To put the age of Moritaka Hamono into perspective, Westerners still believed the world was flat when Moritaka began producing hand forged blades. Over 700 years of tradition and craftsmanship have been brought to bear in the Moritaka Supreme series of knives which house a core of Aogami Super (AS) steel between layers of softer iron cladding. Ever innovating, Moritaka welds a stainless tang to a hand forged blade to prevent corrosion under the handle. Indeed, the kurouchi finish on these blades also improves the corrosion resistance of otherwise highly reactive cladding. The symmetric grinds on Moritaka Supreme knives get very thin behind the edge and display a degree of convexing to aid in ingredient separation. Finding hand crafted blades of this caliber, and premium AS steel at this price point, is a virtual impossibility, making the Supreme series of knives some of the best values on our site.
The 240mm kiritsuke comes double-beveled and symmetrically ground in Western style which adds some durability to the edge and an ambidextrous personality to the blade overall. The pattern is excellent for push and pull cutting and the flatter edge also makes it a fairly decent slicer. These characteristics make it a favorite with cooks that see a good bit of protein work and veggie prep which does not require rocking through large ingredients. Please note as of May 15th, 2015 these knives now have a ho wood octagonal handle with buffalo horn ferrule. The video on the page is not current. The photos are current.Blacksmith: Moritaka Hamono
Location: Yatsushiro Japan
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Edge Steel: Aogami Super Steel
Cladding: Soft Iron
Tang: Stainless Steel
Edge Grind: Even: See Choil Photo
Finish: Kurouchi
Handle: Magnolia Octagonal
Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
Weight: 6.8 ounces
Blade Length: 242 mm
Overall Length: 395 mm
Thickness at Heel: 2.7 mm
Blade Height: 49.7 mm
The 240mm kiritsuke comes double-beveled and symmetrically ground in Western style which adds some durability to the edge and an ambidextrous personality to the blade overall. The pattern is excellent for push and pull cutting and the flatter edge also makes it a fairly decent slicer. These characteristics make it a favorite with cooks that see a good bit of protein work and veggie prep which does not require rocking through large ingredients. Please note as of May 15th, 2015 these knives now have a ho wood octagonal handle with buffalo horn ferrule. The video on the page is not current. The photos are current.
Reviews
25 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Solid Knife, February 2, 2024Posted By: Corey W.
Hmm, the Moritaka AS. This has been an interesting knife. I had been looking for a rustic carbon k-tip. I had tried an Echizen smith in another AS k-tip and this Moritaka is a better performer. There isn't much in the looks department but it is quite competent on the board. An absolute tomato monster. It came pretty sharp, not paper towel sharp, but close. The black finish isn't very durable but the cladding isn't bad underneath. It is applied with some generous amounts in some spots but nothing that affects cutting or food release. It is pretty blade forward with the balance about a 1/3 down the blade from the handle. It has some food release, nothing exceptional but a little better than average. The important thing is that it cuts very well and takes a great edge and holds it. You will be well served by this knife.
Hmm, the Moritaka AS. This has been an interesting knife. I had been looking for a rustic carbon k-tip. I had tried an Echizen smith in another AS k-tip and this Moritaka is a better performer. There isn't much in the looks department but it is quite competent on the board. An absolute tomato monster. It came pretty sharp, not paper towel sharp, but close. The black finish isn't very durable but the cladding isn't bad underneath. It is applied with some generous amounts in some spots but nothing that affects cutting or food release. It is pretty blade forward with the balance about a 1/3 down the blade from the handle. It has some food release, nothing exceptional but a little better than average. The important thing is that it cuts very well and takes a great edge and holds it. You will be well served by this knife.
This knife rocks!Posted By: Wim
2 people found this review helpful
Actually, that’s the one thing this knife can’t do. But, for everything else it is amazing. This is my second Aogami Super blade (the first was a Kohetsu AS 210 gyuto which is incredibly light, scary sharp, and effortless to use.) This is an entirely different beast - longer obviously and with more heft, and with a flat profile almost like a nakiri, all of which make it a fantastic chopper. The length and profile also make it a great slicer. What surprised me most, however, was the delicacy of tip work that this blade seems to love. For me, the somewhat rustic appearance (less so than the Dao Vua pipeline steel knives from Vietnam - of which I have a number- but still handmade looking) is a real plus. In short, I would buy it again in an instant!
