TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Founder 2

About Traditional Japanese Knives 4
Crafting Traditional Japanese Knives 8
Knife Craftsmen in Sakai 10

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE STYLE KNIVES

Korin Special Collection
Kochi & Korin
Parts of Traditional Japanese Knives
Masamoto Sohonten
Suisin
Nenohi
Chinese Cleavers & Menkiri
Custom Knives
Wa-Series

12
17
22
23
31
35
38
40
43

WESTERN STYLE KNIVES

About Western Style Knives
Togiharu & Korin
Suisin
Nenox
Misono
Masamoto
Glestain
Paring & Peeling Knives
Bread & Pastry Knives
Knife Covers
Gift Sets

48
50
62
65
73
80
82
83
84
86
88

Sharpening Stones
Knife Sharpening
The Chefs Edge DVD
Korin Knife Services
Knife Care & Maintenance
Knife Bags
Cutting Boards
Kitchen Utensils

92
96
100
101
104
106
108
110

Chef Interviews 112

Glossary 125
Store Information, Terms & Conditions 128

Dear Valued Customer,

When I first came to New York City in 1978, Japanese cuisine and products were rarely found in the U.S.
Nowadays, Japanese ingredients are used in many restaurants for different types of cuisine, and sushi can readily be
found in most major supermarkets. As a witness to this amazing cultural exchange in the culinary world, it gives me
great joy to see Japanese knives highly regarded and used by esteemed chefs worldwide. Although I am not a chef or
a restaurateur, I believe that my role in this industry is to find the highest quality tools from Japan in hopes that they
may assist you in reaching your career goals.
While making this knife catalog, we did extensive research to provide our readers with as much information
as possible so as to maximize the potential of the knives and services offered through Korin. Our newest knife catalog
features new insights on our knives, interviews with a master blacksmith and renowned chefs, as well as a testimonial
directly from one of Japans top knife company president. I am deeply honored to receive so much support in the
process of creating this catalog.
This catalog marks the end of an era in knife crafting. I am sad to announce the retirement of Master
Blacksmith Kenjiro Doi and sharpening Master Shouzou Mizuyama. At the age of 85, Master Doi has officially
retired and has passed on his legacy to his son, Itsuo Doi. Master Mizuyama, Chiharu Sugais 88 year old grand
master, has announced that he will be closing his shop and retiring after over seventy years of service. He has
been an instrumental force in helping us develop new products and will be sorely missed. The dedication and
immense skill of these craftsmen is a source of great inspiration to us at Korin, and we are confident that the
impact of their legacy on knife crafting will be felt in kitchens worldwide.
We are incredibly grateful and privileged to serve such wonderful customers, who inspire us everyday with
their passion for the culinary arts. I am always overwhelmed by the dedication shown to me by all of the chefs that
I have had the pleasure of meeting over the years. My greatest hope is for Korin to become the bridge to connect
you to my home countrys culinary traditions and to the craftsmen of Japan, who take pride and are encouraged
everyday knowing that chefs worldwide highly value their hard work.
Warmest regards,

Saori Kawano,
Founder & President

www.korin.com

Dear Valued Customer,

We are happy to present our fifth knife catalog. At Korin, we are very proud to see that in the past few years more
chefs worldwide are recognizing Japanese knives for their unparalleled quality, precision, and sharpness.
We hope that this catalog will provide our customers with valuable information about our knives and knife services.
As Japanese knives grow increasingly popular, we recognize the importance of providing high quality information
that will allow customers to make educated decisions when selecting knives and help them maintain optimum
sharpness.
With guidance from my Grand Master Shouzou Mizuyama, we are able to provide our customers with cutting
edge information about natural and synthetic whetstones, traditional Japanese knives, Western style knives,
and sharpening techniques. Never before has there been a resource that has provided such detailed sharpening
instructions or so thoroughly explored the difference between knives. By fully understanding the value and long
standing traditions behind Japanese knives, our customers will be able to make more informed decisions and
better care for their products. Although we are limited by the number of pages in this catalog, I would like to present
knife lovers with the truth about Japanese knives through our website and other forms of media.
Our newest catalog would not be possible without the support of Masamoto Sohonten, Misono, Suisin, and Nenohi.
I hope that by providing this valuable resource to our customers, we will be able to promote cultural exchange and
allow chefs worldwide to come to appreciate the unprecedented quality and sharpness of Japanese knives.
With gratitude,

Chiharu Sugai
Korin Knife Master

www.korin.com

ABOUT TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KNIVES

Japan is a land of long traditions, especially in the field of arts and crafts, where hundreds of years of accumulated
knowledge and experience are passed down from master to apprentice, from teacher to pupil. From kimono silk dying
and ikebana flower arranging to martial arts and kabuki theatre, each tradition has its own set of rules, procedures and
schools of style.
Striving for excellence in their field, Japanese blacksmiths have long been producing the exceptionally fine traditional
Japanese knives required by master chefs in Japan to achieve their culinary goals. Today, the razor-sharp, singleedged blades of traditional Japanese knives are prized by Japanese and non-Japanese chefs alike.

Honyaki Knives & Kasumi Knives

All the traditional Japanese knives sold at Korin are handcrafted and inspected by our
resident knife master to ensure the highest quality. There are two classifications of
Japanese knives based on the materials and methods used in the forging process. Each
classification has its own advantages.

Kasumi Knives
Kasumi means mist, referring to the hazy appearance of the soft iron of the blade in
contrast to the glossy carbon steel cutting edge. Carbon was a rare commodity when
knives began to be produced in Japan, but iron steel was readily available and relatively
inexpensive. Forgers reduced the amount of carbon steel needed to produce knives by
forging two steels together. The repeated heating and pounding process helps drive out
impurities from the metal while merging the two materials.

Kasumi

The annealing, quenching, and cooling process gives the knives their edge retention, but
if not forged properly the two steels will be prone to cracking and splitting. After forging,
hammering, and shaping, the carbon steel becomes the blades edge, and the soft iron
portion becomes the body and spine of the blade. Although the addition of soft iron
makes kasumi knives less brittle and easier to sharpen, their kirenaga (edge retention) is
shorter than honyaki knives.

Hongasumi Knives

Hongasumi

Hongasumi knives are high-grade kasumi knives. They are forged, tempered, and finished
with great care and precision. To create these blades, high carbon steel is layered with
soft iron then forged and hammered in a process similar to kasumi knives but with more
detailed steps involved.

Honyaki Knives
Honyaki (true-forged in Japanese) knives are constructed out of one solid piece of carbon
steel. Honyaki forged knives have the greatest edge retention of all traditional Japanese
styles. However, because of the hardness of the material, honyaki knives are difficult to
sharpen and are prone to chipping, cracking, or even breaking if used improperly. The
honyaki knives require a higher level skill to make, and users must be highly experienced
to use and care for them.

Honyaki

Comparison Between Honyaki and Kasumi Knives

[Chart from Suisin Knife System Company]

HONYAKI

KASUMI / HONGASUMI

Price

Expensive

Moderate

Sharpening

Difficult

Relatively easy

Hardness

Very hard

Not as hard

Durability

Brittle

Less brittle

Types of steel

Ao-ko, Shiro-ko, Ginsan-ko, Inox

Ao-ko, Shiro-ko, Ginsan-ko

Recommended for

High-level use only

Beginner to professional

ABOUT TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KNIVES

Japanese Steels
Japanese knife forgers have always chosen their material and corresponding techniques carefully. Japanese steel can be
divided into two main categories, white steel and blue steel. Within those two categories, there are different grades
that users should consider when looking for a new traditional Japanese knife.

White Carbon Steel #1 (Shiroichi-ko, Shirogami #1)

White steel #1 is the purest form of carbon, making it the closest material to tamahagane steel, which was originally used
to craft Japanese swords. Forging a knife out of white steel #1 is extremely difficult and very few highly skilled craftsmen
are still able to forge kitchen knives with this material, making knives made out of white steel #1 exceedly rare. Using a
knife forged out of white steel #1 also requires great skill, as these knives are brittle and difficult to maintain. However
knives forged out of this material will have the sharpest edge achievable.

White Carbon Steel #2 (Shironi-ko, Shirogami #2)

White steel #2 is the most commonly used type of white steel. This steel achieves a harmonious balance between
sharpness and brittleness, making it easier to use than white steel #1.

White Carbon Steel #3 (Shirosan-ko, Yasuki-ko)

White steel #3 has a slightly lower carbon content than white steel #2. The material is therefore not as hard or pure
as other white steels, but if sharpened properly it can attain a similar edge. This grade of steel was developed and
manufactured in Shimane prefecture in the Western region of Japan.

Blue Carbon Steel #2 (Aoni-ko, Aogami #2)

Blue steel #2 is a mixture of chromium, tungsten, and white steel #2. The addition of chromium and tungsten to
white steel gives it added hardness, making it a good compromise for those who want a carbon knife with a longer
edge retention.

Ginsan-ko
Ginsan-ko is a stain resistant steel that is created by adding 13% additional chromium to white steel. By using high
quality white steel to produce a stain resistant blade, this makes a great alternative to carbon steel traditional Japanese
knives. High carbon stain resistant steels such as Ginsan-ko, Inox, VG-10, and 8A are becoming increasingly popular
among professionals for their easy maintenance.

Tamahagane
Tamahagane is a rare and precious steel that is used to forge katanas, the traditional Japanese swords. Tamahagane
steel is only produced two to four times a year due to the tremendous amount of the labor and material need, as well
as the excess of unusable by-products. Thirteen tons of iron sand and thirteen tons of coal must be smelted, and then
constantly hammered for three days and three nights to produce a mere 2.8 tons of raw steel. Once the steel bloom
is produced, less than one ton of the steel bloom is considered high enough quality to be tamahagane steel. This one
ton of tamahagane steel is controlled by the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, which is sponsored and
established by the Japanese government. The tamahagane steel is sold exclusively to katana craftsmen a few times a
year. However, even within the one ton of tamahagane steel only 200 kg is considered high quality A1 steel, and katana
craftsmen are limited to 10 kg of this A1 steel per year.

Dentoukougeishi Craftsmen
Dentoukougeishi are traditional craftsmen acknowledged by Japanese local governments. These craftsmen are
recognized for their commitment to protecting traditional Japanese art and crafting techniques. Dentoukougeishi
are required to be highly skilled in their chosen craft and have generations of historical family background.

www.korin.com

ABOUT TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KNIVES

Styles and Uses of Traditional Japanese Knives

Yanagi

Takobiki

Fugubiki

Usuba

Kamagata Usuba

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The yanagi is used to slice boneless fish fillets into sashimi

and toppings for sushi. The graceful, long and thin blade is
designed to cut slices in one drawing stroke, which applies
minimal pressure on the flesh of the fish to avoid stress and
cell destruction. Different cutting techniques are used with the
yanagi to enhance the aesthetics and the flavors of the fish.
There are several variations of fish slicers that are all used in
different situations and regions, however the yanagi style is
the most widely used. The kensaki yanagi, sakimaru takobiki
and maguro yanagi serve similar functions, but are more elegant
styles. If space allows, longer blades will produce better results.
Korin recommends the 30cm length for this style, because it has
the most optimal weight and length for slicing through the fish
without damaging the flesh. Originated in Kansai (Osaka) region.
The takobiki was originally designed and crafted by the founder of
Masamoto Sohonten, Minosuke Matsuzawa. It serves as the Kanto
region (Tokyo) variation of the yanagi knife, and is used to slice
boneless fish fillets into sashimi. There are rumors that centuries
ago when chefs prepared sashimi in front of their guests, it was
considered disrespectful to point the sword-like yanagi at their
customers, especially nobility. For this reason older restaurants in
Tokyo continue to use the takobiki instead of yanagi knives to this
day. Its thin body makes cutting thin slices of fish easier than the
yanagi. Takobiki means `octopus cutter, as to how the blunt tip
and balanced weight works well on difficult ingredients such as
octopus. Originated in Kanto (Tokyo) region.
The fugubiki is a traditional Japanese style blowfish slicer. Fugu
or blowfish is traditionally served on a painted plate, and cut so
thin so that the design on the plate can be seen through the sliced
pieces. A common misconception about the fugibiki is that the
knife slices through fish better than the yanagi because of the
extremely thin construction. However, the fugubiki is a specialized
knife for preparing blowfish and is not recommended to be used
interchangeably with the yanagi.

The usuba is a traditional Japanese style knife designed specifically

to cut vegetables. Japanese cuisine stresses the importance and
beauty of seasonal ingredients, referred to as `shun. The literal
translation of usuba is `thin blade. Without this incredibly sharp
and thin blade, the knife would break down the cell walls of
vegetables, causing ingredients to discolor and decrease in flavor.
Originated in Kanto (Tokyo) region.

The kamagata usuba is a traditional Japanese knife designed to

work with vegetables. Unlike the Kanto version of the usuba, the
kamagata usuba has a pointed tip, which allows for more delicate
work and decorative carving. Originated in Kansai (Osaka) region.

ABOUT TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KNIVES

Deba

Mioroshi Deba

Funayuki

The deba is used in Japanese fish markets and restaurants

to butcher and fillet whole fish without damaging the flesh.
Although many use this knife on meat as well, the deba is not
intended for chopping large diameter bones nor should it be used
by slamming down the knife like a cleaver. For the best results,
please apply pressure on the spine of the knife to make clean and
precise cuts. Originated in Kansai (Osaka) region.

The mioroshi deba is a specialized knife that can be used both as a

deba and as a yanagi knife. This style of knife is much thinner and
more brittle than the standard deba, and therefore requires more
experience and skill to fully utilize.

The funayuki is a multi-purpose traditional Japanese knife. The name

funayuki, `going on a boat, comes from a tradition of fishermen, who
used these knives to clean and prepare fish on the boat. The blade
is extremely thin in order to slice fish and vegetables and requires great
skill to successfully utilize without chipping. Traditionally only executive
chefs are deemed skilled enough to handle these incredibly sharp but
brittle knives.

Kiritsuke

The kiritsuke is one of the few multi-purpose traditional Japanese

knives, and it may be used as a yanagi or usuba knife. This style of
knife is traditionally only used by the executive chef in the Japanese
kitchen.

Menkiri

Menkiri means `noodle cutter in Japanese. The features of the

menkiri make it essential when working with noodles. In order
to get perfect even thin strips, the knife must be extremely
sharp, the blade must extend to the end of the handle to cover
the width of the dough, and the blade must sit completely
flat against the cutting board. If there is any space between
the blade and the cutting board, it will not cut the dough
completely and will thus ruin the structure of the noodle.

Sushikiri

Sushikiri means sushi slicer in Japanese. The long symmetrically

curved blade is designed to slice sushi rolls and battera sushi
in one rolling slice without crushing them. T h e s e knives are
popularly used in the Kansai (Osaka) regions.

Maguro Knife

Maguro knives are highly specialized knives used to cut and fillet
large whole tuna fish. These knives have an extremely long blade
and handle. These lengthy knives are ingeniously designed and
crafted with a softer carbon steel blade than other knives, making
it easier to repair minor chipping damage sustained to the blade
during the strenuous job of filleting large
fish. The maguro knife is commonly found in
Japanese fish markets such as Tsukiji Market,
where they hold tuna auctions every morning.
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Crafting Traditional Japanese Knives

A single yanagi knife requires at least four skilled craftsmen and takes two weeks to craft. Even the top knife craftsmen
can only produce ten to twelve pieces per day. The knife making process is divided into four stages: forging, edge crafting,
handle making and assembling. A craftsman conducts the blade through many different steps then passes it to the next
craftsman. The number of steps involved varies from knife to knife according to the shape, type of material, and procedure
required. A top-grade knife undergoes upwards of fifty different steps.
The following images highlight some of the basic procedures of crafting traditional kasumi style knives.

Forging

1. Soft iron steel is hand hammered.

2. A high carbon steel core is attached

to the soft iron steel.

3. A belt hammer shapes the red hot

blade as the craftsman removes the
ash with a rice straw brush.

4. A mechanical cutter trims the

blade.

5. Tempering : The blade is covered

with clay to protect it from rapid
changes in temperature.

6. Quenching : The blade is quickly

cooled in a water bath to ensure
hardness.

For Honyaki knives : The spine of the

blade is coated with clay, reheated,
slowly cooled, and then aged. This
process increases flexibility, hardens
the steel, and creates a beautiful
hamon pattern on the blade.

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Edge Crafting

1. The craftsman uses a rough wheel

to sharpen the knife.

2. Smoothes out the face of the blade.

3. Craftsman buffs the knife on a

fabric covered wheel.

4. Sharpens on a water stone wheel.

5. Uses a wooden wheel to create the

kasumi or `haze finish.

6. Finally he achieves a hand sharpened

finish using natural whetstones.

2. Handle is fitted to a bolster collar.

3. Magnolia wood handle with water

buffalo horn collar prepared for
assembly.

2. Blade is driven firmly into the handle

with a mallet.

3. Company brand and insignia are

engraved on the blade.

Handle Making

1. Handle is hand turned on a lathe.

Assembling

1. Tang (nakago) is heated and inserted

into the handle.

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KNIFE CRAFTSMEN IN SAKAI

From the third through the seventh century, it was customary to bury royalty
in tombs covered by large, keyhole-shaped monuments. These tombs are called
kofun and are constructed of earth and stone. Around 450 A.D. the kofun of
Emperor Nintoku was constructed in Sakai City. The tombs ranked in scale
along the Great Pyramid of Egypt, and covered 46 hectares of land. The
building project was so immense that blacksmiths from all over Japan had to
be gathered to Sakai city to forge tools. They produced massive amounts of
farm tools such as hoes and spades needed for the mound construction. By
the time the burials were built, most of Japans metal craftsmen had settled in
Sakai for good.
Sakai city gradually became the center of metal crafting in Japan. When
tobacco was introduced in the sixteenth century from Portugal, Japans metal
craftsmen turned to producing tools for cutting tobacco leaves. As popularity
of tobacco spread throughout Japan, the demand for tools and knives to cut
tobacco leaves grew. Sakai citys prestige was solidified in 1570 when the
Tokugawa shogunate recognized the superiority of Sakai tools, certifying the
blacksmiths in Sakai city as the exclusive tobacco knife makers in Japan.
The popularity of tobacco made the craftsmen of Sakai city famous throughout the country. It was only natural that
when these craftsmen applied their skills to cooking knives they would feature the same sharp blade and refined balance
of the tobacco knives. Sakai blacksmiths have passed on these highly acclaimed forging techniques from generation
to generation, and Sakai city has become known for producing the finest knives in Japan. In 1982 Sakais Cutlery was
recognized by the Minister of International Trade and Industry. They appointed Sakais tools as a Traditional Craft
Product, further cementing the reputation of Sakai knives. To this day, though their numbers are dwindling, Sakai city
is home to the finest traditional Japanese knife craftsmen in Japan.

Sakais Knife Craftsmen Today

Interviewee: Yoshikazu Ikeda, Chairman of Dentoukougeishi
Interviewer: Tatsuya Aoki, Knife System
Yoshikazu Ikeda began pursuing his family business of knife forging when he was only 22 years old. In 1988 he was
selected to be one of Sakai Citys blade-making dentoukougeishi, and in 2001 was chosen to be the first member of Sakai
Citys Master Craftsmen Organization. Over the past forty years, he has polished his forging techniques for both Japanese
swords and kitchen knives. Today Master Ikeda forges knives for top Japanese knife companies and is the chairman of
the association of dentoukougeishi, traditional craftsmen acknowledged by the Japanese local government.
What is the difference between Honyaki and Kasumi?
These knives are made out of the same carbon steel. The term `kasumi refers to how the knife is sharpened, featuring
the hazy appearance of the soft iron of the blade in contrast to the glossy carbon steel cutting edge. The proper name for
this style of knife is awase-mono or urauchi-mono, which refers to the process of hammering the two materials together.
It is said that honyaki knives are sharper than kasumi knives because they are forged at a lower temperature. Honyaki
knives are forged at 900C to 1000C, while kasumi knives are forged at temperatures over 1000C. Extremely high
temperatures are used in order to meld the soft iron and carbon steel in kasumi knives, and as a result, honyaki knives
have a smoother surface and ultimately are of higher quality. Even if a honyaki knife is crafted out of cheaper material
(such as white steel #3), it will still be sharper than a kasumi knife.
Many chefs think that honyaki knives are more stain resistant than kasumi knives, what do you think?
Knives with high carbon content rust easily and the soft iron steel in kasumi knives prevent rusting. Because honyaki
knives are crafted entirely out of carbon steel, honyaki knives cannot be more stain and rust resistant than kasumi knives.
Maybe the chefs that purchase these expensive honyaki knives take better care of them than the more affordable kasumi
knives. Perhaps the mirror finish also makes chefs feel as if they are more rust resistant.
10

www.korin.com

Are honyaki or kasumi knives more difficult to forge?

Typically honyaki knives are more expensive and more difficult to craft. The forging and quenching process is critical to
crafting honyaki knives. This is the most important and hardest procedure. Unless you are crafting a mizu honyaki knife
out of blue steel, honyaki knives are easier to forge but it is far more difficult to craft the blade and sharpen. When you
learn how to craft basic honyaki and kasumi knives, you realize that more skill is involved in making kasumi knives. For
kasumi knives you must combine the two materials then stretch the steel, which is extremely difficult. It is not something you
can understand by just listening to an explanation. There are many forgers that specialize in crafting kasumi style knives
for this reason.
What steel do you think is the best for traditional Japanese knives?
There are benefits and weaknesses to both white and blue steels. I believe that making a knife suited for different
users is a chance for the crafters to display their skills, and that it is Korins and the knife makers responsibility to
point users towards the right knife for them. It really depends on the knife and users skills. For example, it is easier to
use and maintain a knife with a lower carbon content. Many chefs believe that blue steel slices through delicate ingredients
such as fish better, but white steel #2 and #3 are the easier to sharpen and will get sharper. Many people are also not
aware that in the end, steel does not guarantee quality. There are many steps and craftsmen involved into crafting
each knife. Crafting a knife is a group effort. If the blacksmith forging the steel does not have the skills to take full
advantage of the quality of material being used, then the quality of material does not matter. Even if a knife is forged
perfectly, the knife can still be ruined if the blade maker cannot sharpen well.
What do you think about knives that contain a higher carbon content?
It does not make sense to choose your tools by how much carbon is in a knife or how high quality of a material is being
used. You should choose a knife based on what you enjoy using and what you can easily sharpen to do your work
most efficiently and effectively.
Do you think harder knives are better?
Many people who make knives think the hardness of the steel is everything, and proudly exaggerate that their knives
can cut through wire and chop down trees. I think it is strange that some people pursue the highest HRc knives. What
good is a tool if you cant sharpen it to its fullest potential? Hard steel material was originally not used in Japan, as it
was not even considered suitable for crafting Japanese swords. The best knives are the ones that are easy to sharpen.

