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Nakagawa Hamono  |  SKU: NAKA-G3MR-KYA300_EB

Nakagawa Ginsan K-tip Yanagiba 300 mm Mirror-polished Ebony

Regular price $869.95

Add a saya or K&S Knife Roll to receive $20 bundle discount!

Hatsukokoro by Nakagawa Ginsan Single Bevel Migaki
Yanagiba
Single Bevel
Weight 224 g | 7.9 oz
Edge Length 288 mm | 11 11/32″
Heel Height 36 mm | 1 27/64″
Width @ Heel 3.7 mm | 9/64″
Width @ Mid 3.6 mm | 9/64″
Width @ 1cm from Tip 0.9 mm | 1/32″
Steel Ginsan / Silver #3 | Stainless
Blade Construction Nimai - Stainless Clad
Hardness (HRC) 60 - 62
Surface Finish Kasumi
Handle Octagonal Ebony
Region Sakai
Best for
  • Pro chefs
  • First-timers
  • Students
  • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
  • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


This Ginsan line forged by Satoshi Nakagawa is another commissioned line by Hatsukokoro, having the Hira(平, the flate zone above the bevel) finished in a fine Migaki finish. It is slightly cheaper than its twin sister line with a mirror polish, but they are equally easy to look after with the stainless core and cladding.

The entire blade is finished reasonably well, weather it's the Hira, the bevel or the backside of the blade, the polishing remains cosistent and refined. Rounded choil and spine are there as expected and the only thing I can really say about the finish is the Kissaki of Sakimaru is not sharply defined. Oveall, quite a well done knife at this price.

The use of Ginsan steel makes the Knife even more versatile. While having a slightly better performance than VG10, the less alloy content in it will makes sharpening a whole lot easier, which is a huge plus for single bevel knife in professional setting. Meanwhile, being resistant to rust will save a lot of effort as there is no need to constantly wipe the blade while cutting, that's why I would also recommend this line to sushi students and homecook who have a bit more budget.

Satoshi Nakagawa, the maker who forged this line was the student under the legend bladesmith Kenichi Shiraki for over 20 years, he is very familiar with the behavior of steels especially the Hitachi Metal Paper Steels. This experience have garantees the great heat treatment on his knives so if you are looking for a stainless single bevel knife, this line will the more premium offering in terms of the quality.

Pros Cons
  • Great for professionals
  • Easy to look after
  • High budget
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.

Satoshi Nakagawa

Satoshi Nakagawa Hamono - Sakai's New Power House (Est. 2021)

Nakagawa Hamono, established by Satoshi Nakagawa (中川悟志) in April 2021, carries on the legacy of the renowned Shiraki Hamono under the guidance of Nakagawa-san, a dedicated disciple of the legendary craftsman Kenichi Shiraki. With nearly two decades of experience, primarily under Shiraki-san, Nakagawa-san has been instrumental in creating some of the finest honyaki blades in the last five years of Shiraki-san's work.

His expertise is not limited to Shiraki Hamono’s offerings but extends to forging top-tier knives for Sakai’s esteemed brands such as Sakai Takayuki, Kikumori to name a few. Based in Sakai City, Osaka, Nakagawa Hamono specializes in Ginsan and blue steel knives with wide bevels.

Read more

Satoshi Nakagawa Hamono was founded in April 2021 by Satoshi Nakagawa, a skilled craftsman from Sakai City, Osaka, who embarked on his journey into the world of knife-making at the tender age of 18. After high school, he was introduced to Kenichi Shiraki, a legendary master craftsman, and subsequently joined Shiraki Hamono. Under Shiraki-san's tutelage, Nakagawa-san honed his skills for nearly two decades, playing a pivotal role in the creation of many of Shiraki-san's renowned works, particularly in the latter years. His expertise extends to forging exclusive knives for prestigious Sakai retailers such as Sakai Kikumori and Sakai Jikko, showcasing his mastery across various top-tier lines.

Upon the retirement of Kenichi Shiraki, Nakagawa-san assumed leadership of Shiraki Hamono, now rebranded as Nakagawa Hamono. This transition marked the continuation of a storied legacy, with Nakagawa-san bringing his innovative vision to the fore. His current offerings are primarily forged from Ginsan steel, known for their distinctive wide bevels, with plans to expand the range to include diverse profiles and steels. Nakagawa-san's approach to knife-making is deeply rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, embracing new materials and trends while preserving the manual, labor-intensive processes that define the craftsmanship of his knives. His work on crest forging with blue steel No. 2 and No. 1 is a testament to his commitment to beauty and excellence, despite the challenges and heartbreaks encountered in the painstaking process of honyaki forging. Nakagawa Hamono stands as a beacon of traditional craftsmanship, blending timeless techniques with contemporary innovation, under the stewardship of one of Sakai's most promising craftsmen.