2 people found this review helpful
Actually, that’s the one thing this knife can’t do. But, for everything else it is amazing. This is my second Aogami Super blade (the first was a Kohetsu AS 210 gyuto which is incredibly light, scary sharp, and effortless to use.) This is an entirely different beast - longer obviously and with more heft, and with a flat profile almost like a nakiri, all of which make it a fantastic chopper. The length and profile also make it a great slicer. What surprised me most, however, was the delicacy of tip work that this blade seems to love. For me, the somewhat rustic appearance (less so than the Dao Vua pipeline steel knives from Vietnam - of which I have a number- but still handmade looking) is a real plus. In short, I would buy it again in an instant!
This knife rocks!Posted By: Wim
3 people found this review helpful
Actually, that’s the one thing this knife can’t do. But, for everything else it is amazing. This is my second Aogami Super blade (the first was a Kohetsu AS 210 gyuto which is incredibly light, scary sharp, and effortless to use.) This is an entirely different beast - longer obviously and with more heft, and with a flat profile almost like a nakiri, all of which make it a fantastic chopper. The length and profile also make it a great slicer. What surprised me most, however, was the delicacy of tip work that this blade seems to love. For me, the somewhat rustic appearance (less so than the Dao Vua pipeline steel knives from Vietnam - of which I have a number- but still handmade looking) is a real plus. In short, I would buy it again in an instant!
3 people found this review helpful
Actually, that’s the one thing this knife can’t do. But, for everything else it is amazing. This is my second Aogami Super blade (the first was a Kohetsu AS 210 gyuto which is incredibly light, scary sharp, and effortless to use.) This is an entirely different beast - longer obviously and with more heft, and with a flat profile almost like a nakiri, all of which make it a fantastic chopper. The length and profile also make it a great slicer. What surprised me most, however, was the delicacy of tip work that this blade seems to love. For me, the somewhat rustic appearance (less so than the Dao Vua pipeline steel knives from Vietnam - of which I have a number- but still handmade looking) is a real plus. In short, I would buy it again in an instant!
Siimply the best Excellent AwesomePosted By: Kenneth Legnon - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
I've only had this knife for a day but so far it is incredible. Well balanced and light saber sharp. There is definitely a learning curve with this knife, but with every slice, dice, chop and mince it gets easier to understand. i will say however it is not the best at cutting maki (sushi rolls). Can't wait to see what else this knife can do!
2 people found this review helpful
I've only had this knife for a day but so far it is incredible. Well balanced and light saber sharp. There is definitely a learning curve with this knife, but with every slice, dice, chop and mince it gets easier to understand. i will say however it is not the best at cutting maki (sushi rolls). Can't wait to see what else this knife can do!
Professional UsePosted By: PETER BONE - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
Razor sharp OOTB. I've put it through the paces in a demanding professional kitchen, not only does it perform admirably but it is my go to for virtually everything. One can feel the effort and love of the smith in this blade. What an absolute joy to use. Def feels like a part of me. I also love the effort in maintaining the blade on a daily basis. a quick round on a 6k stone and it's at the ready.
3 people found this review helpful
Razor sharp OOTB. I've put it through the paces in a demanding professional kitchen, not only does it perform admirably but it is my go to for virtually everything. One can feel the effort and love of the smith in this blade. What an absolute joy to use. Def feels like a part of me. I also love the effort in maintaining the blade on a daily basis. a quick round on a 6k stone and it's at the ready.
I love it KiritsukiPosted By: Caleb Hild - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
I like the octagonal handle very much. It's pretty sharp out of the box, but still needed to be sharpened for proper use. It's great, I use it everyday. I work at two different jobs as a sushi chef and it does an amazing job. m/
2 people found this review helpful
I like the octagonal handle very much. It's pretty sharp out of the box, but still needed to be sharpened for proper use. It's great, I use it everyday. I work at two different jobs as a sushi chef and it does an amazing job. m/
Moritaka AS Kiritsuke 240mmPosted By: Fran?ois Messier - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
I had regular good western knives for decades but I never had a knife that good, and by far? Tous les jours, j'ai h?te de me faire ? manger juste pour avoir le plaisir de l'utiliser. Thanks.