Message from Korins Knife Master, Chiharu Sugai :

The information in this interview includes details about knives that knife companies do not want to reveal. Every now and
then I will hear about knives that have a high HRc but are still easy to sharpen. This defies logic, but makes these special
knives a tribute to the wonders of Japans traditional sword crafting techniques. My goal for Korin is not merely to offer
luxury, but to offer our customers with the highest performing knives made by trust worthy and highly skilled craftsmen.

www.korin.com

11

KIZUNA
Kizuna Takobiki - HMA-KZTA-330 (Left)
Kizuna Sakimaru Takobiki - HMA-KZST-330 (Right)

Each blade is forged from white steel #1, the purest

form of carbon and one of the most difficult types of
steel to work with. The white steel #1 is very close to
tamahagane steel, which is a precious metal used for
forging the traditional samurai sword.

HAYATE
Hayate Mukimono - HSU-HAMU-180 (Left)
Hayate Yanagi - HSU-HAYA-360 (Right)

The Hayate is a special knife created exclusively

by Master Blacksmith Keijiro Doi for the Knife
System Company. Master Doi has officially retired
as of 2013 at age 85, and has passed on this line to
his son, Itsuo Doi. The original Hayate line forged by
Master Doi have serial numbers on the back of the
blade to signify the order the blades were crafted.

deba
[Not for Sale]
This large deba knife is a collectors piece that is
engraved with the name of sixty different species
of fish. It requires a tremendous amount of skill
and concentration to accurately engrave every
kanji characters stroke without making mistakes.

KOCHI
Kochi is one of Korins house brands designed by
Japans most recognized Grand Master Sharpener
Shouzou Mizuyama in collaboration with Korins
Knife Master Chiharu Sugai. It took five years to find
highly skilled craftsmen who could represent Korin
and forge a knife based on the ideals of the two
sharpeners. The Kochi knives are crafted with blue
steel #2 which is a mixture of chromium, tungsten,
and white steel #2. The addition of chromium and
tungsten creates a harder steel, providing a good
compromise for those who want a carbon knife with
a longer edge retention than white steel.
For optimum user friendliness, the two sharpeners
ideal knives are all hongasumi style blades that are
easy to sharpen. These beautiful knives have an
octagonal magnolia wood handle and come with a
magnolia wooden knife cover to protect the blade
when not in use.

Yanagi
HKR-AHMYA-270
HKR-AHMYA-300
HRc: 61

Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.
17

KORIN
JAPANESE STYLE

Korin Shiro-ko Hongasumi

The Korin Shiro-ko Hongasumi knives are forged from a combination of white carbon steel #2 and soft iron steel,
then handled with magnolia wood and a water buffalo bolster. White steels pure carbon content allows for the
sharpest cutting edge. The main difference between the kasumi and hongasumi line is found in the crafting process.
More steps, higher level craftsmen, and greater attention to detail are involved when crafting hongasumi knives,
therefore are more refined than kasumi knives.
HRc: 61

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HKR-SHYA-240
HKR-SHYA-270

Yanagi
Yanagi

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

HKR-SHYA-300

Yanagi

11.7 (30cm)

Deba
Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)
7.0 (18cm)

HKR-SHDE-195
HKR-SHDE-210

Deba
Deba

7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

HKR-SHUS-210

Usuba

8.2 (21cm)

Deba
HKR-SHDE-165
HKR-SHDE-180

Usuba
HKR-SHUS-180
HKR-SHUS-195

Usuba
Usuba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)

Kamagata Usuba
HKR-SHKU-180
HKR-SHKU-195
HKR-SHKU-210
18

Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

Sharpening: Advanced

KORIN
JAPANESE STYLE

Korin Shiro-ko Kasumi

Korin Shiro-ko Kasumi knives are handcrafted from a combination of white #2 carbon steel and soft iron steel.
The knives have a magnolia wood handle with a water buffalo horn bolster. This professional grade line is highly
recommended for beginners.
HRc: 61

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HKR-SKYA-240
HKR-SKYA-270
HKR-SKYA-300

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Deba
HKR-SKDE-165
HKR-SKDE-180
HKR-SKDE-195
HKR-SKDE-210

Deba
Deba
Deba
Deba

6.4
7.0
7.6
8.2

(16.5cm)
(18cm)
(19.5cm)
(21cm)

Kamagata Usuba
HKR-SKKU-180
HKR-SKKU-195
HKR-SKKU-210

Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

www.korin.com

19

KORIN
JAPANESE STYLE

Korin Ginsan-ko
Korins Ginsan-ko traditional Japanese knives are forged out of ginsan-ko steel and have an octagonal yew wood
handle. The use of ginsan-ko steel embodies a new concept in Japanese knife making. Traditional methods of
craftsmanship are combined with modern metallurgical advances to produce a traditional Japanese knife with
enhanced user friendliness. The carbon steel core is forged from soft iron steel and 13% chromium blended steel to
create this stain resistant blade. Despite its stain resistant quality, the ginsan-ko steel still has a high carbon content
which makes it a great alternative to a pure carbon blade.
HRc: 60

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HKR-G3YA-240
HKR-G3YA-270
HKR-G3YA-300

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Kiritsuke

10.5 (27cm)

Kiritsuke
HKR-G3KI-270

Deba
HKR-G3DE-165
HKR-G3DE-180

Deba
Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)
7.0 (18cm)

HKR-G3DE-195
HKR-G3DE-210

Kamagata Usuba
HKR-G3KU-180
HKR-G3KU-195
HKR-G3KU-210
20

Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba

www.korin.com

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

Deba
Deba

7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

KORIN
JAPANESE STYLE

Korin 8A Stain Resistant

Korins traditional Japanese 8A knives are made of 8A Austrian stain resistant steel and a magnolia wood handle
with a water buffalo horn bolster. The 8A steel is a high quality steel with rust-resistant properties, making it ideal
for busy chefs. They are easier to maintain than carbon steel knives and have a longer edge retention. This line is
recommended for those looking for a more affordable and lower maintenance traditional Japanese knife. Wooden
covers are not included, but may be purchased seperately.
HRc: 59-60

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HKR-8AYA-240
HKR-8AYA-270
HKR-8AYA-300

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)
12.0 (30cm)

Deba
HKR-8ADE-150
HKR-8ADE-165
HKR-8ADE-180

Deba
Deba
Deba

5.9 (15cm)
6.4 (16.5cm)
7.0 (18cm)

Usuba
HKR-8AUS-165
HKR-8AUS-180
HKR-8AUS-210

Usuba
Usuba
Usuba

6.4 (16.5cm)
7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)
www.korin.com

21

Parts of Traditional Japanese Knives

SE (Spine) or MUNE (Chest)

TUKA or E (Handle)
MACHI

AGO (Chin)
E JIRI (Handle end)

HIRA (Flat) or TSURA (Face)

KISSAKI (Tip)

KIREHA
(Blade Road or Cutting Edge)
HARA (Belly)
HASAKI (Edge)

KATA (Shoulder)

NAKAGOU (Handle)

HADOURI
SHINOGI
(Line between flat body and the cutting edge)

Diagram shows the front of a right-handed knife.

Knife Measurement
The size information in this catalog is based on actual blade length as shown below.

Blade Length
Yanagi, Takobiki, Usuba and Kamagata Usuba knives are measured from the machi to the tip of the blade.

Blade Length
Deba and Western style knives are measured from the blade end ago to the pointed tip of a knife.
22

www.korin.com

MASAMOTO
SOHONTEN

MASAMOTO SOHONTEN
Minosuke Matsuzawa, the founder of the Masamoto Sohonten Company started making
knives in 1866. It was his dream that his family would come to be remembered as knife
craftsmen throughout the generations. Now, five generations later, Matsuzawas vision has
been realized and professionally crafted Masamoto knives have become widely regarded as
the finest knives made for professional use.

A knife produced by a skillful craftsman

will develop a greater and greater sharpness
with each resharpening. Remarkably, with
continued maintenance, the blade will
become sharper than it was in its original
condition. Constant care and maintenance
is essential for a knife.
- Morisuke Hirano, President of
Masamoto Sohonten Company
The third President of Masamoto Sohonten,
Sakichi and his wife

Minosuke Matsuzawa,
Founder of Masamoto
Sohonten Company

Yoshizo Hirano,
The Second President
of Masamoto
Sohonten

Historic Background
At the tender age of 16, Minosuke Matsuzawa left his
hometown of Tokyo for Sakai to study knife crafting. Sakai
was then considered the natural place for a young knife
craftsman to go to study his art. During his apprenticeship,
Matsuzawa identified the features in Inari clay, found only
in Kansai, that made it the ideal material for use during the
tempering process in knife forging.
To his surprise, he found that a similar type of clay could
also be found in Kanto (Tokyo). He was so excited by this
discovery and so anxious to prove that superior knives could
also be created in his own region that he deserted his craft
master in the middle of training and rushed back to Tokyo,
surviving the entire way on okara. Okara, the soy by-product
of tofu production, was the only food he could get the tofumakers to give him for free. Company rumor has it that every
president of the Masamoto Sohonten since has been strangely
fond of okara.

24

www.korin.com

MASAMOTO SOHONTEN
His new tempering process a success, Matsuzawa turned his creative powers toward the design of the knife
itself. Matsuzawas most prized knife design was the takobiki, his original kanto-style sashimi knife. At first,
many sushi chefs in the Kanto region used these knives, but nowadays most chefs use the kanto-style yanagi.
Masamoto has a long standing reputation as a premier knife manufacturer that the sixth and current president,
Masahiro Hirano, maintains to this day.

A Message from Masamoto Sohontens President:

Each one of our knives is inspected by Japans #1 sharpener,
Master Mizuyama (Chiharu Sugais grand master), to ensure
top quality. After they are inspected, we hand pick the best of
the best to ship out to Korin. It would not be an exaggeration
to say that Korin is the most trusted company in the world.
We recognize Mr. Sugai as an accomplished sharpener, whom
we give official authorization to honbazuke and service our
products. Korin has a superb eye to look at knives and have
a deep understanding of the differences in quality even with
brand new products.
- Masahiro Hirano,
Masamoto Sohontens Sixth Generation Owner.

The knives shown on the left are from the 1930s. Long ago,
after a knife was sharpened until it was completely unusable,
chefs would inscribe the handles with messages expressing
their gratefulness before disposing.

www.korin.com

25

MASAMOTO SOHONTEN
JAPANESE STYLE

Kizuna
We could not have crafted this knife without the instructions of Master Mizuyama and Mr. Sugai. - Masamoto Sohonten
Forging the Bond
We are honored and excited to announce Masamoto Sohontens first knife collaboration with another company. These
knives are expertly forged and crafted by the very best blacksmiths and edge crafters in Japan and are 100% hand
made. The red kanji stamp on the blade of the knife reads kizuna, translating to bond or connection. The Kizuna
represents the bond between the knife craftsmen and the chefs who use the knives, as well as Masamoto Sohonten and
Korin. We hope that you feel this bond when you use these truly special knives.
The Blade: Despite Masamotos 150 years of history, they could not have achieved this level of craftsmanship without
the instructions and supervision of Japans number one grand master sharpener, Shouzou Mizuyama. Each blade is
forged from white carbon steel #1, the purest form of carbon and one of the most difficult types of steel to work with.
The white carbon steel #1 is very close to tamahagane steel, which is a precious metal used for forging the traditional
samurai sword. The resulting blade has superior edge for a fluid cutting motion. The Japanese characters on the knife
cover, rensei kouha mikakusho, allude to the knife having not only a superior edge to create beautiful cuisine, but
also a blade that will enhance the flavor of the food on the plate. To ensure perfection, each blade is hand finished and
sharpened by Master Mizuyama himself.
The Handle: The octagonal magnolia wooden handle with red wood rings is fitted with a water buffalo horn bolster and
end cap to ensure a comfort. Everything including the blade, knife cover, and handle was crafted under Grand Master
Mizuyama and Korins knife masters instructions for Masamoto Sohontens first special collaboration line.
HRc: 63-64 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust) Sharpening: Advanced

Yanagi
HMA-KZYA-195
HMA-KZYA-210
HMA-KZYA-270
HMA-KZYA-300

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)
10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Masamoto Ao-ko Honyaki Mirror-Finished Yanagi

Loved and admired by collectors, Masamotos highest quality yanagi knife is entirely handcrafted from a single
piece of blue carbon steel #2 and hand polished for a stunning mirror finish. Each piece is embellished with an
ebony handle, a water buffalo horn bolster, and a silver ring. Honyaki knives made of blue steel are less brittle and
have a longer edge retention.
HRc: 64-65

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi - Ebony handle / Ebony cover

26

HMA-AHYMYA-EE-300

Yanagi

11.7 (30cm)

HMA-AHYMYA-EE-330
HMA-AHYMYA-EE-360

Yanagi
Yanagi

12.9 (33cm)
14.0 (36cm)

Sharpening: Advanced

MASAMOTO SOHONTEN
JAPANESE STYLE

Masamoto Shiro-ko Honyaki

Masamoto Shiro-ko Honyaki knives are forged from a single piece of white carbon steel #2, adorned with a
magnolia or ebony wood handle and a water buffalo horn bolster. Masamoto Sohontens honyaki knives represent
the companys long standing history and prestige in Japan. White carbon steel honyaki style knives can achieve the
sharpest edge possible out of all traditional Japanese knives, but are incredibly difficult to forge and use. Korin only
recommends honyaki knives to those very experienced with traditional Japanese knives.
HRc: 64-65 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust) Sharpening: Advanced
The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi - Ebony handle / Ebony cover

HMA-SHYYA-EE-270
HMA-SHYYA-EE-300
HMA-SHYYA-EE-330

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
10.7 (30cm)
12.9 (33cm)

Yanagi
HMA-SHYYA-270
HMA-SHYYA-300
HMA-SHYYA-330

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)
12.9 (33cm)

Masamoto Ao-ko Layered Steel Hongasumi Yanagi

The Masamoto Ao-ko Layered Hongasumi knives are crafted by uniting four layers of blue carbon steel #2 and soft
iron steel. The beautiful pattern on the blades is crafted by a combination of special forge welding and hammering
processes. The layers of blue steel create a longer edge retention and more chip-resistant blade than white carbon
steel hongasumi knives.
HRc: 62-63 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust) Sharpening: Advanced
The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi - Ebony handle / Ebony cover

HMA-ALHYA-EE-270
HMA-ALHYA-EE-300
HMA-ALHYA-EE-330

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)
12.9 (33cm)

Yanagi
HMA-ALHYA-270
HMA-ALHYA-300
HMA-ALHYA-330

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)
12.9 (33cm)
www.korin.com

27

MASAMOTO SOHONTEN
JAPANESE STYLE

Masamoto Ao-ko Hongasumi

The Masamoto Ao-ko Hongasumi blades are crafted from a combination of blue carbon steel #2 and soft iron steel.
Blue steel #2 is created by mixing chromium and tungsten with white carbon steel in order to produce a blade with
longer edge retention than white carbon steel blades. The forging process includes several extra steps and requires
a higher level of craftsmanship than kasumi style knives, which gives hongasumi knives a more refined finish.
HRc: 62-63 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust) Sharpening: Advanced
The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi - Ebony handle / Ebony cover

HMA-AHYA-EE-270
HMA-AHYA-EE-300
HMA-AHYA-EE-330

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)
12.9 (33cm)

Yanagi
HMA-AHYA-270
HMA-AHYA-300
HMA-AHYA-330

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)
12.9 (33cm)

Masamoto VG-10
Masamotos line of stain resistant traditional Japanese style knives are forged to have an extremely hard and corrosion
resistant blade so that it can retain an edge for longer than carbon knives. Stain resistant traditional Japanese knives
are popular for shikomi (prep work) in Japanese kitchens. Each knife has a magnolia wood handle and a water buffalo
horn bolster.
HRc: 61-62

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HMA-VGYA-240
HMA-VGYA-270
HMA-VGYA-300
HMA-VGYA-330

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

9.4
10.5
11.7
12.9

(24cm)
(27cm)
(30cm)
(33cm)

Kengata Yanagi
HMA-VGKY-270
HMA-VGKY-300
28

Kengata Yanagi
Kengata Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

MASAMOTO SOHONTEN
JAPANESE STYLE

Masamoto Shiro-ko Hongasumi

The Masamoto Shiro-ko Hongasumi knives are forged from a combination of white carbon steel #2 and soft iron
steel, and handled with magnolia wood and a water buffalo bolster. White steels pure carbon content allows for
the sharpest cutting edge. The main difference between the kasumi and hongasumi line is found in the crafting
process. More steps, higher level craftsman, and greater attention to detail are involved when crafting hongasumi
knives, and they therefore are more refined than kasumi knives.
HRc: 62-63 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust) Sharpening: Advanced
The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HMA-SHYA-240
HMA-SHYA-270
HMA-SHYA-300
HMA-SHYA-330

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

9.4
10.5
11.7
12.9

(24cm)
(27cm)
(30cm)
(33cm)

Takobiki
Takobiki
Takobiki

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Takobiki
HMA-SHTA-240
HMA-SHTA-270
HMA-SHTA-300

Deba
HMA-SHDE-165
HMA-SHDE-180

Deba
Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)
7.0 (18cm)

HMA-SHDE-195
HMA-SHDE-210

Deba
Deba

7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

Kamagata Usuba
HMA-SHKU-180
HMA-SHKU-195
HMA-SHKU-210

Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

Usuba
HMA-SHUS-180
HMA-SHUS-195

Usuba
Usuba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)

HMA-SHUS-210

Usuba

8.2 (21cm)
www.korin.com

29

MASAMOTO SOHONTEN
JAPANESE STYLE

Masamoto Shiro-ko Kasumi

The Masamoto Shiro-ko Kasumi grade knives are handcrafted using a combination of white carbon steel #2 and soft
iron. White steel is a form of pure carbon steel that provides the user with the sharpest cutting edge. Kasumi knives
are more affordable than hongasumi, making them ideal for traditional knife beginners.
HRc: 62-63 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust) Sharpening: Advanced
The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HMA-SKYA-240
HMA-SKYA-270
HMA-SKYA-300
HMA-SKYA-330

Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi
Yanagi

9.4
10.5
11.7
12.9

(24cm)
(27cm)
(30cm)
(33cm)

Takobiki
HMA-SKTA-240
HMA-SKTA-270
HMA-SKTA-300

Takobiki
Takobiki
Takobiki

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm )
11.7 (30cm)

Deba
HMA-SKDE-135
HMA-SKDE-150
HMA-SKDE-165

Deba
Deba
Deba

5.3 (13.5cm)
5.9 (15cm)
6.4 (16.5cm)

HMA-SKDE-180
HMA-SKDE-195
HMA-SKDE-210

Kamagata Usuba
HMA-SKKU-180
HMA-SKKU-195
HMA-SKKU-210

Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

Usuba
HMA-SKUS-180
HMA-SKUS-195
HMA-SKUS-210
30

Usuba
Usuba
Usuba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

Deba
Deba
Deba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

suisin
Born into a family of knife craftsmen, Junro Aoki was anxious to step out of his fathers shadow and establish his
own family brand. After spending twenty years under the his fathers tutelage at Aoki Knife Craft, one of the oldest
knife crafting companies in Sakai, Japan. He resolved to apply his skills to crafting a new kind of knife, and in 1990
Aokis determination paid off. He established the Knife System Company, where he merged traditional techniques
and modern technology to create Suisin brand knives.
Suisin knives are crafted from the heart. From the initial design to the finished product, knives are repeatedly put to
test in professional kitchens before they are released to the public. These knives are the unique by-product of a
collaboration between the craftsmen and chefs. Suisin craftsmen are constantly challenging themselves to find new
ways to ensure long edge retention and easy maintenance. Their goal is to provide chefs worldwide with the quality and
careful craftsmanship that will allow them the precision and control to effortlessly create beautiful food.
Visit www.korin.com for more details on the knife

SUISIN
JAPANESE STYLE

Suisin Hayate
The Hayate is a special line created exclusively by Master Blacksmith Keijiro Doi for the Knife System Company.
Master Doi forged his top of the line knives by joining a large blue carbon steel #2 billet with the soft iron body
at the lowest temperature possible. The technique is incredibly difficult and is practiced by only the most highly
skilled craftsmen. This remarkable method results in the Hayates superior blade strength and edge life. Master Doi
has officially retired as of 2013, and has passed on this line to his son, Itsuo Doi. Each knife is elegantly adorned
with an ebony wood handle and presented in a wooden box.
HRc: 62

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HSU-HAYA-270
HSU-HAYA-300

Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sakimaru Takobiki
HSU-HAST-270
HSU-HAST-300
HSU-HAST-330

Takobiki
Takobiki
Takobiki

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)
12.9 (33cm)

Kiritsuke
Kiritsuke

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Maguro

11.7 (30cm)

Kiritsuke
HSU-HAKI-240
HSU-HAKI-270

Maguro Knife
HSU-HAMA-300

32

www.korin.com

Sharpening: Advanced

SUISIN
JAPANESE STYLE
Master Blacksmith Keijiro Doi
Master artisan in traditional blacksmithing arts, Keijiro Doi entered the world of Sakai Citys traditional knife forging at the
age of 19 as an apprentice to his father, Kazuo Doi. Determined to master his chosen art, the younger Doi applied discipline
and hard work to achieve the highest level of craftsmanship, perfecting his skill in the most challenging area of low temperature
forging and producing the singularly sharp blades indispensable to professional chefs. In particular, Doi has received great
praise from top caliber chefs throughout Japan for his masterful use of ao-niko or blue carbon steel #2, an especially high
performance material that is extremely difficult to forge. Doi lives and works by his motto, A good craftsman never stops
learning about his art, and has been improving his technique daily for 60 years. Master Doi has officially retired as 2013, and
has passed on his line to his son, Itsuo Doi.

