to enhance its durability and stability, ensuring longevity and resilience against moisture and wear.

      The handle's ergonomic design offers a comfortable and secure grip, allowing for extended periods of use without fatigue. Its smooth contours and balanced weight distribution contribute to precise control and effortless maneuverability during culinary tasks.

      The natural variations in color and grain of the birch burl create a visually captivating aesthetic, making each handle distinctively unique. This harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics not only elevates the chef knife's performance but also adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen, reflecting the unparalleled craftsmanship of Hatsukokoro knives.

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    Mazaki

    Mazaki AS Hon-Sanmai Gyuto 210mm Stabilized Birch

    $789.00
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