2 people found this review helpful
I had regular good western knives for decades but I never had a knife that good, and by far? Tous les jours, j'ai h?te de me faire ? manger juste pour avoir le plaisir de l'utiliser. Thanks.
Very flat knifePosted By: Kendall Phillips - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
I sharpened this knife up just for a couple minutes on my stone and it's amazing. The extremely flat profile is great for chop work but you definitely can't rock this knife. It will blow through veg in a professional kitchen and slice meat very well.
2 people found this review helpful
I sharpened this knife up just for a couple minutes on my stone and it's amazing. The extremely flat profile is great for chop work but you definitely can't rock this knife. It will blow through veg in a professional kitchen and slice meat very well.
Weapon of choicePosted By: Joe - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
This is a stunning knife, the best-performing blade I've ever used (as a home chef). Nimble despite the length, which speaks to its great balance I suppose. I find myself looking for excuses to slice and julienne, even more than usual! Super sharp and quite easy to touch up on the stones. Won't be my last Moritaka!
3 people found this review helpful
This is a stunning knife, the best-performing blade I've ever used (as a home chef). Nimble despite the length, which speaks to its great balance I suppose. I find myself looking for excuses to slice and julienne, even more than usual! Super sharp and quite easy to touch up on the stones. Won't be my last Moritaka!
Product ReviewPosted By: Steve D - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
My awesome wife got this for me for Christmas. It immediately became my number one knife. I haven't run it over my sharpening stones yet but it was pretty sharp oob. Love the balance and shape of the blade. Feels great in my hand and even flew through some of the tough winter vegetables that we have been working with lately. Because of the shape of the blade I don't use it for chopping herbs ( I have my trusty Tojiro for that) but all my slicing and dicing jobs go to the Moritaka. Thank you Mark and chefknivestogo!!!
2 people found this review helpful
My awesome wife got this for me for Christmas. It immediately became my number one knife. I haven't run it over my sharpening stones yet but it was pretty sharp oob. Love the balance and shape of the blade. Feels great in my hand and even flew through some of the tough winter vegetables that we have been working with lately. Because of the shape of the blade I don't use it for chopping herbs ( I have my trusty Tojiro for that) but all my slicing and dicing jobs go to the Moritaka. Thank you Mark and chefknivestogo!!!
Product ReviewPosted By: Jacob Juhl - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
This knife was screaming sharp out of the box. I could not believe it. I have pounded it through all kinds of product from poultry fabrication to veg work and this knife tears through everything I can thorough at it. I don't use it for fish, I use a single bevel Deba for that, but for work horse tasks it is perfect. I also have a Yanagiba for slicing proteins. Now for the service. These guys are quick to respond, the shipping is mind meltingly fast. I got may two days after I ordered it with free shipping. Will be ordering from them again.
2 people found this review helpful
This knife was screaming sharp out of the box. I could not believe it. I have pounded it through all kinds of product from poultry fabrication to veg work and this knife tears through everything I can thorough at it. I don't use it for fish, I use a single bevel Deba for that, but for work horse tasks it is perfect. I also have a Yanagiba for slicing proteins. Now for the service. These guys are quick to respond, the shipping is mind meltingly fast. I got may two days after I ordered it with free shipping. Will be ordering from them again.
Product ReviewPosted By: Tim Armstrong - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
This knife is worth every penny. Was quite decent OOTB, but gave it a quick sharpen and it took a super sharp and precise edge and holds that edge ridicoulously well with a little TLC. This knife has come through heavy prep still holding a serious edge. Aogami super is great steel and moritaka has obviously mastered it. Kiritsuke/gyuto is a unique and very verstile style knife. It is a priviledge to own one from a great company with roots as deep as Moritaka has. I highly rcommend any knife from Moritaka, as well as the superb service from Chef Knives ToGo.