Suisin Aya
As Master Itsuo Doi follows in his fathers footsteps, he is recognized as a highly acclaimed blacksmith in his own right.
His technique involves repeatedly hammering and tempering shiro-ko (white carbon steel) to create a compact and
uniform granular structure in the knives. The Aya line distinguishes Master Itsuo Dois signature line of traditional
Japanese knives, which are highly regarded for their remarkable strength and flexibility. Every Suisin Aya is adored
with a magnolia wood handle, a water buffalo horn bolster, and a wooden cover.
HRc: 61

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HSU-AYAYA-270
HSU-AYAYA-300

Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)
www.korin.com

33

SUISIN
JAPANESE STYLE

Suisin Inox Honyaki

The Suisin Inox Honyaki is hand forged from a single piece of Swedish Inox steel. The Swedish Inox steel gives the
knives the sharpness of a traditional honyaki knife, but it will not absorb odors or rust easily. The octagonal Japanese
yew or ebony handle with a water buffalo horn bolster fits comfortably in the hand. This unique Inox 8A steel knife
is made exclusively by Suisin.
HRc: 61

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi - Ebony handle / Ebony saya cover

HSU-IHYYA-EE-240
HSU-IHYYA-EE-270

Yanagi
Yanagi

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

HSU-IHYYA-EE-300
HSU-IHYYA-EE-330

Yanagi
Yanagi

11.7 (30cm)
12.9 (33cm)

Yanagi
HSU-IHYYA-240
HSU-IHYYA-270

Yanagi
Yanagi

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

HSU-IHYYA-300
HSU-IHYYA-330

Yanagi
Yanagi

11.7 (30cm)
12.9 (33cm)

Mioroshi
HSU-IHYMI-240

Mioroshi

9.4 (24cm)

Kamagata Usuba
HSU-IHYKU-210

Kamagata Usuba

8.2 (21cm)

Deba
HSU-IHYDE-180
34

Deba

www.korin.com

7.0 (18cm)

HSU-IHYDE-210

Deba

8.2 (21cm)

NENOHI
When Norio Sawada established Nenohi in
1975, he aspired to create knives that would
be appreciated by the world. To produce his
ideal Western style knives, he teamed up with
a knife crafting specialist to create new styles
of knives that exceeds traditional knife crafting
methods. The major line to come out of this
partnership was Nenox Western style knives.
Nenohi applies the skills and techniques of
traditional Japanese knife crafting to Western
style knives in paying great attention to detail
each step of the production process. Much of
the process is done by hand, and all Nenohi
knives are inspected before they are shipped.
Nenohi has achieved their ideal Western style
knives with the Nenox line.

About Current President

Yusuke Sawada was born and raised around kitchen knives in Sakai, Japan, a city known for
its knife craftsmanship. He learned the traditional techniques of knife forging and sharpening
while he was still a student, in hopes of one day becoming a craftsman. Although, he was not
able to attain this dream, he uses the skills and knowledge he gained from this training to
constantly improve the Nenohi company.
Knives play a crucial role in preparing food. Nenohi takes great pride in crafting high quality
knives that are masterfully hammered and forged by skilled knife smiths, using techniques
derived from traditional Japanese sword-forging techniques. After they are forged, each
blade is grinded and hand-sharpened into a blade worthy of the Nenohi name.
What is most important to me is hearing the users reviews. Whether the comments are
good or bad, listening to what the users have to say is the number one key to making our
knives even better, says Yusuke Sawada.
Visit www.korin.com for more details on the knife

NENOHI
JAPANESE STYLE

Nenohi Shiro-ko Special Dentoukougeishi Hongasumi

Nenohis special line of shiro-ko hongasumi knives are forged by dentoukougeishi craftsmen in Japan. Dentoukougeishi
are highly skilled master artisans recognized by the Japanese government for their commitment to protecting traditional
arts and techniques. These knives are made with a wider kireha (cutting blade) and extreme attention to detail.
HRc: 62 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HNE-DSHHYA-270
HNE-DSHHYA-300

Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Ai-Deba
HNE-DSHHAD-180
HNE-DSHHAD-195

Ai-Deba
Ai-Deba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)

HNE-DSHHAD-210

Ai-Deba

8.2 (21cm)

HNE-DSHHKU-210
HNE-DSHHKU-225

Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba

Kamagata Usuba
HNE-DSHHKU-180
HNE-DSHHKU-195

Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)

8.2 (21cm)
8.8 (22.5cm)

Nenohi Keyaki
The Nenohi Keyaki Kengata Yanagi is crafted using traditional honyaki techniques and a special powder steel called
Cowry-X steel, which contains three times the amount of carbon steel of what is typically used. The increased
carbon steel content in Cowry-X steel makes the Nenohi Keyaki knives more durable and have a longer edge
retention than honyaki style Japanese knives. The Nenohi Keyaki kengata yanagi is polished to high mirror finish
and is shaped to resemble a katana sword.
HRc: 62 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)
The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Kengata Yanagi - Ebony handle / Ebony cover

HNE-KYKY-EE-330
36

Kengata Yanagi

12.9 (33cm)

Sharpening: Advanced

NENOHI
JAPANESE STYLE

Nenohi Shiro-ko Special Hongasumi

Nenohis special line of shiro-ko hongasumi knives are forged from white carbon steel #2 steel with an octagonal
magnolia wood handle and natural water buffalo horn bolster. These beautiful Nenohi knives are crafted by highly
skilled craftsmen with greater attention to detail than standard hongasumi style knives.
HRc: 62 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Yanagi
HNE-SHYA-270
HNE-SHYA-300

Yanagi
Yanagi

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Ai-Deba
HNE-SHAD-180
HNE-SHAD-195
HNE-SHAD-210

Ai-Deba
Ai-Deba
Ai-Deba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

Kamagata Usuba
HNE-SHKU-180
HNE-SHKU-195
HNE-SHKU-210

Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba
Kamagata Usuba

7.0 (18cm)
7.6 (19.5cm)
8.2 (21cm)

Nenohi Ao-Ko Highest Kasumi

The Nenohi Ao-ko Highest Kasumi knives are forged out of blue carbon steel #2 with an octagonal magnolia wood
handle and natural water buffalo born bolster. Highest kasumi knives by Nenohi are crafted with closer attention
to detail and forged by higher skilled craftsman than typical kasumi knives. The elegant kiritsuke style knife is
traditionally only used by executive chefs and is a symbol of status in a Japanese kitchen.
HRc: 62 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Advanced

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Kiritsuke
HNE-AKKI-270

Kiritsuke

10.5 (27cm)
37

CHINESE CLEAVERS
Togiharu Chinese Cleaver
The Togiharu Chinese cleaver is made out of virgin carbon steel with a wide rosewood handle. The carbon steel used
for this knife is a unique professional grade steel that famous knife makers in Japan have been using for over 60 years.
The knife comes straight from the box pre-sharpened to its fullest potential by the renowned knife sharpening master,
Shouzou Mizuyama, who has taught many of Japans most established knife makers and knife company owners.
HRc: 62

Bevel: 50:50

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Advanced

Chinese Cleaver
HTO-HCCL-220

Chinese Cleaver

8.6 (22cm)

Sugimoto Chinese Cleaver

Sugimotos Chinese cleaver is a handcrafted multi-purpose carbon steel knife and has a round easy to grip wooden
handle. Sugimoto cutlery has been crafting knives since the 1930s and were the first to introduce Chinese cleavers
to the Japanese market. The Sugimoto brand is known to produce some of the best Chinese cleavers in the world.
Sugimoto Chinese cleavers have numbers etched onto the blades that refer to the thinness of the blade. The lower
numbers have a finer edge, while the higher numbers have a thicker edge for more heavy duty work. Korin sells
the #6 cleaver, which is popularly used for chopping vegetables and slicing meat ingredients because of its fine thin
blade.
HRc: 62

Bevel: 50:50

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Chinese Cleaver
HSG-VSCL-220
38

www.korin.com

Chinese Cleaver

8.6 (22cm)

Sharpening: Advanced

Menkiri
Menkiri are specialized noodle knives. Once the noodle ingredients are mixed, the dough must be rolled out
very flat, folded over several times, and then cut into long thin strips. There are many specific features of a
menkiri that make it essential when working with noodles. In order to cut thin strips the knife must be very
sharp, the blade must extend to the end of the handle to cover the width of the dough, and the blade must sit
completely flat against the cutting board. If there is any space between the blade and the cutting board, it will
not cut the dough all the way through and will ruin the structure of the noodle.

Suisin Inox Menkiri

Knife Systems has developed a new style of menkiri out of inox steel for their Suisin brand knives. The Suisin Inox Menkiri
is more affordable and easier to maintain than the typical menkiri, which were traditionally crafted out of carbon and
sold for over $1000. Each blade is hand sharpened when packaged, therefore initial sharpening is not necessary.
HRc: 58

Bevel: Single Edged

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Menkiri
HSU-INME300

Menkiri

11.7 (30cm)

Masamoto Sobakiri
Masamoto sobakiri are specialized soba noodle knives. They are traditionally designed and crafted hongasumi style knives
that are forged out of soft iron and white carbon steel. Each blade is hand sharpened when packaged, therefore intial
sharpening is not necessary.
HRc: 60 Bevel: Single Edged Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Advanced

Sobakiri
HMA-CSO-300

Sobakiri

11.7 (30cm)
www.korin.com

39

CUSTOM KNIVES
Design your own custom knives made by Japans best
knife craftsmen through Korins Custom Knife Services.
Choose everything from the brand, steel, style of knife,
type of blade, knife cover, handle material, and case.
Please make an appointment with Korins knife master
and he will be happy to meet with you to discuss your
ideal design. After the consultation, Korin will place
the order with one of our trusted vendors to forge your
custom knives.

Choose from the following vendors:

Nenohi specializes in custom traditional
Japanese and western style knives. Their
unique knives have been proven by time,
and we are confident that they can deliver
beauty and quality.
Suisin is based in Japans traditional knife
crafting city, Sakai, in Osaka prefecture.
They have a strong relationship with the
highly skilled craftsmen of Sakai city, and
as a result are able to offer the highest
quality Japanese knives. Korin and Suisin
have been close partners for almost 30
years, and we are delighted to continue
this relationship.

40

Visit www.korin.com for more details on the knife

Toukenfuu yanagi translates to sword style yanagi, as they are

constructed in the same way as a traditional Japanese katana
sword. They can be disassembled by removing the pin that
holds the blade and handle together, which allows the owner
to replace the handle as desired. A toukenfuu yanagi knife can
be maintained in two different ways, using the same method
as a katana sword with special equipment, or the same method
as a typical carbon traditional Japanese knife. Those who bring
their custom toukenfuu yanagi knives to the Korin showroom
are welcome to consult Korins knife master Mr. Sugai to go over
the katana maintenance procedure. Mr. Sugai wanted to add this
alternative yanagi knife style to our custom knife services as an
exciting new option for collectors. These custom knives come with
a wooden cover of your choice as well as a decorated knife bag.
www.korin.com

41

CUSTOM KNIVES

KOJI HARA
Master Koji Hara is a world renown custom knife craftsman who travels to knife shows worldwide over ten
times a year, in addition to having two one-man shows in Seki city. He is most well known for his intricately
made pocket knives, having received awards such as Best in Show and Most Innovative in several
international knife shows. Master Hara has expanded his craft from exclusively pocket knives to include
custom kitchen knives featuring rare handle materials such as mammoth bone and mother of pearl. He
prefers to use a powdered stainless steel known as Cowry-Y for his blades, which holds a long edge retention
and polishes to a beautiful high mirror finish. He also makes knives out of ATS-34, D-2, 440C and other steels
based on the customers preference. Master Hara has a long personal friendship with Korins knife master
and frequents Korin twice a year during the New York Knife Show. If the timing is right, you may even place
the order with the world famous craftsman in person.
42

Visit www.korin.com for more details on the knife

WA-Series
Western style knives with traditional Japanese style
handles were originally created with the sushi chef
in mind. Japanese sushi chefs felt that it looked
awkward to use a western style knife behind a
sushi bar. In recent years, wa-style knives have
gained much popularity for their user friendliness.
Professionals are able to sharpen these blades to a
single sided edge and widen the shinogi line to use
as a yanagi knife. Unlike traditional Japanese knives,
wa-series knives have a durable double sided blade,
therefore they are highly recommended for those
who find the traditional Japanese knives difficult to
use, but want a similar look and feel.

WA-SERIES
50(*)"36
t
."4".050

Togiharu Wa-Series
The Togiharu Wa-series is the newest line of Togiharu brand knives. These elegant knives feature a stain resistant 70:30
Western blade on a traditional Japanese magnolia wood handle with a water buffalo horn bolster. The Togiharu
Wa-series are Korins most affordable line of wa-style knives and are highly recommended for those who enjoy the
larger traditional Japanese handles but prefer a Western style blade.
HRc: 59

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Intermediate

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Wa-Gyutou
HTO-WAGY-240
HTO-WAGY-270

Wa-Gyutou
Wa-Gyutou

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Wa-Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

Wa-Sujihiki
HTO-WASU-270

Masamoto Wa-Series
The Masamoto Wa-Series features a versatile Western blade on a beautiful traditional Japanese magnolia wood
handle with a water buffalo horn bolster. The Masamoto Wa-series is available in two steel types, stain resistant
Swedish steel or white carbon steel. This line is highly recommended for those who enjoy knives with a traditional
Japanese handle.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Visit www.korin.com for white carbon steel collection

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Wa-Gyutou
HMA-SWAGY-240
HMA-SWAGY-270

Wa-Gyutou 9.4 (24cm)

Wa-Gyutou 10.5 (27cm)

Wa-Sujihiki
HMA-SWASU-240

Wa-Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)

Wa-Petty
HMA-SWAPE-165
44

Wa-Petty

6.5 (16.5cm)

HMA-SWAGY-300

Wa-Gyutou

11.7 (30cm)

WA-SERIES
SUISIN

Suisin Inox Honyaki Wa-Series

The Suisin Inox Honyaki knives represent a perfect hybrid of traditional Japanese and Western style knives. `Wa stands
for `Japanese, which refers to the thin, honyaki tempered Swedish steel with a traditional Japanese yew handle and
a water buffalo horn bolster. The blades sharp 90:10 bevel makes it similar to a single sided edge, which is great for
precision work. This line is the lightest knife in Korins collection and is highly recommended for those interested in
traditional Japanese knives, while retaining all the practicality and user-friendliness of Western style knives.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 90:10

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Intermediate

The color of the natural water buffalo horn bolsters varies on all traditional Japanese knives.

Wa-Kiritsuke
HSU-WAKI-270

Wa-Kiritsuke

10.5 (27cm)

Wa-Gyutou
HSU-WAGY-210
HSU-WAGY-240
HSU-WAGY-270

Wa-Gyutou
Wa-Gyutou
Wa-Gyutou

8.6 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Wa-Sujihiki
Wa-Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Wa-Sujihiki
HSU-WASU-240
HSU-WASU-270

Wa-Santoku
HSU-WASA

Wa-Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Wa-Petty
HSU-WAPE-180
HSU-WAPE-210

Wa-Petty
Wa-Petty

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)
www.korin.com

45

WA-SERIES
."4"/0#6
Masanobu knives are made out of a VG-10 cobalt stain resistant steel blade and a pressed wood handle with a metal bolster
to provide exceptionally balanced weight. This line was developed by combining traditional Japanese knife aesthetics with
state of the art computerized laser processing technology. The VG-10 cobalt blade is one of the highest quality steels used in
knife production, and has an excellent edge retention. Masanobu knives are available in the standard and damascus styles.
Masanobu Damascus knives are laser printed to have a damascus look and without sacrificing sharpness. Left-handed users
must have Masanobu Damascus line knives converted for left-handed use.
HRc: 62

Bevel: 70:30 Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Wa-Gyutou
HMB-VGDGY-210
HMB-VGDGY-240

Wa-Gyutou
Wa-Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Wa-French Slicer
HMB-VGDFS-225

Wa-French Slicer

8.8 (22.5cm)

Wa-Santoku
HMB-VGDSA-180

Wa-Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Wa-Petty
HMB-VGDPE-150

46

www.korin.com

Wa-Petty

5.9 (15cm)

WA-SERIES
."4"/0#6

Wa-Gyutou
HMB-VGGY-180
HMB-VGGY-210

Wa-Gyutou
Wa-Gyutou

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)

Wa-Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

HMB-VGGY-240
HMB-VGGY-270

Wa-Gyutou
Wa-Gyutou

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Wa-Sujihiki
HMB-VGSU-270

Wa-French Slicer
HMB-VGFS-225

Wa-French Slicer

8.8 (22.5cm)

Wa-Santoku
HMB-VGSA-180

Wa-Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Wa-Petty / Wa-Paring
HMB-VGPE-110
HMB-VGPE-150

Wa-Paring
Wa-Petty

4.3 (11cm)
5.9 (15cm)

HMB-VGPE-180

Wa-Petty

7.0 (18cm)

www.korin.com

47

ABOUT WESTERN STYLE KNIVES

Western Style Knives
With their thin single edged blades of hard steel, traditional Japanese knives are ideal for preparing Japanese cuisine, but it takes
skill to use and maintain them properly. Western style knives, on the other hand, are designed to have the versatility and functionality
needed in Western cooking and have sturdy double-ground blades.
In Japan, Western style knives were developed to meet the needs of Japanese chefs preparing non-Japanese cuisine. Today, Japanese knife
makers are using advanced manufacturing processes such as sub-zero tempering and premium trademark-formulated steels to produce
exceptional Western style knives.

Styles and Uses of Western Style Knives

Gyutou (Chef Knife)

The gyutou is a versatile chefs knife. It can be used for cutting meat, fish and
vegetables, making it suitable for preparing Western cuisine. Japanese chef knives
have a reputation for their lightweight and thin blade that maintains a long edge
retention.

Sujihiki (Slicer Knife)

The sujihiki is intended for slicing boneless protein. The short height of the blade
creates less friction when slicing and the blade draws through fish and meat
effortlessly. The sujihiki is often seen as the Western style equivalent of the
traditional yanagi knife.

Yo-Deba (Fillet / Butcher Knife)

Santoku (Multi-Purpose Knife)

The yo-deba is the Western style version of the traditional Japanese deba. It is
a heavy-duty butcher knife used for cutting meat with minor bones, fish, and
semi-frozen food.
The santoku, meaning three virtues, is a multi-purpose knife that takes its name
from its ability to easily handle meat, fish and vegetables. The high profile of
the blade makes the santoku well-suited for home use, keeping the knuckles
well above the cutting board.

Nakiri (Vegetable Knife)

The nakiri is a vegetable chopping knife with an easy to sharpen 50:50 symmetrical
blade. The boxy shape comes from the traditional Japanese usuba knife.

Garasuki (Poultry Butchering Knife)

The garasuki poultry butchering knife is unique to Japan. It originated in specialty

chicken restaurants and is commonly used to break down whole chickens. Due to
its thickness and weight, it can be used for other jobs requiring heavy work with
a short blade.

Honesuki (Boning Knife)

The honesuki poultry boning knife that is used to separate the meat from the
bones. It is lighter and thinner than the garasuki and can be used in place of a
Western boning knife.

Hankotsu (Boning Knife)

The hankotsu is a strong and sturdy knife used to cut meat away from the bone,
but not for cutting through bones. The blade angle and straight handle make it
easy to maneuver when boning, frenching or trimming.

Petty Knife

Paring / Peeling Knife

48

www.korin.com

The petty is a convenient size for delicate work, cutting or peeling small vegetables,
fruits and herbs.

The paring knife is ideal for peeling fruits and vegetables. Perfect for hand-held
cutting.

ABOUT WESTERN STYLE KNIVES

The Western Edge

Western style knives have an edge
that is sharpened on both sides of the
blade. This edge style is commonly
referred to as a double edged, double
ground, or double-beveled blade. It is
a stronger blade configuration than
the single edged blades of traditional
Japanese knives, and Western style
knives are perfectly suited for any
kitchen.

The angles on Japanese knives are more

acute than Western knives, and can be
expressed in ratios such as 70:30, 60:40,
and 90:10. The most common edge
shape in the Korin Collection of Western
style knives is in the range of 70:30 for
right-handed users. Many models can
be re-grounded for left-handed use
by Korins resident knife master for a
minimal charge. Please refer to Korins
website for more information.

The majority of Western style knives

on the market today have a 50:50,
or symmetrical V-shaped blade that
is sharpened evenly on both sides.
Although the 50:50 edge is convenient
to re-sharpen, many Japanese Western
style knives are sharpened to a thinner,
asymmetrical edge. By concentrating
the sharpening on the face of the blade
at a steeper angle than on the back,
a thin cutting edge is created that
approaches the sharpness of a traditional Japanese single edged design.

These asymmetrically beveled edges are

made possible by innovations in steelmaking, tempering and edge crafting
employed by Japanese manufacturers;
a lower grade steel would not hold an
angled edge design and would soon dull,
and a blade formed with less flexibility
would chip or crack when sharpened to
such a thin edge.

