Chromax steel is a kitchen knife material known for its distinctive properties. While it offers greater corrosion resistance compared to high-carbon steels, it remains classified as semi-stainless. This means it's less likely to rust but can still develop a patina over time and react with acidic foods. Additionally, Chromax steel sharpens well, similar to high-carbon steel, and can achieve an impressive hardness of 65 HRC.
Maker: Takamura
Location: Echizen Japan
Construction: San Mai
Edge Steel: Chromax Semi Stainless
Cladding: Stainless Steel
HRC: 65+-
Edge Grind: Even 50/50
Handle: Western
Finish Tsuchime (Hammered)
Weight: 162g / 5.7oz
Edge Length: 212mm / 8.3 inches
Overall Length: 335mm
Spine Thickness: 2mm
Height: 46mm
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Reviews
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Posted By: Matt Freeman
3 people found this review helpful
I understand why people say this knife is a great value: It is. And I understand why you might call it a "starter knife": It would be that too. But I just think the Takamura brothers make great knives period. I got a petty that I love and now this. Just handling and looking at it I love love love the polished blade and impeccable fit and finish. For a long time I felt I preferred traditional and rustic looks, but somehow the Takamuras magically combine Western and Japanese features to come up with a hybrid that's no compromise but a new way of thinking about what a great knife is. And it reminds you that in the end it's a tool and you know it's going to perform like crazy. So you can say it's a great value but tell me, what would you want that you'd pay more for? I honestly don't know. And maybe it's a great starter but I could see ending with it, saying yeah this is going to be my daily knife because I don't know what would be better. I'm sure I'll buy other knives as time goes on, to get a particular quality or whatever I like, but I'd be surprised to see one I liked better overall than this.
3 people found this review helpful
I understand why people say this knife is a great value: It is. And I understand why you might call it a "starter knife": It would be that too. But I just think the Takamura brothers make great knives period. I got a petty that I love and now this. Just handling and looking at it I love love love the polished blade and impeccable fit and finish. For a long time I felt I preferred traditional and rustic looks, but somehow the Takamuras magically combine Western and Japanese features to come up with a hybrid that's no compromise but a new way of thinking about what a great knife is. And it reminds you that in the end it's a tool and you know it's going to perform like crazy. So you can say it's a great value but tell me, what would you want that you'd pay more for? I honestly don't know. And maybe it's a great starter but I could see ending with it, saying yeah this is going to be my daily knife because I don't know what would be better. I'm sure I'll buy other knives as time goes on, to get a particular quality or whatever I like, but I'd be surprised to see one I liked better overall than this.
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Posted By: Justin Mann
4 people found this review helpful
First I'd like to say this is absolutely my favorite knife after 7 months of use. Fit and finish are good but some light sanding is required at the heel of the blade for a more comfortable pinch grip. Comes very sharp, maybe 7/10 and ground very nice and thin.
The chromax steel and heat treat sharpens much like a basic carbon steel meaning its easy to get a great keen edge on it. It forms a burr easily and can be deburred readily right on the stones. It will patina but it's notably slower to discolor than say Blue
4 people found this review helpful
First I'd like to say this is absolutely my favorite knife after 7 months of use. Fit and finish are good but some light sanding is required at the heel of the blade for a more comfortable pinch grip. Comes very sharp, maybe 7/10 and ground very nice and thin.
The chromax steel and heat treat sharpens much like a basic carbon steel meaning its easy to get a great keen edge on it. It forms a burr easily and can be deburred readily right on the stones. It will patina but it's notably slower to discolor than say Blue
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