2 people found this review helpful
This knife is worth every penny. Was quite decent OOTB, but gave it a quick sharpen and it took a super sharp and precise edge and holds that edge ridicoulously well with a little TLC. This knife has come through heavy prep still holding a serious edge. Aogami super is great steel and moritaka has obviously mastered it. Kiritsuke/gyuto is a unique and very verstile style knife. It is a priviledge to own one from a great company with roots as deep as Moritaka has. I highly rcommend any knife from Moritaka, as well as the superb service from Chef Knives ToGo.
Product ReviewPosted By: brent harvey - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
This knife is AMAZING! Otb, very sharp... a minute (literally) on the stones and strop and wow. Katsura muki is so much easier. The knife provides a good deal of feedback and patina is less of an issue than I expected (in comparison to my yanagiba or usuba). I'm equally impressed with the prompt answers to my question from Mark and excellent service. Also, the free sharpie in the box was a nice treat... I'm always hunting for one at work, and never remember to get one at the store. Thanks again Mark!
2 people found this review helpful
This knife is AMAZING! Otb, very sharp... a minute (literally) on the stones and strop and wow. Katsura muki is so much easier. The knife provides a good deal of feedback and patina is less of an issue than I expected (in comparison to my yanagiba or usuba). I'm equally impressed with the prompt answers to my question from Mark and excellent service. Also, the free sharpie in the box was a nice treat... I'm always hunting for one at work, and never remember to get one at the store. Thanks again Mark!
Product Review Product ReviewPosted By: Aaron - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
First Moritaka and not my last. Awesome knife all around. The blade is very flat with a little curve at the tip. Out of the box was good to push cut paper. Edge retention is out of this world. Took it to work for two days of hard prep and only stropped it after the end of the day then was good to go. Took it to the stones to touch it up which was easy. Only problem is the D shape handle as I am a lefty but don't let that stop you. And the usual great service from Mark.
2 people found this review helpful
First Moritaka and not my last. Awesome knife all around. The blade is very flat with a little curve at the tip. Out of the box was good to push cut paper. Edge retention is out of this world. Took it to work for two days of hard prep and only stropped it after the end of the day then was good to go. Took it to the stones to touch it up which was easy. Only problem is the D shape handle as I am a lefty but don't let that stop you. And the usual great service from Mark.
Product ReviewPosted By: Reese - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
Great knife extremely sharp. I have owned a Shun classic, Henckles, a bunch of Tojoro knives, forschner, and Swiss knives all Japanese or western and this knife is the sharpest. I have always been a fan of blue steel knives and I realize the shuns, henckles, etc can never really get as sharp as the blue super steel...great knife, great price, great customer service.
2 people found this review helpful
Great knife extremely sharp. I have owned a Shun classic, Henckles, a bunch of Tojoro knives, forschner, and Swiss knives all Japanese or western and this knife is the sharpest. I have always been a fan of blue steel knives and I realize the shuns, henckles, etc can never really get as sharp as the blue super steel...great knife, great price, great customer service.
Product ReviewPosted By: shinjuku - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
Great knife sharp right out of the box I owned a shun, henckles, two tojiro knives. I must say that the shun and henckles will never be as sharp as this moritaka even out of the box the aogami super steel is far superior to any stainless steel knife by miles!
2 people found this review helpful
Great knife sharp right out of the box I owned a shun, henckles, two tojiro knives. I must say that the shun and henckles will never be as sharp as this moritaka even out of the box the aogami super steel is far superior to any stainless steel knife by miles!
Product ReviewPosted By: Jesse nobles - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
Great knife,really love the look of it. I like that it is a great workhorse knife and not just a collectors item so i dont feel bad using it in service for a variety of different tasks. Not many complaints about it, out of the box it was sharp but not as sharp as I expected, though I very very easily made it super scary sharp and the edge retention on this knife is unreal. I used in extensivly on my 12 hour shifts and it still remains scary sharp after all that abuse. By far the best knife I have used, I have to be careful, its so sharp it tends to sometimes bite into the board if i push to hard. Highly recommend this knife and any of the moritaka knives...truly feels like a work of art that you can enjoy while working. Thanks to mark for the recommendation.