Carbon Steel
Carbon knives are highly recommended for work that requires precision, as they have an extremely sharp, fine edge.
Carbon steel knives are made of iron combined with 0.1 - 2.7% carbon. Carbon knives are very easy to sharpen despite
their hardness, and will become significantly sharper than stain resistant knives. However, please be aware that carbon
knives should be wiped dry even during use to avoid rusting. Acidic ingredients will cause the steel to discolor. This
discoloration will not affect the functionality of the knife, however, Korin does offer a service to clean minor rusting.

Stain Resistant Steel

Stain resistant steels is commonly used by Japanese knife brands. A chromium-oxide film is formed on the metals
surface, preventing the iron from coming into contact with oxygen and water. However, stain resistant knives must
still be washed after each use as salt and acidic ingredients can erode the chromium-oxide film and reduce the knifes rust
resistant qualities.

Damascus Steel
Damascus steel is layered hammered steel with a symmetrical 50:50 bevel. The number of layers of steel varies per knife
and these knives are becoming increasingly popular for their beautiful patterns that the layered steel creates. Damascus
style knives are perfect for both left and right handed users and make popular gifts.

www.korin.com

49

CHIHARU SUGAI has always been fond of the arts, and is well known for his love
of rare musical instruments such as the biwa. When Korin began to carry knives, it
was only natural that he would be fascinated by the dying art of knife sharpening.
Mr. Sugai knew that in order to carry Japanese knives in the United States, Korin
needed someone who fully understood how to maintain them. He began taking
knife sharpening lessons from Suisins president, Junro Aoki, in Sakai City. When
Mr. Aoki had taught Mr. Sugai all that he knew, he directed Mr. Sugai to Sakai
Citys blade making association chairman, Mr. Oda, who taught him the basic
foundations of knife sharpening.
After several years of being taught by one of the most famous blade makers in
Japan, Mr. Sugai still yearned to learn more. He then asked Mr. Oda to introduce
him to Japans number one knife sharpener, Master Shouzou Mizuyama. Although
Master Mizuyama has taught specific techniques to many dentoukougeishi and top knife company owners
such as the current presidents of Masamoto and Misono, he had never taken an apprentice. However, Master
Mizuyama granted Mr. Sugai permission to watch as much he pleased, and he planned to seize this opportunity.
For three years, Mr. Sugai traveled back and forth to Japan four times a year to observe Master Mizuyama at
work in hopes to learn as much as he possibly could. In 1999, Master Mizuyama recognized Mr. Sugais
determination and accepted Mr. Sugai as his only apprentice. Under Master Mizuyama, he learned the
true art of knife sharpening. Mr. Sugai has undergone fourteen years of rigorous training, returning to
Japan several times a year to learn with his master. In 2013, the 88 year old Grand Master Mizuyama has
announced his retirement.
Mr. Sugai uses his extensive knowledge to sharpen knives and check all knives that Korin receives from
the knife craftsmen to ensure their quality. He also shares his knowledge with our customers by visiting
the countrys leading culinary schools, and sharpens the knives of chefs from renowned restaurants such
as Nobu, Bouley, Morimoto, and many others.

TOGIHARU

Togiharu is Korins house brand and was created with the user in mind. The Togiharu brand
was created for functionality and is Korins most affordable brand of knives. The brand name
was derived from Grand Master sharpener Shouzou Mizuyamas fathers sharpening store.
Master Mizuyamas father was a celebrated sharpener in his own right, having received
recognition from the emperor for his traditional sharpening skills.
Togiharu knives are produced by a highly respected knife maker in Japan who manufactures
the top-name Japanese brands. The difference in the Togiharu lines lies in the quality control
and hand-finishing aspects of production. These knives are inspected one-by-one for quality - they
are not mass handled. The final edge finishing process is done by hand, ensuring unparalleled
sharpness right out of the box.

TOGIHARU
WESTERN STYLE

Togiharu G-1
The top of the line Togiharu G-1 has the longest edge retention within the Togiharu brand. The AUS-10 base steel
is stain resistant, has a long edge retention, and is easy to maintain. The G-1 line is preferred by those who enjoy
heavier knives or larger bacteria-resistant polyacetal resin handles.
HRc: 59

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Gyutou
HTO-G1GY-210
HTO-G1GY-240
HTO-G1GY-270

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

Sujihiki
HTO-G1SU-270

Petty
HTO-G1PE-150

52

Petty

www.korin.com

5.9 (15cm)

Sharpening: Intermediate

TOGIHARU
WESTERN STYLE

Togiharu EA
The Togiharu EA is the most affordable line within the Togiharu brand. It is constructed out of a stain resistant
AUS-8 steel and a bacteria resistant polyacetal resin handle. The blade is very easy to sharpen and maintain,
therefore Korin recommends this line for those learning how to sharpen their knives.
HRc: 57

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Beginner

Gyutou
HTO-MOGY-210
HTO-MOGY-240
HTO-MOGY-270

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Sujihiki
HTO-MOSU-270

Santoku
HTO-MOSA-180

Petty
HTO-MOPE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)
www.korin.com

53

TOGIHARU
WESTERN STYLE

Togiharu Inox
The Togiharu Inox is one of the most popular lines in the Togiharu brand and features the widest variety of styles.
The lightweight thin profile and keen edge glides through food without drag or resistance. This line is easy to
sharpen, making it possible to acquire a sharp edge quickly in a busy kitchen. The highest level of knife crafting skill
is employed to make these blades from a blend of high-grade chromium and molybdenum that allows the blade to
hold an edge longer than the Togiharu EA line.
HRc: 58

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Gyutou
HTO-INGY-210
HTO-INGY-240
HTO-INGY-270

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Sujihiki
HTO-INSU-240
HTO-INSU-270

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Santoku
HTO-INSA-180

54

Santoku

www.korin.com

7.0 (18cm)

Sharpening: Intermediate

TOGIHARU
WESTERN STYLE

Honesuki
HTO-INHO-145
Honesuki
5.7 (14.5cm)
Only right handed knives are available

Yo-Deba
HTO-INYD-240 Yo-Deba
9.4 (24cm)
Only right handed knives are available

Petty
HTO-INPE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

Paring

3.3 (8.5cm)

Paring
HTO-INPA-85

Pastry Knife
HTO-INPT-330 Pastry 12.9 (33cm)
HTO-INPT-360 Pastry 14.0 (36cm)
For more details see page 85

www.korin.com

55

TOGIHARU
WESTERN STYLE

Togiharu Nickel Damascus

Togiharu Nickel Damascus is one of Togiharus line of damascus steel knives. The elegant blade is constructed out of
62 layers of Nickel alloy and a VG-10 core. This line has gained popularity for its beautiful design, hard steel and long
edge retention. The symmetrical 50:50 double edged blade is suitable for both right and left-handed individuals.
HRc: 61

Bevel: 50:50

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HTO-NDGY-180
HTO-NDGY-210

Gyutou
Gyutou

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)

HTO-NDGY-240
HTO-NDGY-270
HTO-NDGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)

HTO-NDSU-270

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

HTO-NDPE-150

Petty

Sujihiki
HTO-NDSU-240

Yo-Deba
HTO-NDYD-240

Yo-Deba

9.4 (24cm)

Santoku

6.7 (17cm)

Santoku
HTO-NDSA-170

Nakiri
HTO-NDNA-165

Nakiri

6.4 (16.5cm)

Honesuki
HTO-NDHO-150

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Petty
HTO-NDPE-135
56

Petty

5.3 (13.5cm)

5.9 (15cm)

TOGIHARU
WESTERN STYLE

Togiharu Hammered Damascus

The Togiharu Hammered Damascus is one of the most popular lines within the Togiharu collection. This line features
a unique and beautiful `tsuchi-me (hammered texture) on the blade and a VG-10 steel core, which makes it popular
both for professionals and as gifts. Each hand finished hammered damascus blade is specially customized by Korin to
fit professional needs. The symmetrical 50:50 double edged blade is suitable for both right and left-handed individuals.
HRc: 59-60

Bevel: 50:50

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Intermediate

Gyutou
HTO-HDGY-210

Gyutou

8. 2 (21cm)

Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)

HTO-HDGY-240

Gyutou

9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki
HTO-HDSU-240

Santoku
HTO-HDSA-180

Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Nakiri
HTO-HDNA-165

Nakiri

6.4 (16.5cm)

Petty
HTO-HDPE-140

Petty

5.5 (14cm)

Paring

3.4 (8.5cm)

Paring
HTO-HDPA-85

www.korin.com

57

TOGIHARU
WESTERN STYLE

Togiharu Hollow Ground

The Togiharu Hollow Ground line is created out of 8A steel and a composite wood handle. The dimples on the surface
of the knife function as air pockets to help prevent ingredients from sticking to the knife, making this line ideal for busy
cooks. In comparison to the Togiharu Inox, this lines blade is slightly thicker and heavier which makes it well suited for
rougher work.
HRc: 58

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Gyutou
HTO-HGGY-210
HTO-HGGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Sujihiki
HTO-HGSU-270

Santoku
HTO-HGSA-180

58

www.korin.com

Sharpening: Intermediate

TOGIHARU
WESTERN STYLE

Togiharu Virgin Carbon

The Togiharu carbon line is crafted out of junkou steel (virgin carbon) with a bacteria resistant polyacetal resin handle.
The purity of the junkou carbon steel makes the blade harder, which allows it to hold a sharper edge for a longer period
of time. Professionals agree that carbon knives can teach cooks how to be organized and care for their tools.
HRc: 62

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Beginner

Gyutou
HTO-HCGY-210
HTO-HCGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

HTO-HCGY-270

Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)

Sujihiki
HTO-HCSU-270

Petty
HTO-HCPE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

Togiharu Cobalt Damascus

The Togiharu Cobalt line is created out of layered VG-10 damascus steel and a black composite wood handle.
Cobalts properties strengthen and harden the blade, increasing durability and edge retention. These professional
grade knives feature a gorgeous damascus design that also makes them popular as gifts. The symmetrical 50:50
double edged blade is suitable for both right and left-handed individuals.
HRc: 59 - 60

Bevel: 50:50

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Intermediate

Santoku
HTO-CDSA-165

Santoku

6.4 (16.5cm)

Petty
HTO-CDPE-140

Petty

5.5 (14cm)
www.korin.com

59

KORIN
WESTERN STYLE

Korin Special Inox Black Handle

The Korin Special Inox is an original design created by Korins resident knife master, Chiharu Sugai and Knife Systems
founder, Junro Aoki. The special grade stain resistant AUS-10 steel has a higher carbon content, giving it the cut and
feel similar to a carbon knife without the maintenance. Korin recommends this line for those with experience using a
sharpening stone. This line is available with a black or orange handle.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HKR-SIBGY-210
HKR-SIBGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HKR-SIBGY-270

Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)

Sujihiki
HKR-SIBSU-240

Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)

Yo-Deba
HKR-SIBYD-210

Yo-Deba

8.2 (21cm)

Santoku
HKR-SIBSA-180

Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Honesuki
HKR-SIBHO-150

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Petty
HKR-SIBPE-150
60

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

HKR-SIBSU-270

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

KORIN
WESTERN STYLE

Korin Special Inox Orange Handle

The Korin Special Inox is an original design created by Korins resident knife master, Chiharu Sugai and Knife Systems
founder, Junro Aoki. The special grade stain resistant AUS-10 steel has a higher carbon content, giving it the cut and
feel similar to a carbon knife without the maintenance. Korin recommends this line for those with experience using a
sharpening stone. This line is available with a black or orange handle.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HKR-SIOGY-210
HKR-SIOGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HKR-SIOGY-270

Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)

Sujihiki
HKR-SIOSU-240

Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)

HKR-SIOSU-270

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

Yo-Deba
HKR-SIOYD-210

Yo-Deba

8.2 (21cm)

Santoku
HKR-SIOSA-180

Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Honesuki
HKR-SIOHO-150

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Petty
HKR-SIOPE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

www.korin.com

61

SUISIN
Western Style
Suisins collection of Western style knives are
made from a unique combination of high carbon
steel, chromium and molybdenum that gives them
their superior rust resistance. The hand finishing
process provides the user with a superb guide for
sharpening. These elegant, thin and lightweight
knives offer an easy to sharpen blade for the best
cutting edge. All of these elements culminate in
an attractive, durable, and professional quality
blade that is truly unique.

62

www.korin.com

SUISIN
WESTERN STYLE

Suisin Inox
Suisin Inox knives are highly recommended for those learning how to sharpen knives with a sharpening stone. This
series has a thin and easy to sharpen blade made out of a blend of AUS-8 base steel. The simple yet beautiful two
toned handle and well balanced knife makes this line increasingly popular.
HRc: 58

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Beginner

Gyutou
HSU-INGY-180
HSU-INGY-210
HSU-INGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HSU-INGY-270
HSU-INGY-300

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

HSU-INSU-300 Sujihiki 11.7 (30cm)

Rounded tip on 11.7 (30cm) Sujihiki

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HSU-INSU-240
HSU-INSU-270

Yo-Deba
HSU-INYD-210

Yo-Deba

8.2 (21cm)

Wa-Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)

Wa-Deba
HSU-INDE-165

Only right-handed knives are available

Paring
Honesuki
HSU-INHO-150

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

HSU-INPA-080
See page 83

3.1 (8cm)

Bread Knife
HSU-INBR-250
See page 84

9.75 (25cm)

Petty
HSU-INPE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)
www.korin.com

63

SUISIN
WESTERN STYLE

Suisin High Carbon

The Suisin High Carbon line is crafted out of a single piece of Nihon-kou (Japanese carbon) steel with a welded
bolster and composite wood handle. Knives with very hard blades tend to be difficult to sharpen, therefore, Suisin
does not use the same steel as traditional Japanese knives in the forging process. This difference in carbon steel allows
the Suisin High Carbon blades to have a professional grade edge retention that can be sharpened with ease.
HRc: 58

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Beginner

Gyutou
HSU-HCGY-180
HSU-HCGY-210
HSU-HCGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HSU-HCGY-270
HSU-HCGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)

HSU-HCSU-270

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

Sujihiki
HSU-HCSU-240

Yo-Deba
HSU-HCYD-210

Yo-Deba

8.2 (21cm)

Honesuki
HSU-HCHO-150

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Petty
HSU-HCPE-150
64

Petty

www.korin.com

5.9 (15cm)

NENOX
Nenohi applies the skills and techniques of
traditional Japanese knife crafting to Western
style knives, with great attention to detail
in each step of the production process. Nenox
knives are made with a confidential blend
of high carbon stain resistant steel, which
undergoes a sub-zero manufacturing process
to ensure a durable edge. Much of the process
is done by hand, and all of the knives are hand
inspected before they are shipped. From the
high carbon stainless blades to the ergonomic
design and luxurious handle, these knives are
a testament to quality. Nenohis Nenox knives
are loved and admired by chefs worldwide.

Visit www.korin.com for more details on the knife

NENOX
WESTERN STYLE

Nenox Red Bone Handle

Nenoxs signature line of hand dyed cow shinbone handles are a symbol of status in the professional kitchen. The
Bone Handle lines are recognized and admired by top chefs worldwide. The blade is created with Nenoxs confidential
blend of high carbon stain resistant steels, which undergoes a sub-zero manufacturing process to ensure a long edge
retention. Every piece is handcrafted and unique as no two handles have exactly the same shape or color.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HNE-RDGY-210
HNE-RDGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.0 (23cm)
11.2 (28.5cm)

HNE-RDGY-270
HNE-RDGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HNE-RDSU-230
HNE-RDSU-285

Yo-Deba
HNE-RDYD-165

Yo-Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)

Honesuki
HNE-RDHO-150

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Paring
HNE-RDPA-100
See page 83

Petty
HNE-RDPE-150
66

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

4.0 (10cm)

NENOX
WESTERN STYLE

Nenox Blue Bone Handle

Nenoxs signature line of hand dyed cow shinbone handles are a symbol of status in the professional kitchen. The
Bone Handle lines are recognized and admired by top chefs worldwide. The blade is created with Nenoxs confidential
blend of high carbon stain resistant steels, which undergoes a sub-zero manufacturing process to ensure a long edge
retention. Every piece is handcrafted and unique as no two handles have exactly the same shape or color.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HNE-BLGY-210
HNE-BLGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.0 (23cm)
11.2 (28.5cm)

Yo-Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)

HNE-BLGY-270
HNE-BLGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HNE-BLSU-230
HNE-BLSU-285

Yo-Deba
HNE-BLYD-165

Honesuki
HNE-BLHO-150

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Petty
HNE-BLPE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)
www.korin.com

67

NENOX
WESTERN STYLE

Nenox Brown Bone Handle

Nenoxs signature line of hand dyed cow shinbone handles are a symbol of status in the professional kitchen. The
Bone Handle lines are recognized and admired by top chefs worldwide. The blade is created with Nenoxs confidential
blend of high carbon stain resistant steels, which undergoes a sub-zero manufacturing process to ensure a long edge
retention. Every piece is handcrafted and unique as no two handles have exactly the same shape or color.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HNE-BRGY-210
HNE-BRGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.0 (23cm)
11.2 (28.5cm)

Sujihiki
HNE-BRSU-230
HNE-BRSU-285

Yo-Deba
HNE-BRYD-165

Yo-Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Honesuki
HNE-BRHO-150

Petty
HNE-BRPE-150
68

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

HNE-BRGY-270
HNE-BRGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

NENOX
WESTERN STYLE

Nenox Green Bone Handle

Nenoxs signature line of hand dyed cow shinbone handles are a symbol of status in the professional kitchen. The
Bone Handle lines are recognized and admired by top chefs worldwide. The blade is created with Nenoxs confidential
blend of high carbon stain resistant steels, which undergoes a sub-zero manufacturing process to ensure a long edge
retention. Every piece is handcrafted and unique as no two handles have exactly the same shape or color.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HNE-GRGY-210
HNE-GRGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.0 (23cm)
11.2 (28.5cm)

HNE-GRGY-270
HNE-GRGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HNE-GRSU-230
HNE-GRSU-285

Yo-Deba
HNE-GRYD-165

Yo-Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)

Honesuki
HNE-GRHO-150

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Petty
HNE-GRPE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)
www.korin.com

69

NENOX
WESTERN STYLE

Nenox Desert Ironwood

Nenox has combined their famously hard high carbon stain resistant blade with a shrink resistant handle. Desert
Ironwood is made from 50 to 100 year old carbonized roots from the Southwestern deserts of The United States and
Mexico. The Nenox steel and lovely dark brown wooden handle allows for a vintage look without sacrificing practicality.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HNE-IWGY-210
HNE-IWGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.0 (23cm)
11.2 (28.5cm)

Sujihiki
HNE-IWSU-230
HNE-IWSU-285

Yo-Deba
HNE-IWYD-165

Yo-Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)

Honesuki
HNE-IWHO-150

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Petty
HNE-IWPE-150
70

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

HNE-IWGY-270
HNE-IWGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

NENOX
WESTERN STYLE

Nenox Corian
The Nenox Corian handle is constructed out of Dupont Corian, which is a non-porous composite of natural minerals
and resin that is heat, impact, and stain resistant. The white corian handle has a modest yet sophisticated clean look
and a soft smooth texture. Nenoxs Corian line uses their confidential blend of high carbon stain resistant steels,
which undergoes a sub-zero manufacturing process to ensure a durable edge.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HNE-COGY-210
HNE-COGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HNE-COGY-270
HNE-COGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HNE-COSU-230
HNE-COSU-285

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.0 (23cm)
11.2 (28.5cm)

Yo-Deba
HNE-COYD-165

Yo-Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Honesuki
HNE-COHO-150

Paring
HNE-COPA-100
See Page 83

4.0 (10cm)

Petty
HNE-COPE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

www.korin.com

71

NENOX
WESTERN STYLE

Nenox G-Type
Nenoxs G-Type line uses Nenoxs confidential blend of high carbon stain resistant steels, which undergoes a sub-zero
manufacturing process to ensure a long lasting edge. Each piece is fashioned with a durable and smooth paper micarta
composite handle with an easy to grip rounded handle.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HNE-GTGY-210
HNE-GTGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki
HNE-GTSU-230
HNE-GTSU-285

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.0 (23cm)
11.2 (28.5cm)

Yo-Deba
HNE-GTYD-165

Yo-Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)

Honesuki

5.9 (15cm)

Honesuki
HNE-GTHO-150

Petty
HNE-GTPE-150
72

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

HNE-GTGY-270
HNE-GTGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

MISONO
Misono was established in 1935, and the company has been kept a small, exclusively family-owned business for decades. The
company began as a kitchen tool blade maker for vegetable peelers. After 1945, Misono began importing painting palette
knives from overseas. Misono did not begin producing their own knives until the late 1960s.
Today Misono is Japans oldest Western style knife maker, with only fifty workers producing 150,000 knives a year. While many
larger companies send knives to other manufacturers to have specialists make different parts of a knife, Misono produces
100% of their knives in house with extreme attention to detail for quality assurance.
Although Western style knives are often manufactured, Misonos production process is very similar to that of traditional
Japanese style knives, as they are largely made by hand. Misono ensures a long lasting edge retention for professional use
by using hard steel and hand finished sharpening. To guarantee that all Misono knives are of the highest quality, knives do
not leave the company without passing several levels of inspections.