“Sakai's leading blacksmith of the new generation. ”

Est. 2021 | 令和3年
Known for single bevels, high production and great heat treatment on various hitachi steels.
Website nakagawa-knives.com Instagram @nakagawa_kajiya Read more about Satoshi Nakagawa
Satoshi Nakagawa — Sakai
Profile: Yanagiba
Profile

Yanagiba

The Yanagiba, often simply called Yanagi, stands as a quintessential knife in the Japanese culinary realm, specifically designed for the artful preparation of sashimi, sushi, and sliced raw fish and seafood. As a member of the Sashimi hōchō family, it is celebrated for its long, slender blade that ensures precision cuts with minimal effort. Blade lengths start at approximately 210mm and can extend up to 360mm, with the 240mm and 270mm sizes being the most favored for home use, while professional kitchens frequently opt for 300mm and larger. This knife's design is not just about aesthetics but about fulfilling the precise requirements of Japanese cuisine, making it a vital tool for both amateur and seasoned chefs.
Composition

Ginsan / Silver #3 Element Composition

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    Ginsan / Silver #3
    13.0% 9.8% 6.5% 3.3% 0
    C Carbon 1.0%
    Primary hardening element. Raises hardness and wear resistance — but too much increases brittleness and corrosion susceptibility. As a reference: German 1.4112 (~0.5%) sits at the low end; VG-10 (~1.0%) is a common mid-range; SG2 (1.25–1.45%) and ZDP-189 (~3.0%) represent high and extreme ends respectively.
    C
    1.0%
    Cr Chromium 13.0%
    Raises corrosion resistance; 13%+ qualifies steel as stainless. Also improves hardenability and wear resistance. In kitchen use, higher chromium levels contribute to a slight drag or sticking sensation when cutting — a trade-off for the rust resistance it provides.
    Cr
    13.0%
    Mn Manganese 0.7%
    Aids hardenability and strength. Acts as a deoxidiser during smelting. Excess can reduce toughness.
    Mn
    0.7%
    Si Silicon 0.35%
    Strengthens the steel matrix and acts as a deoxidiser. Improves hardness and resistance to oxidation.
    Si
    0.35%
    P Phosphorus 0.03%
    Impurity from the smelting process. Even small amounts cause brittleness — steelmakers keep this as low as possible.
    P
    0.03%
    S Sulfur 0.02%
    Impurity that reduces toughness and promotes brittleness. Intentionally added only in free-machining steels.
    S
    0.02%
    C — Carbon Cr — Chromium Mn — Manganese Si — Silicon P — Phosphorus S — Sulfur
    Hardness 60–62 HRC
    555759616365+
    Steel
    Ginsan / Silver #3
    Category
    Stainless
    Manufacturer
    Hitachi Special Steel, Japan 🇯🇵
    Hardness
    60–62 HRC
    Steel

    Ginsan / Silver #3

    • Manufacturer
      • Hitachi Special Steel, Japan
    • Nature Stainless
    • Hardness60–62 HRC
    Ginsan steel, also known as Silver 3 or G3 steel, is a type of stainless steel used in high-quality kitchen knives. It is appreciated for its ability to offer the traditional feel and sharpness of carbon steel while providing the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Ginsan steel contains a moderate amount of carbon, chromium, and other alloying elements that ensure a good balance between edge retention and ease of sharpening. This steel is particularly favored for its fine grain structure, which allows for a very sharp edge, and its resistance to rust makes it a popular choice among professional chefs and home cooks who seek the performance of carbon steel without the maintenance challenges. Ginsan steel knives are known for their durability, ease of care, and excellent cutting performance, making them a preferred option for those looking for high-quality stainless steel cutlery.
    Construction: Nimai - Stainless Clad
    Construction

    Nimai - Stainless Clad

    Nimai(Two Piece) is the Japan's traditional approach to the kitchen knife making, this construction method is typically found on knives with native Japanese origins like Yanagiba, Deba and Usuba. When constructing a Nimai knife, a piece of soft cladding metal will be placed onto a core steel, the two pieces of metal are then forgewelded and shaped into the knife.

    The Nimai knives are usually sharpened in single-bevel fashion, with hardened core steel exposed on the flat/hollow-ground side and soft cladding warping over the other side and over the spin. The soft cladding offers support for the harder yet more brittle core steel so the knive can have a thin, sharp edge while have some overall strength. Since the single bevel Japanese knives usually don't have a secondary bevel, the combination of soft cladding and hollow-grind have made the sharpening process easier than Monosteel and Honyaki knives.

    In recent years, knifemaker have been trying to utilize stainless claddings on the traditional Nimai knives, which were typically forged withcarbon steel. But unlike the Sanmai construction, the core steel will still be exposed on the hollow-ground side even the stainless cladding can protect the other side. The Stainless Clad Nimai knives seen on the market now would typically use a stainless core to pair with the stainless cladding, making the Nimai and traditional single bevel knives much more approachable for users who are interested in them.

    Finish: Kasumi
    Finish

    Kasumi

    A Kasumi finish refers to a traditional Japanese blade-finishing technique used on knives, particularly those made from a combination of soft iron and harder steel. The term "Kasumi" means "mist" in Japanese, aptly describing the hazy, matte appearance achieved on the blade's bevel where the two metals meet. This effect is not only aesthetic but also showcases the craftsmanship involved in blending these materials, highlighting the skill in creating a knife that is both beautiful and functional.

    Handle
    Handle

    Handle Specs

    • Profile Octagonal WA
    • Material
      • Ebony

    This handle, crafted from a single piece of ebony, exemplifies minimalist elegance and functional design. Its unique octagonal shape, featuring a subtle taper, offers a comfortable grip and a visually appealing geometric profile. The ebony wood, known for its deep, rich color and durability, has been meticulously milled from a single block, ensuring a seamless construction that highlights the wood's natural beauty and grain. The handle's surface has been highly polished, achieving a glossy finish that not only enhances the ebony's luxurious dark hue but also provides a smooth, tactile experience for the user. This design choice reflects a minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity, quality, and usability. The combination of the octagonal shape with the taper adds a modern twist to the classic material, making it a standout piece that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

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