2 people found this review helpful
Great knife,really love the look of it. I like that it is a great workhorse knife and not just a collectors item so i dont feel bad using it in service for a variety of different tasks. Not many complaints about it, out of the box it was sharp but not as sharp as I expected, though I very very easily made it super scary sharp and the edge retention on this knife is unreal. I used in extensivly on my 12 hour shifts and it still remains scary sharp after all that abuse. By far the best knife I have used, I have to be careful, its so sharp it tends to sometimes bite into the board if i push to hard. Highly recommend this knife and any of the moritaka knives...truly feels like a work of art that you can enjoy while working. Thanks to mark for the recommendation.
Product ReviewPosted By: Roy Barris - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
Extraordinary cutting ease from the shallow bevel geometry extending 1/2 inch up the edge, the uniform thinness of the blade and the heft (good weight). The edge outlasts Blue paper steel (Rockwell 63) on Tadefusa knives, and other lower hardness Aogami steel
2 people found this review helpful
Extraordinary cutting ease from the shallow bevel geometry extending 1/2 inch up the edge, the uniform thinness of the blade and the heft (good weight). The edge outlasts Blue paper steel (Rockwell 63) on Tadefusa knives, and other lower hardness Aogami steel
Product ReviewPosted By: Ryan - verified customer
3 people found this review helpful
I bought a few Moritakas years ago and recently bought this one for a friend. The finish and handle quality are far superior on these newer knives. Moritaka does a nice job with their heat treatments. Their blue steel takes and holds a better edge than a Hiromoto AS but not as well as Murray Carter's. The geometry on these is kind of strange. The thickness at the spine continues down towards the edge for quite a while before tapering. The profile seems more ground than hammered. This makes it a fairly heavy very strong workhorse knife. Not going to fall through carrots but no need to baby it. The Kiritsuke is a real looker.
3 people found this review helpful
I bought a few Moritakas years ago and recently bought this one for a friend. The finish and handle quality are far superior on these newer knives. Moritaka does a nice job with their heat treatments. Their blue steel takes and holds a better edge than a Hiromoto AS but not as well as Murray Carter's. The geometry on these is kind of strange. The thickness at the spine continues down towards the edge for quite a while before tapering. The profile seems more ground than hammered. This makes it a fairly heavy very strong workhorse knife. Not going to fall through carrots but no need to baby it. The Kiritsuke is a real looker.
Product ReviewPosted By: Ben Scrimalli - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
This is a gorgeous knife! This is my first knife made with aogami super steel and now i know what all the fuss is about! It came very sharp ootb. I even shaved a big patch of arm hair off ootb! It isn't as quick to rust as other carbon blades i own. And i know its preference, but i love the rustic look of the kurouchi finish on the blade, and LOVE the sword tip! Its a head turner for sure! Sharpening has been a breeze, and you can get it razor sharp. Also, it's amazing to me just how long this blade holds it edge. I highly recommend this knife or any other Moritaka for that matter. They are a great deal price wise as far as I'm concerned. One other thing: ordering from Mark at CKTG is as good as it gets! He'll inspect knives for you if you ask him, before they are shipped to you, and will take anything back if you are not happy upon its arrival. Shipping is free and QUICK!
5 people found this review helpful
This is a gorgeous knife! This is my first knife made with aogami super steel and now i know what all the fuss is about! It came very sharp ootb. I even shaved a big patch of arm hair off ootb! It isn't as quick to rust as other carbon blades i own. And i know its preference, but i love the rustic look of the kurouchi finish on the blade, and LOVE the sword tip! Its a head turner for sure! Sharpening has been a breeze, and you can get it razor sharp. Also, it's amazing to me just how long this blade holds it edge. I highly recommend this knife or any other Moritaka for that matter. They are a great deal price wise as far as I'm concerned. One other thing: ordering from Mark at CKTG is as good as it gets! He'll inspect knives for you if you ask him, before they are shipped to you, and will take anything back if you are not happy upon its arrival. Shipping is free and QUICK!
