We only started working with blacksmith Shindo san quite recently and after receiving a couple of shipments of his knives we are impressed.
Shindo san uses a relatively new (to us) steel called SRK8. This high carbon alloy is made by Hitachi and it has been reported to be a similar steel to the ubiquitous White Paper #2, but with some added elements for extra toughness and edge retention. He hardens the core steel to HRC 63+. The inner core steel is clad in a soft iron that retains the blacksmith scale, or kurouchi, on the upper blade road. This adds a bit of corrosion protection while enhancing food release properties. This is still a reactive blade and will require care with cleaning and drying between uses.
Enjin is a name derived from two Japanese words: “en” means flame, and “jin” means blade. We really like the connotation and to emphasize it we asked for a burnt handle finish for these blades!
Blacksmith: Shindo San
Location: Tosa, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Steel: SRK8
Finish: Kurouchi
HRC: 63 +-
Handle: Oak Urushi Burnt
Grind: Even
Weight: 8.3 oz (180 g)
Edge Length: 180 mm
Total Length: 335 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 4.5 mm
Blade Height at Heel: 74 mm