MISONO
WESTERN STYLE

Togiharu Pro
Misono is recognized as one of Japans best knife makers for their incomparable quality and finish. Six years ago,
Misono approached sharpening Master Shouzou Mizuyama and proposed a collaboration between Korin, Misono and
himself. This partnership has finally come to fruition, and Korin is proud to present Misonos first ever collaboration,
the Togiharu Pro. The tier of steel is in between the Misono Handmade line and UX10 knives, and the collaboration
with the sharpeners gives the knife a highly refined finish. Most knife styles in this exclusive line come with a wooden
cover to protect the blade when not in use.
HRc: 59

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Intermediate

Gyutou
HTO-PROGY-210

Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

Sujihiki
HTO-PROSU-270

Salmon Sujihiki
HTO-PROSSU-210

Salmon Sujihiki

8.2 (21cm)

Salmon Slicer
HTO-PROSS-300

Salmon Slicer

11.7 (30cm)

Boning Knife
HTO-PROBO-135

Boning

5.3 (13.5cm)

Petty
HTO-PROPE-150
74

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

HTO-PROGY-240

Gyutou

9.4 (24cm)

MISONO
WESTERN STYLE

Misono UX10
Misono UX10 is the top of the line within the Misono collection. The blade is made out of high quality Swedish stain
resistant steel that provides the user with the longest lasting edge retention within the Misono brand. A distinguishing
feature of the UX10 knife is its nickel silver bolster, which balances the weight of the blade and handle.
HRc: 59-60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Advanced

Gyutou
HMI-UXGY-180
HMI-UXGY-210
HMI-UXGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HMI-UXGY-270
HMI-UXGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

HMI-UXPE-150

Petty

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HMI-UXSU-240
HMI-UXSU-270

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Santoku
HMI-UXSA-180

Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Honesuki
HMI-UXHO-145

Honesuki

5.6 (14.5cm)

Petty
HMI-UXPE-120
HMI-UXPE-130

Petty
Petty

4.7 (12cm)
5.0 (13cm)

5.9 (15cm)

www.korin.com

75

MISONO
WESTERN STYLE

Misono 440
The Misono 440 line is constructed out of molybdenum steel and a water resistant wooden handle. The amount of
chromium is increased from 13% to 16% for the 440 line in order to achieve a longer edge retention than the Misono
Molybdenum line. The curve of the water-resistant wood handle is designed to fit comfortably in the users hand,
making it popular among those who prefer thinner handles. The brands famously thin and sharp knives are hand
finished and inspected to ensure the highest quality product.
HRc: 58-59

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Intermediate

Gyutou
HMI-440GY-180
HMI-440GY-210
HMI-440GY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HMI-440GY-270
HMI-440GY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)

HMI-440SU-270

Sujihiki

HMI-440SL-210

Slicer

8.2 (21cm)

HMI-440PE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

Sujihiki
HMI-440SU-240

10.5 (27cm)

Slicer
HMI-440SL-180

Slicer

7.0 (18cm)

Santoku
HMI-440SA-180

Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Honesuki
HMI-440HO-145

Honesuki

5.7 (14.5cm)

Petty
HMI-440PE-130
76

Petty

5.1 (13cm)

MISONO
WESTERN STYLE

Misono Molybdenum
Misonos most affordable line of knives is created with a stain resistant molybdenum steel blade. The added
molybdenum and vanadium gives this line a greater rust-resistance and hardness. Misonos popularity stems from
the thin profile that allows the knife to be used and sharpened for a long period of time.
HRc: 57-58

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Beginner

Gyutou
HMI-MOGY-180
HMI-MOGY-210
HMI-MOGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HMI-MOGY-270
HMI-MOGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

HMI-MOSU-300

Sujihiki

11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HMI-MOSU-240
HMI-MOSU-270

Santoku
HMI-MOSA-180

Santoku

7.0 (18cm)

Yo-Deba

6.4 (16.5cm)

Honesuki

5.7 (14.5cm)

Yo-Deba
HMI-MOYD-165

Honesuki
HMI-MOHO-145

Paring
HMI-MOPA-080
See page 83

Peeling

Hankotsu
HMI-MOHA-145

3.1 (8cm)

Hankotsu

HMI-MOPL-050 2 (5cm)
Only right handed knives
are available
See page 83

5.7 (14.5cm)

Petty
HMI-MOPE-120
HMI-MOPE-130

Petty
Petty

4.7 (12cm)
5.0 (13cm)

HMI-MOPE-150

Petty

5.9 (15cm)
www.korin.com

77

MISONO
WESTERN STYLE

Misono Swedish Carbon

Misono Swedish Carbon knives are hand finished to maintain optimum sharpness. Misono uses Swedish carbon steel,
considered to be one of the purest form of carbon steel. The line is recommended for those who like smaller rounder
handles and straighter blades. The chef knives and slicers in the Swedish Carbon line also have an elegant dragon
engraving on the face of the blade.
HRc: 60

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Beginner

Gyutou
Dragon design not available for 8.2 (21cm)
HMI-SCGY-210 Gyutou
8.2 (21cm)
HMI-SCGY-240 Gyutou
9.4 (24cm)

HMI-SCGY-270
HMI-SCGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

HMI-SCSU-300

Sujihiki

11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HMI-SCSU-240
HMI-SCSU-270

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

Garasuki
HMI-SCGA-180

Garasuki

7.0 (18cm)

Honesuki
HMI-SCHO-145

Honesuki

5.7 (14.5cm)

Hankotsu
HMI-SCHA-145

Hankotsu

5.7 (14.5cm)

Petty
HMI-SCPE-150
78

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

MISONO
WESTERN STYLE

Misono Childs Knife

With guidance and supervision, your child can develop his/her palate and become an accomplished cook at a young
age. Chef Dan Kluger of ABC Kitchen in New York City, teaches his 6 year-old daughter the proper way to use a knife
with the Misono Childs Knife from Korin. He tells us, whenever she helps make something we can get her to eat
it, and shes more inclined to eat things she wouldnt normally try. Teaching children how to use a childs knife is a
great way to develop their motor skills. The knife has Misonos famous sharp edge, but is designed with a rounded
safety tip and small handle for children.

Childs Knife
HMI-MOCH-120

Childs Knife

4.7 (12cm)

Chef Dan Kluger of ABC Kitchen

and his daughter, Ella.

Misono Fruit Knife

The Misono Fruit knife is created with a professional grade 50:50 molybdenum blade that can be resharpened, which
differentiates it from fruit knives in the market. This product can be used as a real kitchen knife and serves as a
handy tool for outdoor cooking. Each piece comes with a small magnetic wooden cover to secure the knife when
not in use.

Fruit Knife
HMI-MOFR-105

Fruit Knife

4.1 (10.5cm)
www.korin.com

79

Masamoto Sohonten
WESTERN STYLE

Masamoto Virgin Carbon

The Masamoto Virgin Carbon knives have a junkou steel (virgin carbon) blade and a pakka wood handle. The handles
are rounder and larger than other lines in Korins collection, which make them comfortable for those with larger
hands. Steel enthusiasts prefer carbon steel knives above stain resistant blades due to their exceptional sharpness.
HRc: 61-62

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Carbon (Moisture and acidity will cause discoloration or rust)

Sharpening: Beginner

Gyutou
HMA-VSGY-180
HMA-VSGY-210
HMA-VSGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HMA-VSGY-270
HMA-VSGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

Sujihiki
Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)
10.5 (27cm)

HMA-VSSU-300

Sujihiki

Yo-Deba

8.2 (21cm)

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HMA-VSSU-240
HMA-VSSU-270

Yo-Deba
HMA-VSYD-210

Garasuki
HMA-VSGA-175

Garasuki

6.0 (17.5cm)

Honesuki
HMA-VSHO-145

Honesuki

5.7 (14.5cm)

Petty
HMA-VSPE-150
80

Petty

5.9 (15cm)

11.7 (30cm)

MASAMOTO SOHONTEN
WESTERN STYLE

Masamoto VG
The Masamoto VG series have a Hyper Molybdenum Vanadium stain resistant steel blade and a bacteria resistant duracon
handle. The body of the blade has a wide rounded shape and a comfortable handle even for those with large hands. This
line is often praised for having Masamotos famous edge and balance without being too heavy or too light.
HRc: 58-59

Bevel: 70:30

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Intermediate

Gyutou
HMA-VGGY-180
HMA-VGGY-210
HMA-VGGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou
Gyutou

7.0 (18cm)
8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

HMA-VGGY-270
HMA-VGGY-300

Gyutou
Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)
11.7 (30cm)

Sujihiki
HMA-VGSU-270

Petty
HMA-VGPE-120
HMA-VGPE-150

Petty
Petty

4.7 (12cm)
5.9 (15cm)

www.korin.com

81

GLESTAIN
WESTERN STYLE

Glestain Hollow Ground

Glestain knives can be recognized by their patented hollow ground design. The dimples on the blades surface prevent
ingredients from sticking, allowing for faster, easier, and more efficient cutting. Glestain blades are constructed out of
Acuto 440 steel, which undergoes a sub-zero manufacturing process to ensure a durable edge. Some styles feature a
stainless steel cap on the bottom of the water resistant hardwood handle that can be used for opening shellfish shells.
HRc: 58-59

Bevel: 80:20

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Intermediate

Gyutou
HGL-HGGY-210
HGL-HGGY-240

Gyutou
Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)
9.4 (24cm)

HGL-HGGY-270

Gyutou

10.5 (27cm)

Gyutou
HGL-HHGGY-210

Gyutou

8.2 (21cm)

Sujihiki
HGL-HGSU-240

Sujihiki

9.4 (24cm)

HGL-HGSU-270

Sujihiki

10.5 (27cm)

Sole Knife
HGL-HGSO-210
HGL-HGSO-250

Sole Knife
Sole Knife

8.2 (21cm)
9.7 (25cm)

Honesuki
HGL-HGHO-150

Petty
HGL-HGPE-120
HGL-HGPE-140

Petty
Petty

4.7 (12cm)
5.5 (14cm)

5.9 (15cm)

Santoku
HGL-HHGSA-170 6.7 (17cm)

Carving Knife
HGL-HGCK-220

Images can be seen at

www.korin.com

Offset Petty
HGL-HGOPE-140
82

8.6 (22cm)

Offset Petty

5.5 (14cm)

PARING and PEELING

WESTERN STYLE

Paring and Peeling

Paring knives are popularly used in Western kitchens for small tasks such as peeling, scraping, trimming, and coring
ingredients that require a more nimble knife. Korin offers paring knives ranging from 3 to 4.3. These knives are
extremely sharp so as to retain the structure of the ingredients, allowing for greater control in detailed work.

Togiharu Inox Paring Knife

HTO-INPA-85

Paring

3.3 (8.5cm)

See collection on page 54 & 55

Suisin Inox Paring Knife

HSU-INPA-080

Paring

3.1 (8cm)

See collection on page 63

Togiharu Hammered Damascus Paring Knife

HTO-HDPA-85

Paring

3.3 (8.5cm)

See collection on page 57

Nenox Red Handle Paring Knife

HNE-RDPA-100

Paring

4.0 (10cm)

See collection on page 66

Nenox Corian Paring Knife

HNE-COPA-100

Paring

4.0 (10cm)

See collection on page 71

Masanobu VG-10 Paring Knife

HMB-VGPE-110

Paring

4.3 (11cm)

See collection on page 47

Misono Molybdenum Peeling Knife

HMI-MOPL-050

Paring

2 (5cm)

Only right handed knives are available

See collection on page 77

Misono Molybdenum Paring Knife

HMI-MOPA-080

Paring

3.1 (8cm)

See collection on page 77

www.korin.com

83

BREAD KNIVES
WESTERN STYLE

Mac Bread Knife

The Mac Bread Knife is constructed out of a high carbon stain resistant mixture of steel compounds that give it a
superior sharpness and hardness. This professional grade knife features an unique arched shape and the line of teeth
on the blade can be re-aligned on a fine stone.
HRc: 60

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Blade can be re-aligned on a fine stone

Bread Knife
HMC-BR-270

Bread Knife

10.5 (26.5cm)

Suisin Bread Knife

Using a normal knife to slice hard pieces of bread will instantly dull your knives. The well known Suisin brand offers
a high quality bread knife for everyday use. The sharp serrated Swedish Inox 8A steel blade makes cutting bread easy.
HRc: 58-59

Steel Type: Stain Resistant

Sharpening: Cannot be sharpened or honed

Bread Knife
HSU-INBR-250

Bread Knife

See collection on page 63

84

www.korin.com

9.75 (25cm)

PASTRY KNIFE
INTERVIEW WITH CHEF BAKER
Joseph Baker grew up in rural Montana, where the necessity for home-cooked meals instilled in him a value for
simple, well-prepared food. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and after his four years of service, he applied
his discipline and precision to study the culinary arts with a newfound vigor. He enrolled in LAcademy de Cuisine
to study pastry, and has since worked at many acclaimed hotel restaurants including CityZen, Texas Spice, Las
Canarias, Ostra, and Mansion on Turtle Creek. Baker is now teaching at Le Cordon Bleu in Dallas Texas.

JOSEPH BAKER
Le Cordon Bleu, Dallas

What made you want to be a pastry chef?

I was always intrigued. As a young child, I always watched competitions on TV where they would
make sugar sculptures. After that, I constantly saw patterns where bread and desserts were the
heros of most meals. Even to this day I am still enamored with a very simple baguette. It is four basic
ingredients, but when combined properly and handled well there is considerably more to be said.
Many of the people I know brag more about the bread that they ate instead of the entree, so being
a pastry chef always interested me. As a pastry chef, I can have the same six ingredients and give you
anything- from ice cream, doughnuts, cakes, to pate au choux.

Photo Credit: Blair Baker

What inspires you to cook and create new recipes?

When I see a recipe that is always done a specific way, my first question is why? I try to understand the process and see if it
can be reduced or simplified. In my own experience, knowing why something works and how to manipulate it has always given
me much better results than if I were to understand a recipe. When it comes to flavors, Ill think of new combinations as I taste
things. Im fairly well known in the pastry circle for using a lot of vegetables in my desserts. I really like to use root vegetables
like parsnips and beets, which can be awkward for your standard diner. The strangest flavor combination Ive ever tried and was
really pleased with was a toasted marshmallow ice cream with actual toasted marshmallows as the base, and roasted turnips. Its
just one of those things you cant tell to everybody out there, so I reserve it for the really adventurous.
How did you hear about the Togiharu pastry knife?
When I was in culinary school my chef instructor had a pastry knife, and he only used it for one minor application. I remembered
he said it was very thin, long, sharp, and perfect for everything we do as pastry chefs, but it was probably 5 or 6 years after that
I had still never seen one. When youre shopping around for knives, especially as a pastry chef, you dont need a lot of them but
you want quality products. Eventually I found Korin and I can tell when I looked at it that it wasnt a simple plastic handle with a
stamped out blade, it was clearly more than that. It had a higher level of craftsmanship and looked more substantial than other
confectioners knives that I have seen.
What is the difference between the standard pastry and the Togiharu pastry knife?
The Togiharu brand has the overall dedication that Korin gives to their knives, and when I use the knife it has a balance and
weight that feel seamless and effortless as I move it. A lot of times in pastry, we have to portion a full sized sheet tray down to
bite sized portions. It can be done with a smaller knife but it just takes so much longer. I really appreciate the long thin blade of
the Togiharu pastry knife that I can very cleanly and perfectly cut my pastries in less time and in fewer movements. It makes it a
better product all around, and fits the pastry knife that I would look for at every single level.

Togiharu Pastry Knife

HTO-INPT-330
HTO-INPT-360

Pastry
Pastry

12.9 (33cm)
14.0 (36cm)

See collection on page 54 & 55

www.korin.com

85

KNIFE COVERS
Wooden Covers for Western Style Knives
The design for Japanese knife covers have not changed for hundreds of years. The knife covers offered at
Korin are handcrafted from either ebony or Japanese magnolia wood grown in the northern region of Japan,
where the cold climate encourages the growth of densely grained wood that will not warp. These beautiful
wooden covers will keep knives safe when not in use and help prevent carbon knives from rusting. Each piece is
handmade and the blade shape varies from maker to maker, therefore all knives must be fitted before purchase.
Please be advised that Korin does not accept returns or exchanges for wooden knife covers due to hygiene reasons.
Gyutou
HA-SAYA-G-180
HA-SAYA-G-210
HA-SAYA-G-240
HA-SAYA-G-270

- 7.0
- 8.2
- 9.4
- 10.5

(18cm)
(21cm)
(24cm)
(27cm)

Sujihiki
HA-SAYA-S-240 - 9.4 (24cm)
HA-SAYA-S-270 - 10.5 (27cm)

Santoku
HA-SAYA-SA-180 - 7.0 (18cm)

Yo-Deba
HA-SAYA-YD-165 - 6.4 (16.5cm)
HA-SAYA-YD-210 - 8.2 (21cm)
HA-SAYA-YD-240 - 9.4 (24cm)

Honesuki
HA-SAYA-H150 - 5.9 (15cm)

Petty
HA-SAYA-P-120 - 4.7 (12cm)
HA-SAYA-P-150 - 5.9 (15cm)

Wooden Covers for Nenox Knives

Fit your beautiful Nenox and Nenohi knives in authentic Nenohi wooden
covers. These covers are handcrafted out of the same Japanese magnolia
wood as the general purpose wooden covers. Please be advised that Nenohi
cover will only fit Nenox or Nenohi knives.
Sujihiki

Honesuki

HNE-SAYA-S-230 - 9.0 (23cm)

HNE-SAYA-S-285 - 11.2 (28.5cm)

HNE-SAYA-H150 - 5.9 (15cm)

HNE-SAYA-H150/G - 5.9 (15cm)

Gyutou

Petty

HNE-SAYA-G-210 - 8.2 (21cm)

HNE-SAYA-G-240 - 9.4 (24cm)
HNE-SAYA-G-270 - 10.5 (27cm)

HNE-SAYA-P-100 - 4.0 (10cm)

HNE-SAYA-P-150 - 5.9 (15cm)

Yo-Deba
HNE-SAYA-YD-165 - 6.4 (16.5cm)

U7i}iV>}iVi
purchase a cover with your knife to ensure a
proper fit.
U/V>ivVivi]i>ibring
the knives to Korin. The staff will
personally fit your knife with a cover.
U`i>VVii]iV>}i
refunds of knife covers.
All sales of knife covers are final.
86

www.korin.com

Hankotsu
HA-SAYA-HA150 - 5.9 (15cm)

Knife COVERS
Korins Original Knife Guards
Korins Original Knife Guards are the most affordable way to protect your knives. Each piece is lined with a soft
fabric to avoid scratching the knife. These durable plastic guards are available in four different convenient sizes
for different styles of knives.

Plastic Guards for Western Style Knives

HA-SAYA-KG-150 - 5.9 (15cm)

HA-SAYA-KG-180 - 7.0 (18cm)

HA-SAYA-KG-240 - 9.4 (24cm)

HA-SAYA-KG-300 - 11.7 (30cm)

Wooden Covers for Japanese Style Knives

Yanagi
HA-SAYA-Y-240
HA-SAYA-Y-270
HA-SAYA-Y-300
HA-SAYA-Y-330

- 9.4 (24cm)
- 10.5 (27cm)
- 11.7 (30cm)
- 12.9 (33cm)

Yanagi

Deba

Deba
HA-SAYA-D-135
HA-SAYA-D-150
HA-SAYA-D-165
HA-SAYA-D-180
HA-SAYA-D-195
HA-SAYA-D-210

5.3
5.9
6.4
7.0
7.6
8.2

(13.5cm)
(15cm)
(16.5cm)
(18cm)
(19.5cm)
(21cm)

Kamagata Usuba
HA-SAYA-KU-180 - 7.0 (18cm)
HA-SAYA-KU-195 - 7.6 (19.5cm)
HA-SAYA-KU-210 - 8.2 (21cm)

Kamagata Usuba

Usuba
HA-SAYA-U-180 - 7.0 (18cm)
HA-SAYA-U-195 - 7.6 (19.5cm)
HA-SAYA-U-210 - 8.2 (21cm)
Usuba
www.korin.com

87

GIFT SETS
Knife Gift Sets are an excellent idea for chefs and food lovers alike. Choose
a set from your favorite knife brand and have each piece engraved through
Korins Knife Engraving Services to personalize the knives for the individual.

Togiharu Gift Sets

HTO-HD3

Togiharu Hammered Damascus Gift Set

3 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Nakiri: 6.4 (16.5cm),
Paring: 3.4 (8.5cm)

HTO-G12

Togiharu G-1 Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HTO-IN3

Togiharu Inox Gift Set

3 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Sujihiki: 10.5 (27cm),
Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HTO-HD2

Togiharu Hammered Damascus Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Santoku: 7.0 (18cm), Petty: 5.5 (14cm)

HTO-IN2

Togiharu Inox Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Santoku: 7.0 (18cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HTO-MO3

Togiharu EA Gift Set

3 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Sujihiki: 10.5 (27cm),
Petty: 5.9 (15cm)
HTO-MO2

Togiharu EA Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Santoku: 7.0 (18cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)
88

www.korin.com

GIFT SETS
Misono Gift Sets

HMI-UX2

Misono UX10 Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Santoku: 7.0 (18cm), Petty: 4.7 (12cm)

HMI-4402

Misono 440 Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Petty 4.7 (12cm)

HMI-MO2E

Misono Molybdenum Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Honesuki 5.6 (14.5cm)

HMI-4403

Misono 440 Gift Set

3 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Santoku: 7.0 (18cm),
Petty 4.7 (12cm)

Suisin Gift Sets

HSU-IN3

Suisin Inox Gift Set

3 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Deba: 6.4 (16.5cm),
Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HSU-YA3 Suisin Yasukiko Gift Set

3 Piece Set
Yanagi: 8.2 (21cm), Usuba: 6.4 (16.5cm),
Deba: 5.9 (15cm)

HSU-IN2

Suisin Inox Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 7.0(18cm), Petty: 5.9(15cm)
www.korin.com

89

GIFT SETS
Nenox Gift Sets

HNE-RD2

Nenox Red Bone Handle Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HNE-BR2

Nenox Brown Bone Handle Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HNE-CO2

Nenox Corian Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HNE-BL2

Nenox Blue Bone Handle Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HNE-GR2

Nenox Green Bone Handle Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HNE-GT2

Nenox G-Type Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

HNE-IW2

90

www.korin.com

Nenox Desert Iron Wood Handle Gift Set

2 Piece Set
Gyutou: 8.2 (21cm), Petty: 5.9 (15cm)

GIFT SETS

Korin Gift Cards

Cant decide what to purchase for that special
someone? Send a KORIN gift card that cards can
be used for any product or service.
For balance inquiries please contact customer
service at 1-800-626-2172.

