Kanehiro Ginsan knives are very well made and easy to maintain kitchen utensils. They are forged by Yoshimi Kato, son of Hiroshi Kato, from the family shop in the famed Takefu Village. This is one of the main centers of knife making in Japan and is home to some of the world’s most renowned and popular blacksmith shops.
Yoshimi Kato uses Ginsan, or Silver-3, steel as the main element of this line of blades. He heat treats the alloy to an HRC rating of 62. G3 steel is well known for its excellent edge properties. The ginsan hagane (core) is wrapped in a stainless cladding, resulting in a fully stainless steel blade which is both durable and easy to maintain. The outer cladding is given a nashiji (pear skin) finish.
This is a knife for smaller hands, smaller cutting boards, or smaller spaces. But do not let the label throw you. This is a big performer capable of taking on almost every normal kitchen cutting task. The shorter and lighter size of this knife gives it a nimble quality that feels fast and dare we say it...more fun! Most vegetables or proteins can be processed with a blade this size. The knife is coupled to a traditional cherry octagonal handle with a black pakka wood ferrule.
Blacksmith: Kato San
Location: Echizen, Japan
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Edge Length: 144mm
Height: 28mm
Spine Thickness: 2.9mm
Weight: 2.9oz / 80g
Handle: Maple Wood Octagonal
Ferrule: Walnut
Steel: Ginsan
Cladding: Nashiji stainless
Edge: 50/50