Made in Seki by a small group of nokaji whose skills have been passed down over the course of 3 generations, the Hammer collection blades are amongst the sharpest we sell within their price point and beyond. The bewitchingly intricate beauty of the these 45 layer Damascus blades is matched by their effectiveness and unparalleled ease of maintenance. The central core is Swedish Sandvik inox 19C27 which is laminated with 22 layers of soft stainless on each side; the use of imported steel by Japanese knife makers especially those making wholly by hand is rare, actually the very special Swedish steels are the only examples of this import, which is generally totally anathema to Japanese knife makers. However, it is certainly a testimony of the awe in which Swedish inox steel is held worldwide, that our very traditional nokaji from this small relatively obscure factory, decided to apply this material to their star collection.

The very special hand hammered surface of the blade fulfils a number of practical functions as well as imbuing an interesting pattern unique to each maker. By hand hammering the body of the blade molecules are pushed closer together thus increasing strength and toughness, a much needed addition as these satiny edges tho’ enduring are delicate. The hand hammer process also allows the actual edge to be innately more even thus facilitating easy re sharpening. Thirdly the random hollows along the body of the blade act like ‘granton indentations thus ensuring that ingredients fall away from the blade a little more easily.

The knives of the Hammer Collection hold a very special significance to JKC as they are the perfect tool to demonstrate the edge maintenance technique we call stropping. The inevitable disbelief of customers upon hearing that blades can be made and kept considerably keener by brushing the edge on newspaper is easily dissolved, as nearly all our knives can easily be transformed into utter sharpness this way. Due to the ultra thinness of the central core, and exceptional qualities innate within these very special traditionally blades the edges can be taken from resisting tomato skin backwards and forwards to absolutely silky cutting action within under 30 seconds of stropping on newspaper. Handles are D shaped and comprised of luxurious and enduring red sandalwood, with black lacquered collars.