Korin Gift Wrapping

Too busy to gift wrap? Cant gift wrap well? Korin
Offers two elegant Japanese style gift wrapping
options for knives. Surprise that special someone
with a beautifully wrapped knife without the
worry of doing it yourself.
s&REEGIFTWRAPPINGOPTION
s(IGHQUALITYGIFTWRAPPINGOPTIONUSING
Japanese washi paper available for a small fee.

Japanese Washi Wrapping

Free Gift Wrapping

Engraving Service
Personalize your knife by engraving your name
or a short message on the blade! Korin can
engrave letters and designs on the blade of your
knife. Surprise your loved ones by personalizing
their gift or design one for yourself.

www.korin.com

91

SHARPENING STONES

Whetstones
Sharpening stones must be used in order to sharpen a knife to its fullest potential. The process of sharpening on a stone
is similar to sanding wood. The whetstone scratches away material to shape and polish the edge to an acute blade.
A medium and fine grit stone are both needed to effectively sharpen both traditional Japanese and Western style knives.
There is a common misconception that honing steels sharpen knives. Although honing steels straighten out the edge,
which will make the knife seem sharper, they do not sharpen the knife. Improper usage of honing steels may even result
in chipping and leveling out the asymmetrical 70:30 blade.

Choosing Whetstones
Before the availability of synthetic materials, people in Japan sharpened knives on natural sharpening stones that were
hand quarried, cut, and polished. Nowadays, a wide large variety of affordable synthetic sharpening stones have become
an attractive alternative. When choosing a sharpening stone, it is important to consider your skills as a sharpener, the
material of the knife, and its purpose.

Fine Stones
#3000 grit
When sharpening knives, it is important to use both a medium and a fine stone. Using a #3000 grit stone as a buffer in
between the #1000 grit and #6000 grit stone eases the transition and produces a better result. #3000 grit stones are also
a great finishing stones for boning knives and for knives used to cut fatty ingredients. Cutting oily ingredients leads to
shorter edge retention, and a rougher edge will help maintain the blade for longer. Although the #6000 grit stone will
give you a sharper edge, the knife will also dull faster.

#4000 grit
The #4000 grit stone works in the same way as the #3000 grit stone. It can be used as a buffer stone as well as a finishing stone
when working with fatty ingredients. The #4000 grit stone will produce a finer edge, but ultimately choosing between a
#3000 grit and a #4000 grit is a matter of personal preference.

#5000 grit
The #5000 grit stone is a great finishing stone for softer steels.

#6000 grit
The #6000 grit stone is the basic finishing stone for most knives. The #6000 grit stone will produce a finer edge, and is
recommended as a finishing stone for harder steels.

#8000 grit
The Kitayama #8000 is the best finishing stone to produce the sharpest and most polished blade. Korin recommends this
stone for traditional Japanese knives and those working mostly with produce and non-fatty ingredients.

MIZUYAMA
FINE #3000
HA-1079
8 x 3 x 1H
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MIZUYAMA
FINE #5000
HA-1080
8 x 3 x 1H

MIZUYAMA
FINE #6000
HA-1074
8.5 x 2.8 x 0.8H

SHARPENING STONES

KITAYAMA
FINE #8000
HA-1057
8 x 3 x 1H

KING
FINE #6000
HA-1004
8.3 x 2.9 x 0.9H

Medium Stones
#1000 grit
The #1000 grit stone is the basic sharpening stone that Korin recommends for routine sharpening.

#1200 grit
The #1200 grit stone is great for sharpening traditional Japanese knives, as they are more delicate and have a finer edge
than Western style knives. However, the #1200 grit and #1000 grit can be used interchangeably. For a more abrasive grit,
we recommend using the nagura stone on your #1200 grit stone, then using the slurry produced to sharpen.

#2000 grit
The #2000 grit is a medium stone. It is not as abrasive as the #1000 or #1200 grit stones, and therefore in comparison
will take longer to sharpen. Korin recommends the #2000 grit stones for those who prefer to sharpen knives multiple
times a week. It is a great maintenance stone because it does not remove as much material as the lower grit stones. For
a more abrasive grit, use the nagura stone on your #2000 grit stone and the slurry produced to sharpen.

TOGIHARU
MEDIUM #1000
HA-1093
8.4 x 2.6 x 1.4H

MIZUYAMA
MEDIUM #1000
HA-1073
8.5 x 3 x 1H

MIZUYAMA
MEDIUM #2000
HA-1089
8 x 2.9 x 1H

MIZUYAMA
MEDIUM #1200
HA-1076
8.4 x 3 x 1H

KING
MEDIUM #1000
HA-1001
9.1 x 3.9 x 3.2H

KING
MEDIUM #1000
HA-1002
8.2 x 2.8 x 2.4H

KING
MEDIUM #1000
HA-1003
8.2 x 2.6 x 1.3H
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SHARPENING STONES
Rough Stones
#220 grit
Best for reshaping or repairing chips. Please be aware that the #220-300 grit stones are very abrasive, and therefore will
take off a lot of material. Korin does not recommend that beginner sharpeners use these stones.

#300 grit
Best used to quickly put an edge on very dull knives. Please be aware that the #220-300 grit stones are very abrasive, and
will shave off a lot of material. Korin does not recommend this stone for beginners.

SUN TIGER
ROUGH #220
HA-1071
8 x 2.5 x 1.5H

DIAMOND STONE WITH BASE

ROUGH #300/#300
HA-1092
8 x 3.5 x 0.3H

Double Sided Stones

The double sided stones sold at Korin feature a medium and a fine grit sharpening surface. They are a convenient
tool for travelling cooks, sharpening beginners, and home users.

MIZUYAMA
DOUBLE SIDED #1000/#6000
HA-1081
8.3 x 2.9 x 1.4H

TOGIHARU
DOUBLE SIDED #1000/#4000
HA-1082
8 x 2.5 x 1.4H

Nagura Dressing Stone

Over time, dirt becomes trapped in sharpening stones causing them to turn black in certain spots. The trapped dirt
makes the stones slippery and less effective. The nagura stone can be used to polish away the trapped dirt and will
produce a muddy slurry that acts as a rougher grit. Using this slurry, sharpening knives is easier and faster. Please
be aware that this change of grit only occurs while using the slurry. Once you wash the mud off the stone, it will
return to normal. The nagura stone is primarily used for fine stones, but may be used for medium stones as well.

Natural Stone
Natural Stones are carefully selected, hand-quarried, hand-cut, and hand-polished. This process often makes them
extremely expensive. These stones are well suited for sharpening traditional knives, but they are inconsistent in terms of
size, shape, and grit. Korin carries a variety of natural stones and we can recommend a stone to match a particular knife.
However, we do not recommend natural stones for inexperienced users.
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SHARPENING STONES
Diamond Sharpening Stones
Diamond sharpening stones are primarily used to repair chips. The benefits of using a diamond stone is that the stone
will always stay flat. Please be aware that moving and changing from a higher to lower angle while sharpening on a
diamond stone will ruin the blade. Korin recommends the diamond sharpening stones for use only by advanced knife
sharpeners.

Stone Fixers
After frequent use of synthetic and ceramic sharpening stones, knives will begin to wear down. A stone fixer is
essential for flattening the surface of a sharpening stone. Prolonged use of a concaved stone will begin to warp and
change the shape of a knife blade.

NAGURA DRESSING STONE

HA-1087
3 x 1 x 1H

LARGE STONE FIXER

HA-1086
9.4 x 4 x 1.5H

STONE FIXER
HA-1075
6 x 2 x 1H

TOGIHARU STONE FIXER

HA-1088
6 x 2 x 1H

STONE FIXER
HA-1094
8 x 2.5 x 1.25H

Caution
Please do not soak finishing stones (#3000 and above), simply splash a little water on the stone and it is ready for use.
Soaking a finishing stone will cause it to crack and break. Storing a stone in the box while still wet or damp will result
in mold and decreased quality. For double sided stones, please only soak the medium stone side (#1000) for a minute or
two, and do not soak the fine stone side. Failure to do so will result in splitting and breaking.

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SHARPENING BASICS
Sharpening Japanese Knives
The knives in the Korin collection have been chosen for their exceptional quality, outstanding sharpness, and long-lasting
edges. Both traditional and Western style Japanese knives must be hand sharpened on a water stone to realize
their fullest potential. As you train your knife against the stone, you begin to personalize the edge to your specific
needs and sharpening style. With practice and good technique, your knife should become sharper than it was in its
original condition.
Japanese chefs consider sharpening as a crucial first step in preparing fine cuisine. Many sushi chefs sharpen their knives
at the end of each workday. Ideally, you should sharpen your knife while it is still relatively sharp. If you do this,
the knife will only need five or ten minutes against the stone to sharpen. If you put off sharpening until the knife
is truly dull, then you will need to spend significantly more time. You should be prepared to sharpen Western style
knives every two to three days for average professional use. If you are inexperienced with Japanese knives and water
stones, we recommend that you choose a knife that is easier for you to sharpen.

Basic Knife Sharpening Steps

The basics of sharpening on a water stone are the same for traditional Japanese knives and Western style knives.
See style-specific pages for instructions and tips. Illustrations and instruction represent right-handed knife sharpening.

Step One Prepare the stones

A level stone surface is necessary to obtain a clean edge and to avoid damaging your blade edge. Synthetic stones and stone
fixers should be soaked in water before sharpening for ten minutes. Use the stone fixer on the stones edge first to round
the corners of the stone. Then, start to sand off the top of the stone with a back and forth motion, removing only
enough material to flatten the surface of the stone. Ceramic and diamond stones should not be soaked prior to sharpening.
Dip ceramic and diamond stones briefly in water before sharpening. Place the stone on a damp towel or base to stabilize
the stone while sharpening.

Step Two Establish position of knife to stone and

determine edge sharpening angle
Hold the knife as pictured, with your index finger resting on the
spine of the knife, your thumb on the flat part of the blade, and
your three remaining fingers grasping the handle. Do not try to
sharpen by gripping the handle as you would to cut.
Keep a firm grip on the knife, with shoulders square to the stone
and upper body relaxed. With your arm and elbow in a comfortable
position, place the face of the knife on the stone and note the
angle of knife to stone for sharpening. A 60-70 angle is common.
A wider or narrower angle is acceptable, but keeping this angle of
knife to stone consistent every time you sharpen is critical to your
sharpening success.
Find the angle of the blade edge at which you will sharpen. The
angle at which you hold the edge to the stone will determine the
edge shape and is the key to good sharpening technique. When
you have determined the sharpening angle you will be ready to
start sharpening!

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Stone

60-70

SHARPENING BASICS
Step Three Sharpen
Place two or three fingers of your left hand on the blade close to the cutting
edge and press the edge of the blade to the stone. You will be sharpening
the area directly under your fingers, so equal pressure is needed to achieve
even sharpening.
Pressing the edge to the stone with your fingers, push the knife forward
along the stone. For controlled sharpening, exert pressure as you move
forward and release pressure on the down stroke. Move the knife to position
the next section of blade under your fingers and repeat this procedure to
sharpen a bit of the edge at a time. Remember not to change the angle
of the blade edge to the stone and to keep a consistent angle of knife to
stone with a straight back and forth motion. As you sharpen you will feel
a slight, even burr form along the entire edge.
Once you have a burr, flip over the knife to focus on the reverse side of
the blade. Exert more pressure on the upward stroke to remove the burr
(for traditional Japanese knives) or establish a double-sided edge. See
style specifics pages for this important step.

Basic Sharpening Tips

Never sharpen the blade flat against the stone. This will scratch the
surface of the knife and will result in a very weak edge. This is a
common cause of chipping and breakage with Japanese knives.

Be sure to keep the stone wet during sharpening. To wet the stone
during sharpening, sprinkle a few drops of water from your hand onto
the stone, but do not wash away the slurry or mud (toguso) that forms
on the stone while sharpening. This grainy mixture is an important aid
in the sharpening process.

Cross Section
of Blade
Stone

Toguso

As you sharpen, you are making small scratches on the surface of the
metal with the medium stones and then smoothing out those scratches
with the finer grit finishing stones to create a sharp polished edge. It is
critical to keep a consistent angle of the knife to the stone the entire
time you are sharpening. This will ensure that you are always working
the knife along the stone following the same lines and in the same
direction, and when you switch stone grits, you will be polishing out
the scratches you made with the more abrasive sharpening stones in
the previous stage.

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SHARPENING
TRADITIONAL JAPANESE KNIVES

Traditional Japanese knives owe their precision and effectiveness to an ingenious single edged design. The diagram
below shows the tapered edge on the front of the knife (the Blade Road or Kireha), bordered by the shinogi line. The
shinogi line is where the cutting area starts to taper down to the edge. Having a properly sharpened shinogi line allows
for the most precise cut, so please do not alter it when sharpening. On the back of yanagi, deba, and usuba knives there is
a gentle curve called urasuki. The urasuki feature allows food to separate cleanly after it is cut and acts as suspension for
the knife, absorbing pressure and protecting against chipping.

Sharpening Traditional Japanese Knives

When sharpening a traditional Japanese knife it is important to follow the shinogi line,
but note that you are only sharpening the very edge, not the entire blade road. This
is very important! Place your fingers very close to the blade edge and press firmly to
ensure even contact with the stone. Although Western style knives can be sharpened for
several strokes in one place at a time on the edge, traditional Japanese knives should
only be sharpened for one or two strokes before moving to the next section of edge.
When sharpening traditional Japanese knives you must continually move your fingers
down the edge. This is especially crucial for the yanagi style knives. The yanagis thin,
delicate edge will become weak if you sharpen for too many strokes in one spot.

Front

Shinogi Line
Blade Road
(Kireha)
Edge
Back Edge

Follow these basic sharpening techniques to sharpen the entire edge until there is a
slight evenly distributed burr on the reverse side.

Uraoshi
Uraoshi is the conditioning and flattening of the back side of a traditional Japanese knife. This process will enhance
the blade strength on the edge and align any unevenness on the back side of the blade. Without the uraoshi process, the
knife will be brittle and cannot be sharpened properly to its fullest potential. Sharpen the backside and apply pressure to
the edge only on the upstroke. Keep the blade completely flat to the stone and keep finger between the edge and the
shinogi. Remove any burr that forms with a fine grit Japanese whetstone. Korin offers a complimentary uraoshi service for
all traditional Japanese knives.

Sharpening the Kissaki

The kissaki is the tip of the blade edge, which curves to a point. Sharpen this area carefully to preserve the original curve
of the edge. Sharpen the point more than the rest of the blade edge, adjusting the angle to allow the entire tip to touch
the stone. Press the tip with your fingers and slightly lift your right elbow to apply more pressure to the tip.
The traditional Japanese knives in the Korin collection can be maintained with a medium grit (#1000) sharpening stone and
a fine grit (#8000) finishing stone; however, for the best possible sharpening results, a more gradual transition using
multiple grit stones is highly recommended. Experienced sharpeners are encouraged to try the following sharpening stone series:
For deba knives: #300 - #400 - #1000 - #3000 - #8000
For all other traditional Japanese Knives: #300 - #1000 - #3000 - (#6000*) - #8000
(*#6000 is recommended for stain resistant Japanese knives)

Advanced Sharpening Tip

Traditional Japanese knives should be sharpened at the shinogi for optimum performance. It is vital to preserve the original
shinogi line without altering it. Sharpening instruction is advised for this advanced technique. Inexperienced sharpeners
can send their knives to Korins knife master for this sharpening service.

Sharpening the Shinogi

Flip the blade over to the front and sharpen the shinogi line by moving your fingers away from the edge and pressing just
below the middle of the blade. You will be sharpening the area of the shinogi just inside the blade road, creating a small
rise in the middle of the blade road. This hill between the shinogi and the edge resembles a clam shell and when shinogi
sharpening is successfully performed, this hamaguriba (clam-shaped blade) makes it possible to cleanly cut sashimi
and other delicate ingredients.
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SHARPENING
WESTERN STYLE KNIVES

Japanese Western style knives can be used in all kitchens. Most of the Western style knives in the Korin collection
come to us from the manufacturers in Japan in honbazuke condition, meaning with a true edge. The honbazuke label
means that the edges on these knives were individually finished by craftsmen in the final factory production stage.
The edge on a honbazuke knife has already been established by an expert and it is recommended to re-sharpen these
knives following the original edge shape.

Sharpening Western Style Knives

When sharpening Western style knives like the gyutou, first determine the angles
of the blade edge of your knife. Look at the blade road on the front and back of
your knife. The area you are sharpening is the entire blade road from the shinogi to
the edge. Although the symmetrical 50:50 or V-shaped blade is common in Western
style knives, many Japanese Western style knives have a broader, more substantial
edge on the face than on the back, often expressed as a 70:30 ratio.
Beginners are encouraged to use the entire stone when sharpening, making long
even strokes. Experienced sharpeners can visually divide the stone into quadrants
and concentrate sharpening in one quadrant per sharpening session. By turning the
stone 180 and switching the quadrant for successive sharpenings, your stone will
wear more evenly and require less leveling with the fixer.

Back
50 : 50

Front
30 : 70

Cross Section
of Knife

Stone

Determine this
angle for clean
contact with
stone

To determine the angle of your blade, place the face of the knife flat against the stone and your fingers lightly half on
the stone and half on the blade edge. Raise the spine of the knife slowly until you feel the spot where the bevel makes
clean contact with the stone.
It is important not to alter the shinogi line when sharpening. Beginners can judge the sharpening angles on most
Western style knives by placing two pennies under the blade when sharpening the front of the knife and three pennies
under the blade for the backside.
Follow this basic sharpening technique to sharpen the entire edge until you feel a slight ridge form along the edge.
A good tip for beginners is to pick up the blade every two or three strokes to check the blade road and see your sharpening
progress.
Turn the knife over, establish the angle of the back edge and sharpen the entire edge with proportionately less strokes
on the back. This is critical for maintaining optimum sharpness - if you sharpened for seven strokes along the front edge of
the knife, only sharpen with three strokes on the backedge. Turn the knife over, establish the angle of the back edge and
sharpen the entire edge with proportionately less strokes on the back.

Remember to sharpen the back edge less than the front edge on your Japanese Western style knife unless
it has a 50:50 symmetrical bevel. Some styles, such as the slicer, honesuki, and the Wa-type knives have
minimal edges on the back, with ratios of up to 90:10.

Sharpening the Kissaki

The kissaki is the tip of the blade edge that curves to a point. It is important to follow the curve of the kissaki when
sharpening. Adjust the angle of the blade edge to the stone by lifting your right elbow so that only the kissaki makes
contact with the stone. Make sure that the rest of the edge between the kissaki and the heel does not touch the stone.
Sharpen in a slight upward arc with firm pressure against the stone.
The Western style knives in the Korin collection can be maintained with a medium grit (#1000) sharpening stone
(naka toishi) and a fine grit (#6000) finishing stone (shiage toishi); however, for the best possible sharpening results,
a more gradual sharpening with multiple grit stones is highly recommended. Experienced sharpeners are encouraged
to try the following sharpening stone series for Western style knives: #300 - #1000 - #3000 - #4000 - #6000.
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Traditional Art of Japanese Knife Sharpening

The Chefs Edge

A must-see program for every passionate cook who knows that finely crafted and sharp knives will make a huge difference
in their cooking. - Eric Ripert, Executive Chef / Owner, Le Bernardin
I was happy enough just to discover KORIN and learn about the beauty and precision of Japanese knives. Now that they
have prepared this instructional DVD on how to sharpen and maintain them, I have no choice but start my own collection.
My cooking may never be the same. - Mitchell Davis, Director of Publications, The James Beard Foundation
I think the DVD is a must see for successful chefs. I learned so much from it. - Mario Lohninger, former Executive Chef, Danube
When I have a beautiful knife, I feel so happy to be a chef. - Nobu Matsuhisa, Executive Chef / Owner, Nobu

CHIHARU SUGAI
learned traditional knife sharpening
techniques in Sakai, Japan.
As co- founder of Korin Japanese Trading

Traditional Hand-sharpening Techiniques for

Japanese Western style and Yanagi Knives

Corp., a New York-based restaurant supply

company, he has sharpened the knives of
chefs from renowned restaurants such as

How Japanese knives are produced by

Japans premier knife craftsmen.

Nobu, Bouley, Danube and many others.

Mr. Sugai teaches knife sharpening

Traditional hand-sharpening techniques for

Western style knives.

demonstrations at New Yorks leading

cooking schools including the Culinary
Institute of America and the French
Culinary Institute. He has also taught the
kitchens of NYCs finest restaurants
including L. Impero, Daniel, Jean-Georges
and many others.

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How to correctly use

sharpening stones.
Basic hand-sharpening
techniques for yanagi knives.
Proper knife care
and storage.

KORIN KNIFE SERVICES

Korin Knife Sharpening Demonstration
Invite us to your kitchen or school for a free demonstration from Korins knife sharpener to learn how to sharpen Japanese
and Western style knives using water stones.
Korins knife sharpener and his team has been visiting the countrys leading culinary schools and top restaurants for years
to share their knowledge of knives. During these demonstrations, the sharpener explains the fundamentals of various
sharpening stones, as well as the steps involved in preparing and using a whetstone. After each demonstration, the knife
sharpener will answer questions and be happy to provide you with tips on how you can improve your sharpening methods.
The sharpeners team will set up a pop-up shop and have products for sale after the demonstration. Korin hopes that these
complimentary services will further enhance your skills and improve kitchen efficiency in a fun and educational way.
Demonstrations may be set up upon request. Small complimentary demonstrations are also available in-store on specific
days of the week.

Please contact Korins customer service team for further information.

800-626-2172 or 212-587-7021
Custserv@korin.com

Korin Knife Services

Korin offers a number of unique knife services provided by our resident Knife Master Chiharu Sugai and his apprentice
Vincent Kazuhito Lau. After 15 years of honing his skills and constantly practicing new techniques, Mr. Sugais dedication
has been recognized by the top knife makers of Japan. Korin is proud to announce that we have received an official
authorization by our knife vendors to sharpen and repair their products.

Sharpening Services
Send in your knives to Korin for a tune-up. We can sharpen and repair any non-serrated or steel knife, including pocket
knives and hunting knives. Please inquire to our customer service team regarding other types of specialty blades. We
sharpen all knives by hand using Japanese whetstones and sharpening wheels. Prices vary based on the styles of knives
and severity of damages. For pointers and tips on what you can do to improve your skills, please feel free to leave a
comment on the knife services form requesting for our sharpener to contact you with advice.

Left-Handed Conversions for Western Style Knives

Convert your asymmetrical 70:30 western style knife to a left-handed blade. Left-handed boning knives and traditional
Japanese knives must be special ordered and may require production time. Please inquire for further information.

Handle Replacement for Traditional Japanese Knives

Does your old traditional Japanese knife have a cracked handle? Korin can replace old and worn out handles on many
traditional Japanese knives. Please inquire Korins customer service team regarding handle changes.

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KORIN KNIFE SERVICES

Shape Alterations
Our knife sharpener can convert the blade of traditional Japanese style yanagi knives to different styles that are typically
more expensive. Yanagi knives can be converted to sakimaru takobiki, kiritsuke, and kensaki yanagi shapes. Gyutou knives
can be altered to santoku, petty, and sujihiki styles.
Original
Yanagi Shape

Kengata style

Kengata style

Sakimaru
Takobiki style

Kengata style #1

Kengata style #2

Kengata style #3

Sakimaru Takobiki

Shinogi Alterations
Utilize your Western style knife to its fullest potential according to your needs by having it altered by Korins knife
master. Decades ago, chefs were able to change the blade of their knives based on what they were using it for.
Unfortunately, these techniques are no longer taught within the kitchen and this service is not provided in knife
stores even in Japan.
However, our sharpening master has been trained in this tradition and our bevel alteration services can convert your
70:30 knives to single sided blade or widen the shinogi line. Please consult our sharpeners for alteration requests, and be
advised that these knives will become very task specific.

Length Alterations
Are you finding that your knife is too long? Maybe you just got a new job and there just isnt enough space for your
knife. Korins new length alteration service can shorten any knife. When altering the length of the knives, we will adjust
the other parts of the knife to some degree and rebuild the blade to achieve optimum proportions.

Engraving Service
Personalize your knife by engraving your name or a short message on the blade! Korin can engrave letters and designs
on the blade of your knife. Surprise your loved ones by personalizing their gift or design one for yourself.

Traditional Japanese Knife Trial Services

Traditional Japanese knives are very task specific and their single beveled edge makes them the sharpest tool in any
kitchen. However, we understand that using a traditional Japanese knife for the first time can be difficult and that the
fine single edged blade chips if used improperly. Try out our trial service by inquiring Korins customer service team and
experience first hand the difference that a real traditional Japanese knife can make!
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KORIN KNIFE SERVICES

Blade Edge Alterations

Original

Wider edge

Original

Wider edge

Complimentary Services
Korin offers customers a range of complimentary services for traditional Japanese and Western knives.
1. We understand that using a new style of knife is difficult, especially with traditional Japanese styles, which feature a
much thinner and more brittle blade than Western knives. We therefore offer a complimentary knife chip repair service on
traditional Japanese knives within 45 days of purchase.
2. We also offer one complimentary knife chip repair or sharpening service on any traditional Japanese knives over $1000
within the first year of purchase at Korin.
3. Korins initial sharpening has always been a free in-store exclusive perk. However, due to popular demand, we are
extending this offer to all knives purchased through our website. The initial sharpening removes the factory edge to
enhance the sharpness of the blade. This procedure also serves as a future sharpening guideline for those interested
in learning how to use whetstones. One of Korins resident knife sharpeners masterfully uses up to four different
whetstones (#300, #1000, #3000, #8000) to remove the factory edge. Have Korin sharpen your knives for optimal use
straight out of the box!
4. Uraoshi is the conditioning of the flat part of the traditional Japanese knives. Our Knife Master Sugai strongly
recommends the uraoshi sharpening process before the initial use of your traditional Japanese Style knives. The
uraoshi will enhance the blade strength on the edge and align any unevenness on back side of the blade. Without
the uraoshi process, the knife cannot be sharpened to its fullest potential and will be brittle.
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103

KNIFE CARE & MAINTENANCE

Japanese knives are forged out of hard carbon steel to achieve thin sharp blades. This make these blades
more delicate than Western style knives. If used and maintained properly, your Japanese knife will last you
many, many years.

Using Traditional Japanese Knives

s4RADITIONAL*APANESEKNIVESARETASKSPECIFICANDMOSTSTYLESARENOTDESIGNEDTOCUTTHROUGHBONES0LEASEDONOT
attempt to cut through bones with traditional Japanese knives, unless it is a deba butchering knife.
s.EVERUSETRADITIONAL*APANESEKNIVESINAROUGHMANNER4HEYARENOTMEANTTOBEUSEDASCLEAVERS
s$ONOTTWISTORFORCETHEKNIFEWHENCUTTING
s4RADITIONAL*APANESEKNIVESHAVESIGNIFICANTLYTHINNERANDMOREDELICATEBLADESTHAN7ESTERNKNIVES5SEOFHONING
steels or sharpening machines will result in chipping.
s7EADVISEALLCUSTOMERSTOHAVEASKILLEDSHARPENERPREPARETHEKNIFEBEFOREUSINGTHEKNIFEFORTHEFIRSTTIME
By preparing the knife with the uraoshi process, the blade will be aligned and strengthened. Korin offers a
complimentary uraoshi sharpening with every purchase.
s+ORINOFFERSCUSTOMERSAFREESERVICETOREALIGNKNIVESPURCHASEDINHOUSE!LLTRADITIONAL*APANESEKNIVESWILLBEND
over time due to the heat tempering of the two different steels in the blade.
s)TISIMPORTANTTOALWAYSFLATTENSHARPENINGSTONESWITHASTONEFIXERTOKEEPACONSISTENTANGLEWHENSHARPENINGAND
to prevent knives from warping.
s0LEASEALWAYSUSESHARPENINGSTONESTOSHARPENTRADITIONAL*APANESEKNIVES

Preventing Rust and Maintaining

s#ARBONKNIVESARENOTSTAINRESISTANT2USTANDDISCOLORATIONWILLOCCUR
after cutting acidic ingredients or if not dried completely after use.
s#ARBONKNIVESMUSTBEWIPEDDRYAFTERUSETOPREVENTRUSTING+ORIN
recommends wiping carbon knives with tsubaki oil after use to keep
moisture off the blade.
s4HESTAINRESISTANTKNIVESOFFEREDAT+ORINCONTAINAHIGHCARBONCONTENT

Rust Eraser
HA-1007
2.5 x 1.5
Use this eraser with
water to remove rust
from carbon steel.

and are not stainless. Stain resistant knives must be dried and stored
properly after use. They can stain or rust if not properly maintained.

Cleaning Knives
s.EVERPUTKNIVESINTHEDISHWASHER
s#AREFULLYCLEANKNIVESWITHWATERANDSOAPAFTERUSE2EMOVESALTS
and acidic remnants of food from the surface to avoid staining.
s$ONOTUSEBLEACHHARSHCHEMICALSSTEELWOOLORABRASIVESPONGES
to clean the knife.

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Korin Cleaning Cloth

HA-1053K
4.95 x 7.5
Cleaning cloth to polish
your stain resistant knives
and other kitchen utensils.
This product can also be
used to clean jewelry.

KNIFE CARE & MAINTENANCE

Storing Knives
s#LEANANDDRYTHEKNIVESWELLBEFORESTORING
s0ROTECTTHEBLADEWITHAKNIFECOVERBEFORESTORING
s#OMPLETELYDRYTHEKNIVESBEFOREINSERTINGTHEMINTOKNIFECOVERS
s3TOREKNIVESINACOOLANDDRYENVIRONMENT+ORINRECOMMENDS
storing knives in their original box, wrapped in newspaper,
knife covers, or knife stands.
s!PPLYATHINCOATOFTSUBAKI*APANESECAMELLIA OILONLESSER USED
carbon knives to prevent corrosion and discoloration during storage.
Wooden covers can also help to draw moisture away from the knife

Tsubaki Knife Oil

HA-1008
3.8 oz
Made of 100% Japanese
Camellia Oil to prevent rusting
of carbon knives after use.

and protect the blade when not in use.

Wooden Knife Stands

Traditional wooden knife stands were once a standard accessory in Japanese restaurants.
A clean knife stand represented the state of the kitchen and restaurant establishment.

Wooden Knife Stand

for 3 Pieces
HA-1045
9.6W x 7D x 9.6H

Wooden Knife Stand

for 6 Pieces
HA-1046
10.8W x 10D x 19.2H

Honing Steels
Korin does not recommend the usage of honing steels on any Japanese Western knives. A proper edge cannot be achieved
with a honing steel, as they are originally intended only for realigning and straightening blades. Honing steels may work
well for Western made Western style knives, however, due to the harder steel in Japanese Western knives and the thinner
blade, the edge cannot be restored and use of a honing steel may damage your knife or change its body style.
Tojiro Honing Steel
FU-F820 11.7 (30cm)
A quality steel from the popular Japanese knife maker.

Diamond Honing Steel

HRU-DDS12 11.7 (30cm)
Very hard and abrasive.

Masamoto Honing Steel

HMA-CT6530 11.7 (30cm)
Recommended for high quality Western style knives.
www.korin.com

105

KNIFE BAGS
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the sharpness of the knives, protecting the edge from dulling, and keeping you
safe. Our knife bags help users store and travel with several types of knives at once. Knife bags offered through Korin vary
from simple durable knife rolls to serious leather suitcases with knife inserts. The number of knives each bag carries vary
depending on the style. Korin recommends considering the number of tools and knives typically utilized on an average
work day when purchasing a knife bag.

Compact Roll Bag

8 Piece Knife Bag

The compact roll bag will store up to four knives or

kitchen tools each in its own compartment. The navy
blue synthetic leather roll has a stylish tan trim and a
protective flap over each compartment to keep the
points of the knife blade safe. Korin recommends this
knife roll for light travellers.

This knife roll will store up to eight knives or other

kitchen tools each in its own compartment. With clearly
divided pockets, zipper and velcro closure, this chic,
black nylon bag is durable, reliable, and safe.
HA-BG101
20.25 x 19

HA-BG-4PC
17.5 x 16.25

Triangular Knife Bag

16 Piece Knife Bag

This compact triangular knife bag can store a variety

of styles of knives. It features convenient removable
shoulder straps for travelling chefs and a slim shape
for easy access to tools even in a busy kitchen.

The 16 piece knife bag is the ideal bag for those who
travel with many knives and tools. This bag also features
removable shoulder straps to free up your hands.

HA-BG-TRI
21.5 x 6 x 6H

106

www.korin.com

HA-BG-16PC
19.75 x 9 x 2.5H

KNIFE BAGS
Synthetic Knife Bag
Synthetic leather bag are great way to safely carry your
knives to and from work. The simple structure of the bag
allows you to store a variety of knives without worry and
also makes it convenient to store kitchen accessories to
work. The slim shape of the bag also makes it very easy to
open and store even in the smallest kitchens.
HAR-BG004
22.5x 4 x 6H

Glestain Knife Case

This chic, sturdy, and compact knife case will hold at least
seven yanagi knives, or a combination of smaller knives
and kitchen utensils. With a deep red felt interior, your
knives will be protected and beautiful in their case display.
Each knife case comes with key and lock so you can secure
your knives and equipment at home or restaurant. The
Glestain knife case features stoppers on the bottom and
reinforced stainless steel construction for a case that is
reliable and easy to use.
HA-BG-AHU20
22 x 4.75 x 3.75H

Green Synthetic Leather Knife Case

This elegant and handcrafted case is made with a stylish
forest green synthetic leather, tan leather trim, and black
paisley print lining. It is our first attach style knife case
and holds up to seven to ten knives in the notched slots
inside. Please be advised that this knife case comes in
two different styles for either western or traditional style
knives. Keep your knives safe even in the chaotic commercial
kitchen with this lockable knife case.
HA-BG-YO-02A - For Japanese Style Knives
22.5 x 11 x 3.75H
HA-BG-YO-02B - For Western Style Knives
22.5 x 11 x 3.75H

www.korin.com

107

CUTTING BOARDS
The collection of cutting boards offered at Korin feature a variety of carefully selected materials that reduce the
impact on knives for longer edge retention, absorbing cutting shock while providing a non-slip surface. Although most
cutting boards are simply embossed, these cutting boards are sand papered and hand-tested to ensure maximum slip
resistance.

Hi-Soft Cutting Board (Soft)

The Hi-Soft Cutting Boards are very popular for sushi bars because rice does not stick to the cutting board as much
as with other cutting boards. They have a top grade synthetic antibiotic surface that closely resembles wood in color,
texture and softness. Due to popular demand, smaller sizes are available for home users in addition to large commercial
kitchen sizes.

Synthetic Cutting Board (Medium-Soft)

The Synthetic Cutting Board resembles wood in color, and is increasingly popular in busy kitchens, due to its durability and
cost effectiveness. It is made of a material that is forgiving on knives and durable, yet slightly harder than the Hi-Soft
cutting board.

Asahi Rubber Cutting Board (Hardest)

The Asahi rubber cutting board is the hardest and most durable cutting board offered at Korin. It does not scratch easily
and is very popular in sushi bars. U.S. Health Departments have banned wooden cutting boards in commercial kitchens,
and in the wake of this ban many have chosen the Asahi rubber cutting boards as an alternative. They resemble wood in
color, texture, and softness, making them aesthetically pleasing for open kitchen displays and ideal for professional use.

K-Type Cutting Board (Hard)

The K-Type cutting board is very practical and affordable for commercial kitchen use. The materials low density
cushioned material absorbs the shock and helps decrease chopping fatigue. The surface will not scratch off and mix
with ingredients while cutting.

Peel Type Cutting Board (Hard)

The revolutionary design allows professional chefs to completely renew their cutting surface after periods of
rigorous use. The Peel Type Cutting board is made out of the same material as Korins K-Type Cutting board. Each
cutting board is rolled into fabric for further slip resistance, then the 5 layers of Polyethylene board are bounded by
heat. Once a layer of the board is used, a knife can be used to separate the layers and peel away the worn surface as
needed. The surface will not scratch off and mix with ingredients while cutting.

Cutting Board Precautions:

It is important to turn over the board daily and use each side to prevent warping. Please do not use hot water when
cleaning these cutting boards.

See customers testimonial at www.korin.com

108

www.korin.com

CUTTING BOARDS

TK-201-H40
15.75x11.5x0.78 (40x29x2cm)

Hi-Soft Cutting Board

Polyvinyl Acetate

TK-203-01-84
33.1x15.4x0.8 (84x39x2cm)
TK-203-01-100
39.4x15.7x0.8 (100x40x2cm)
TK-203-01-120
47.2x16.5x0.8 (120x42x2cm)

TK-203-02-84
33.1x15.4x0.8 (84x39x2cm)

Synthetic Cutting Board

Polyethylene

TK-203-02-100
39.4x15.7x0.8 (100x40x2cm)
TK-203-02-120

47.2x16.5x0.8 (120x42x2cm)

TK-203-03-75
29.5x13x0.8 (75x33x2cm)

Asahi Rubber Cutting Board

Rubber

TK-203-03-100
39.4x15.7x0.8 (100x40x2cm)
TK-203-03-120
47.2x16.5x0.8 (120x42x2cm)

TK-203-04-84
33.1x15.4x0.8 (84x39x2cm)
TK-203-04-100

K-Type Cutting Board

Polyethylene

39.4x15.7x0.8 (100x40x2cm)
TK-203-04-120

47.2x16.5x0.8 (120x42x2cm)
Home Use Cutting Board
TK-201-08
17.75x9.75x0.4 (45.5x25x1cm)

Peel Type Cutting Board

Polyethylene

TK-203-05-S
29.5x15x1.2 (75x38x3cm)
TK-203-05-M
39.4x15.7x1.2 (100x40x3cm)
TK-203-05-L
47.2x16.5x1.2 (120x42x3cm)
www.korin.com

109

KITCHEN UTENSILS

Round Tweezer
HA-1201
4.5L

Square Tweezer
HA-1202
4.5L

Non-Slip Tweezer
HA-1206
4.75L

Slant Tweezer
HA-1207
4.6L

An economical tweezer great

for all-purpose jobs. A flattened
tip reduces the risk of clipping
or breaking bones.

Korins most economical

square tweezers, great for
all-purpose jobs. The tip is
specifically designed to
prevent bones from breaking.

These non-slip tweezer have a

rounded tip and textured sides
to easily grasp stubborn bones
without slipping. Once a cook
discovers how much easier it is to
use non-slip tweezers, they will
never go back.

Slanted tweezers have an

angle to reach bones and
fish with delicate flesh.
It is recommended that
chefs pull out bones at a
45 degree angle towards
the head of the fish and,
these slanted tweezers
make this job easier.

Smaller alternative of HA-1210

Smaller alternative of HA-1211

Round Tweezer [Betsujyo]

Square Tweezer [Betsujyo]

Masamoto Fish Tweezer Round

Masamoto Fish Tweezer Square

HA-1210
4.75L

HA-1211
4.7L

HMA-MD1212R
4.7L

HMA-MD1212S
4.7L

Korins ergonomic round-tipped

tweezers are popular among
chefs and home cooks alike.
Comfortable in the hand, these
tweezers are made of high
quality stainless steel for
removing all types of fish bones.

Large square fish bone

tweezers with a broad tip,
perfect for extracting
stubborn or deep fish bones.

Made by the famous

knifemaker, Masamoto
these small, round-tipped
fish bone tweezers are
preferred when removing
brittle pin bones.

Made by the famous

knifemaker, Masamoto
these small, round-tipped
fish bone tweezers are
preferred because of the
flattened tip, as it is less
likely to chip or break
small bones.

Larger alternative of HA-1202

Larger alternative of HA-1201

110

Plating Tweezer Curved

HA-1215
6.5L

Plating Tweezer Straight [Betsujyo]

HA-1214
6L

Tweezer [Gin No Tsume]

The curved type high quality

professional tweezers are used to
plate delicate and temperature
sensitive ingredients. The fine
tweezers have superior precision
and durability to last a lifetime.

Stainless straight type high-quality

professional plating tweezers for
very delicate ingredients such as
micro-greens and fish bones. The
straight type tweezers work wonders
for plating or for hard to reach
fish bones.

Fantastic boning tweezers

recommended to Korin by sushi
chefs at Nobu 57. When used
to pull pin bones, the rounded
angles on the tip ensure that the
fish flesh will not be pierced or
damaged. These tweezers can
also be used to peel fish skin and
even cucumbers!

www.korin.com

HA-1212
4.25L

KITCHEN UTENSILS

Spike for Eel [Meuchi]

Spike for Eel T-shape [Meuchi]

HA-1204
5.8L
The eel spike is designed to be driven into a
board and holds an eel in place while being
prepared.

HA-1204T
6L
The T-Shaped eel spike is designed to be
driven into a board and hold an eel in place
while being prepared.

Brass Scaler [Urokotori]

Stainless Scaler [Urokotori]

HA-1203
8.0L
Affordable brass scaler to remove
small scales from delicate fish without
damaging the flesh.

HA-1205
8.2L
A great workhorse tool that is very
effective at descaling large fish.

Stainless Steel Clam Knife

HA-1304/S
8L
Unlike most oyster openers, this
opener has a sharp edge and
steep angle.

Handmade Mini Copper Grater

Handmade Copper Grater

Aluminium Grater

TK-606-03A
4.25L x 3.25W

TK-606-03B
9.75L x 6W

TK-606-01
11L x 6.5W

For wasabi roots,ginger,

and zest.

For ginger root and finely

grated daikon root.

Economical grater for ginger,

zest, and daikon root.

Shark Skin Grater

TK-606-04-5
1.95L x 2W (5cm)
TK-606-04-8
1.95L x 3.2W (8cm)
TK-606-04-11
1.95L x 4.2W (10.5cm)

Our authentic shark skin grater

is used for grating wasabi and
other roots, unleashing their full
flavor potential.

www.korin.com

111

CHEFS on KNIVES and THE PASSION of COOKING

MICHAEL ANTHONY
Gramercy Tavern, New York
EDDY LEROUX
Daniel, New York

ISAO YAMADA
Brushstroke, New York

BEN POLLINGER
Oceana, New York

APRIL BLOOMFIELD
Spotted Pig, New York

DAN KLUGER
ABC Kitchen, New York
ARMANDO MONTERROSO
Marriott Marquis, New York
JET TILA
The Charleston, Santa Monica
DANNY BOWIEN
Mission Chinese Food, New York
NILS NOREN
Marcus Samuelsson Group, New York

www.korin.com

CHIKA TILLMAN
ChikaLicious Dessert Bar, New York
DALE TALDE
Talde, New York
PAUL QUI
Qui Restaurant, Austin
MARC FORGIONE
Marc Forgione, New York

ATSUSHI KONO
Torishin, New York

SEAMUS MULLEN
Tertulia, New York

PAUL LIEBRANDT
The Elm, New York

HERB WILSON
Sushi Samba, Las Vegas

BEN JENKINS
Michael Mina, Las Vegas

ANTHONY RICCO
Spice Market, New York

TAKASHI YAGIHASHI
Takashi, Chicago

112

CARLO MIRARCHI
Blanca, New York

Kristen Kish
Menton, Boston

Michael Anthony moved to Tokyo after graduating from college to solidify his language
skills, and soon was drawn in by the local culinary scene, ending up working at a small
Japanese-French bistro. From there he moved to Paris to attend culinary school at Le Ferrandi.
He is now the executive chef of Gramercy Tavern. Outside of the kitchen, he remains strongly
engaged with the community, leading educational initiatives about local food at PS41.
Michael is also the author of The Gramercy Tavern Cookbook
What made you want to be a chef?
I had experience working in restaurants in high school and college, but I never thought
I would do it for a living. Since I didnt grow up in a restaurant family, I just didnt think
it was possible. I was 24 when I made the decision to commit, and that seemed like I had
already missed the boat, which is funny because 24 is not an old age for most Americans
to start working in the restaurant industry and try to become a chef.

MICHAEL ANTHONY
Gramercy Tavern, New York

I was living in Japan when I decided I wanted to be a chef. It was a result of my

fascination with Japanese food: a combination of the discovery of Japanese food, the
seductive quality of the Japanese food press, and the realism of my first professional
working experience in Bistro Shima in Roppongi, Tokyo.
What do you think of the importance of having cooking experience in foreign countries?
The benefit of working in a foreign country is really the greatest gift that this industry
offers. We sacrifice so much to be here. When our friends and family are enjoying
holidays, meals and a normal routine, were in the kitchen working. When everyone
else has a day off, were thinking what is coming next in the restaurant - just plotting,
planning, and stressing. The real benefit to working in the kitchen is this wonderful
chance to travel, and food is a great common denominator. Travel is an indispensable
way to continue learning.
What do you think of the recent popularity of Japanese food and knives?
The restaurant industry went through an amazing transformation in the 1970s and
80s, but mostly through the eyes of a few famous chefs. I think Joel Robuchons style
of cooking was marked by Japanese food. The Western world has been enamored by
that style of cooking since then and so Im not surprised. I think Japan will quickly
become the number one most desired destination to learn about food. The language
is less of a barrier than it was ten years ago, and the openness of Japanese chefs is
also at a place where there is a real attention to bringing Western chefs into Japan,
so they can understand first hand and become more familiar with the ingredients,
techniques, and tools.
What is your goal for your profession?
To continue to build on the traditions that exist at Gramercy Tavern. We strive, not only
to cook contemporary American food with a point of view, we also look to create a
place where people who eat here genuinely feel like were on their side. But mostly all
of those efforts and energy go into the big goal of education. Our goal is to continue
to stay on the cutting edge of cooking, and to share our enthusiasm with a large group
of people in the community, from children to enthusiastic staff and even to people with
dietary restrictions based on sickness.
What is your advice for aspiring chefs?
Approach each day with a large sense of curiosity. Be focused and prioritize things in
life, so you can stay concentrated on learning - because it is a marathon, not a sprint.
Stamina and persistence is a big part of it, but just showing up is not enough. A young
chef has to constantly be searching for what makes their personal style unique.

www.korin.com

113

Eddy Leroux was born in Douai, France, where he began to exchange lunchboxes with his
classmates, and drawing inspiration from the various culinary traditions of his friends at a
young age. His formal culinary training began at the age of 14, and by 23 he was working
under chef Alain Senderens at the Michelin 3-star restaurant, Lucas Carton in Paris. After a
four month assignment in working as the Chef de Cuisine of Le Normandie in the Oriental
Hotel in Bangkok, Leroux was eager to explore Asian cuisine, visiting South Korea and
Myanmar before relocating to New York where he is now the Chef de Cuisine at Daniel.

What made you want to be a chef?

I started very early on because I always had this passion. I went to culinary school
when I was 14 years old and I was probably inspired by my aunties. My grandfather
used to rent a space in the city around Christmas time to bring the family together.
Everyone used to pitch in and bring one dish. I remember always being with my aunties
in the kitchen and watching what they were doing. I was a gourmet at the time and
I loved to eat, so it was only natural that I became a chef.

EDDY LEROUX
Daniel, New York

Do you have any advice for chefs who are thinking about buying their first Japanese
knives?
Japanese knives tend to be associated with a higher price, but you can find a knife for
every budget. For a young chef, you can start with the Misono knives, which have a
reasonable price. Its simple to sharpen and maintain. You can start with a lower line
Misono and work your way up to a UX10. Its a little pricier, but it comes with added
benefits to your skills. When you begin to make a little more money, you can switch
again. My favorite knife is the Masamoto knife Im using right now. I am absolutely in
love with it. You have a sense of confidence when you work with a knife that wont
deceive you when youre cutting. Of course you need to maintain them and Im not
saying Im sharpening them every night like I should, because I know thats tradition
for Japanese chefs. Ill be frank, I sharpen mine on a weekly basis, but even then the
grip, the edge and the precision of the cut stays amazing.

Isao Yamadas decision to pursue culinary arts was inspired by his encounter with the
philosophy of kaiseki cuisine. He attended Tsuji Cooking Academy in Osaka, then returned
to his hometown of Fukuoka to open his own restaurant, Kaiseki Hanaei, at the age of
25. He soon met Chef David Bouley, who encouraged him to join his Japanese restaurant
project. This collaboration has won much acclaim, and through his work with Bouley
Evolution, Upstairs at Bouley, and Brushtroke, Yamada has succeeded in bringing his acute
sensitivity for Japans seasonal food culture to New York.

ISAO YAMADA
Brushstroke, New York

114

www.korin.com

What have you learned on your travels abroad?

I went to Spain last year, so of course the environment I was raised in and Europe
was completely different. There was a restaurant up in the mountains that charcoal
grilled all of their dishes. I ate these red Spanish shrimps that were grilled until they
were very crunchy on the outside, but the inside was warm and not completely
cooked. When I had it I thought, this is amazing, its like Japanese dishes where
the concentration is on the ingredients and its not touched beyond what needs to
be done. I realized that no matter where you are in the world, countries with high
quality ingredients will concentrate on the natural flavors.
What do you like about Japanese knives?
Ive been using Japanese knives for about 16 years, but I still find myself impressed
and surprised by the sharpness of their blades. The entry cut and cross section of the
cut is incomparable to any other knife. When you find a really good knife, you cant
help but be a little smittened. I think everybody finds themselves admiring their
favorite knives even when theyre not being used.

Ben Pollinger leads New York Citys Oceana as the executive chef with his brilliant direction
and extensive knowledge. His unique style of cooking that beautifully blends the freshest
seafood with the highest quality ingredients has received outstanding reviews by acclaimed
critics and has maintained the restaurants Michelin star rating since 2006. In addition to
being the executive chef of one of New Yorks finest restaurants, he is also a father of three
children, an advisor for several educational programs, and a benefactor to various charitable
organizations.
Do you have a mentor or chef who particularly inspired you?
Floyd Cardoz is the most significant mentor in my career. I worked for him for several
years at Tabla in New York City, I was his sous chef and then his chef de cuisine. He
gave me the skills to become a chef, to run and manage a restaurant and kitchen.
Just as important, he taught me the authentic use of spices and genuine Indian
techniques and ingredients. I wouldnt have been exposed to that anywhere else.
That really shaped how I cook today by adding to the ingredients and techniques in
my repertoire. Because I truly understand spices I can use them in both an authentic
manner and in new ways.
What do your knives mean to you?
A cooks knife is a reflection of him or herself. How do they take care of it? Did they
keep it clean, protected, sharpened, and organized in such a manner that they are
easy to use? For me, how you take care of your knives is the single most important
thing in the kitchen and what says the most about you.

BEN POLLINGER
Oceana, New York

What is your goal for your profession?

My goal for my profession is to create an environment where I inspire the people who
work with me. I want to make the cooks in my kitchen into better chefs, and make
my sous chefs into chefs that can move on to lead their own kitchen.

April Bloomfield began her culinary studies in Birmingham College from which point she
began to perfect and hone her skills by working in various kitchens throughout London and
Northern Ireland. In 2004, she became the co-owner of New Yorks very first gastropub, the
Spotted Pig, which has earned one star from the Michelin Guide for six consecutive years.
Since the Spotted Pig, she has opened April & Kens The Breslin Bar & Dining Room, The John
Dory Oyster Bar and has published her first cookbook, A Girl and Her Pig. All of which has
received great acknowledgement from top magazines, the Michelin Guide and newspapers.
What is the most important aspect of cooking to you?
The most important part of cooking to me is the pursuit of balance and consistency.
Repetitiveness is also important because it teaches you how to cook and allows
you to learn more about the food. In simplest terms, I love cooking delicious food
with respect.
Do you have any advice for chefs who are thinking about buying their first
Japanese knives?
I would recommend first time buyers to do their research and to go somewhere that
sells them, like Korin, and talk to the people who work there to touch them, pick
them up, etc. Figuring out your price range and how much time you are willing
to spend taking care of them is also important as knives require a lot of care.
The knives I use are easy to clean, dont chip easily, and are easy to sharpen.

APRIL BLOOMFIELD
Spotted Pig, New York

www.korin.com

115

Dan Kluger is the Executive Chef of ABC Kitchen and ABC Cocina in New York. He majored
in Nutrition and Hospitality Management at Syracuse University, spending his externship in
the dining room of Danny Meyers Union Square Cafe where he developed a passion for
seasonal cooking. In 1999 he became part of the opening team of Tabla Restaurant, and
he later became Tablas first Chef de Cuisine. He was then hired by Tom Colicchio as an
Executive Chef for The Core Club, and has since helped open restaurants in Arizona, Utah,
DC, and New York.

DAN KLUGER
ABC Kitchen, New York

What do your knives mean to you?

Its like getting behind the wheels of a sports car and thinking you can drive really
fast, when you really cant or shouldnt. When I get an amazing knife from Japan,
I feel like I could be a sushi chef but I cant and I shouldnt. I love the feel of them,
theyre light. My favorite is the Masanobu. I love the handle and the weight of it.
They are easy to keep an edge and easy to sharpen. The knife is a major part of what
we do, and I find that the Masanobu knives are the most comfortable knives to use.
But theres a level of respect that should go into your knives. Its great to have a car
to get from A to B, but if you dont treat that car properly its not going to take you
from A to B. I try to instill that mentality to my cooks. Nothing upsets me more than
when I see a dirty knife on a cutting board or on their tray of tools. They are not
caring for them. To some respect, what we do is very sacred. If we are going to
prepare your food, it has to be with the proper tools.
What is your advice for aspiring chefs?
This isnt a field that you can just jump into and do half heartedly. If its something
you want to do, whether you go to school or not, you have to really give 110%.
There is no immediate claim to fame, and there are very rare instances of instant
gratification. Youre going to cook away, and not necessarily get the feedback that
the customer enjoyed something. Your gratification has to come internally from
being excited about what youre doing. The money is not great, the hours are not
great, schedules are not great, but its one of few fields where you can be excited
about what you did all day long and realize that there is a skill behind it the whole
time. There are a lot of people who end up cooking as a second career, because they
all of a sudden found this new passion, and I think thats amazing. We all need to
eat, food is everywhere, the culture of food is everywhere. But again, its important
to do your own research, realize what it entails, and think if you want to give 110%
each day. With the popularity of chefs and TV shows, its all too easy to get caught
up in the idea that youre going to work somewhere for 6 months and become the
next chef on TV. Thats not the reality. Its a matter of paying your dues.
Carlo Mirarchi is the co-owner and executive chef of Blanca and Robertas in Bushwick,
Brooklyn. Mirarchi is a self-taught chef and his culinary prowess has won the acclaim of
publications including The New York Times and Bon Apptit, as well as earning him a place
as one of Food & Wines Best New Chefs of 2011 and a Michelin Star. Bon Apptit has
recognized Robertas as sixth on the list of 20 Most Important Restaurants in America.
What do you think of the recent popularity of Japanese food and knives?
I feel that chefs like Toshio Suzuki really set the groundwork in New York over 30
years ago. It is interesting to see how this has trickled down into the contemporary
restaurant kitchen. Konbu, katsuobushi, sake; these are basic kitchen staples in
many restaurants today. Japanese knives and whetstones are prevalent. Techniques,
particularly those involving the care of and, butchering of fish, are rooted in
a Japanese style in many restaurants regardless of the chefs background.

CARLO MIRARCHI
Blanca, New York
116

Do you have any advice for chefs who are thinking about buying their first Japanese
knives?
Buy a carbon steel knife. It will hold a finer edge. While it is definitely a commitment
to care for, it is going to make you cleaner, more efficient and more organized. The
idea that this is a knife that you cant just leave wet on a cutting board is going to
make you more conscious of what youre doing while youre doing it.

Armando Monterroso is the executive chef of one of the most famous hotels in the world,
the New York Marriott Marquis. His first taste of New York restaurant experience began over
10 years ago, when he worked under top New York City chefs including Laurent Gras, Marcus
Samuelsson, and Rocco DiSpirito.
What is the most important aspect of cooking to you?
For me its the basics: Perfect execution, well seasoned, great ingredients, and finding
the right dish for the right moment. You can either become a chef that goes through
the motions, but if you truly love what you do, youre continually looking to inspire
and reinvent. To create an experience and to really find that right dish, you need an
understanding of who youre cooking for and why youre cooking. I always say its
like music. Finding the right song for the right moment, finding the right dish for
that right occasion.
What do you think of the recent popularity of Japanese food and knives?
Japanese food brings in a whole lot of different elements. If you think of things like
umami and what its sense is, the Japanese bring out different essentials in food. As
much as there are a lot of big flavors, there is a lot of constraint and subtleties in the
food, which a lot of people need to learn. Its not just about these big flavors, there
is a lot of beautiful subtleties in Japanese cuisine.
Japanese knives for me, theyre just great knives. There is phenomenal craftsmanship,
a strong cultural and traditional background. Assuming you know how to maintain
them, theyre the best knives you can buy by far. But its only as good as you can
dedicate your time to them. If you want something easy and simple, it might not be
for you. As much passion and care someone took to make it, is what you have to do
to maintain and manage it.

ARMANDO
MONTERROSO
Marriott Marquis, New York

Chika Tillman was born in Tokyo and trained at the French Culinary Institute. She
has assisted as opening staff at Gramercy Tavern, Danny Meyer, the Ritz-Carlton, and
Seegers. In 2003 she opened ChikaLicious Dessert Bar with her husband, Don Tillman.
Her delicate Japanese sensibilities and emphasis on the purity of ingredients quickly
won international acclaim. Since its opening, the restaurant remains ensconced as
New Yorks premier dessert destination.
What is the most important aspect of cooking to you?
To let the ingredient talk and bring out the natural flavors to its fullest potential.
I believe that the human senses remembers flavors the most, and not flavors that
have been seasoned or tampered with, but the natural flavors. When people taste
certain ingredients, they feel nostalgic and I think those dishes taste the best. A
customer might walk in out of curiosity once then never return, but if you tickle a
nostalgic memory theyll come back with their friends, parents, and grandparents. In
short, apples have to taste like apples and strawberries have to taste like strawberries.
I just like to present these flavors in a different form.
What do your knives mean to you?
My knife is like my child. I purchased this Misono knife 10 years ago when I first
opened. I love how fruits dont change colors after I cut them. Even though the hard
steel is a little difficult to sharpen, it stays sharp for a long time. When I get to a
point where I cant sharpen it anymore, I feel like my son became a delinquent and I
want to tell it to just go away. I have to send it to the Korin boot camp to clean it up
and make it a good child again. Having a sharp knife is extremely important for me
because once it dulls I dont want to work anymore.

CHIKA TILLMAN
ChikaLicious Dessert Bar,
New York

What is your goal for your profession?

Its very difficult to continue something for a long time. Ive continued what Im
doing for 10 years with this passion, and I think it would be wonderful if I could
simply keep going.
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Jet Tila was born into a restaurant family, his parents opening some of the first Thai
restaurants in Los Angeles. In his 20s, Tila attended Le Cordon Bleu to build a foundation
of French technique to complement his background in Asian cooking. The combination
has proved explosive - Tila has become a much desired consultant and has had many
television appearances. He has launched acclaimed restaurants Wazuzu, Bistronomics and
The Charleston and has recently opened Modern Asian Kitchen and Kuma Snowcream.
What do you think of the importance of having cooking experience in foreign countries?
Its such a global cooking phenomenon right now. People travel and eat every week
via television, so I think when they visually travel to a foreign country, they want to
taste the cuisine of where they are. We are at an amazing time in the world, and we
have global chefs. If we didnt travel there wouldnt be this exchange of knowledge, so
its ultimately important for any chef to go to another part of the world and be in an
area where they are not comfortable in order to experience a different environment.

JET TILA
The Charleston, Santa Monica

What knife did you start with and what is your favorite knife right now?
My very first knife was a little aluminum Thai knife that you can get in the Asian
markets, the kind that all Tha i grandmothers use. It was a little $3 Thai manufactured
knife, and now I use knives that are a thousand times that price. My knives really
tell the story of my culinary journey. I still use those knives as well. I like to keep it
interesting, and it reminds me of where I came from. I was able to get one of the
thirty Suisin Hayate Limited Edition knives, and thats currently my favorite knife. Its
the one I use when Im cooking for very high dignitaries, V.I.P.s, or television work.
Do you have any advice for chefs who are thinking about buying their first Japanese
knives?
Practice the art of sharpening on a whetstone if youre going to take the journey of
using a Japanese knife. Understand what they do.

Dale Taldes love of being around food and the culture of food developed thanks to his
large Filipino family, who frequently had dinner parties and gatherings where everyone would
bring a dish to share. Today, he is the executive chef of Talde and Pork Slope in Brooklyn, and
a two-time contestant on Bravos Emmy Award-winning culinary show, Top Chef.
Do you have a mentor or chef who particularly inspired you?
When I was in Chicago, I worked with Carrie Nahabedian at her restaurant called
Naha. When I first worked with her, I was maybe 3 years out of culinary school. I was
cooking, but I didnt know what I was doing. When I met her, it kind of clicked. You
walked into her restaurant, it was a family owned business and she treated everyone
like they were family, which was good and bad. You fight harder when someone is
like your brother or sister, and when you messed up in front of her, you felt like you
messed up for your mom. There really was a sense of community in the restaurant.
Her philosophy on being local and seasonal, trying to find the best source, and
supporting local farmers really made an impact on me. Ive never really seen that
much dedication before, and she really brought that to my attention.

DALE TALDE
Talde, New York

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What do your knives mean to you?

Thats a very personal question. To me my knives are a culinary journey. Its the beginning.
Every knife has a story and my knives are the story of my career. Even as a Sous Chef
in Chicago, I always felt like I was just a cook. Then I came to New York, and I thought
hey youre in the toughest and best place for restaurants. Youre playing with the
big boys now, so you have to be the best.

Danny Bowien began his career with a brief stint at culinary school in San Francisco, but
remained torn between cooking and music until he discovered the art of slicing fish. The
young Bowien negotiated a deal with Mike Selvera of Bar Crudo, slicing fish for free in the
mornings before working night shifts at Slow Club and Tsunami. Since this humble beginning,
he has won the James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef in 2013 as well as being named one
of Food and Wine Magazines Best New Chefs of 2013. He also collaborated with Anthony
Myint to become the co-founder of Mission Chinese Food, featuring fiery, mouth-numbing
dishes, a manifestation of his love for Chinese cuisine.

What do your knives mean to you? Do you have any advice for chefs who are thinking
about buying their first Japanese knives?
My knives represent different points in my cooking career. Obviously you have to
save up and take a lot of time to decide on what you want, but thats why I think
Korin is so cool. When I bought my first Nenox knife, I had to buy it online because
I was in San Francisco. And I was really scared because I never felt it and I didnt
know, but now that I live in New York, I can go to the store and feel it. As a chef you
really need to think about it. I try not to buy too many knives now, because I have so
many. Usually when I buy a knife now, its when something significant happens. When
I opened my new restaurant or got my first New York Times review, I bought a new
knife. Its nice to look back at your collection of knives. Even the way they look. Its
different places in my culinary career and my life. Its very significant in marking where
I was at the time. And of course the moment I got it is always very exciting. Its hard,
because when I was a kid, anything impressed me. But as you get older, some of the
things that used to be important are no longer impressive. I dont really care about
having a big TV, a fast car or anything like that, but I do care about things that are
going to be helpful in my career and I think knives are one of those things.

DANNY BOWIEN
Mission Chinese Food,
New York

Paul Qui was born in Manila and moved with his family to Virginia at the age of ten. During
his college years in Houston, he began waiting tables for pocket money, and he soon
developed a passion for food, leading him to Austins Texas Culinary Academy. Beginning
as an intern at Chef Tyson Coles Uchi, Quis career has accelerated at a rapid pace, as he
went on to win Bravos Top Chef: Texas. Following this success, he has won the James Beard
Award for Best Chef Southwest award in 2012. His background as the former Executive Chef
of Uchiko Restaurant and his passion for local flavors made his new restaurant, Qui, Austins
most anticipated restaurant opening of 2013.
What do you think of the recent popularity of Japanese food and knives?
I am definitely a big fan of Japanese food and knives, and it has a lot to do with the
culture. Japanese culture constantly tries to perfect a product, and there is a lot of
discipline in Japanese food. You can find $5 melons and $200 melons, and when I
went to Japan I ate the $200 melon. You can really taste the difference. A master
knife craftsmen will tell you, Im still not there even after 40 years of working. The
culture teaches you that no matter the cost its about mastering your chosen craft,
whatever that may be. That journey is very inspiring to me.
Do you have any advice for chefs who are thinking about buying their first Japanese
knives?
Earlier in my life I was very confident in my skills. I had a payment plan agreement
with my chef and I purchased Nenohi knives, but I didnt know how to sharpen them,
so I had to give them away. Then I ended up purchasing the cheapest knives and I
had to work my way up. Its very easy for chefs to get lost, especially with the variety
of knives out there. But when youre looking for your first knife find something that
you can handle and manage easily for maybe $100 to $150. The worst is seeing my
cooks with carbon knives without realizing that carbon knives are brittle.

PAUL QUI
Qui Restaurant, Austin

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Nils Noren is both a world renowned chef and culinary educator. After graduating from
culinary school in his hometown of Gvle, Sweden, he spent many years working at some
of the most esteemed restaurants in Stockholm before moving to Aquavit in New York. In
2006, he was appointed Vice President of Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts at The French Culinary
Institute. Since leaving this position in 2011, he serves as a contributing authority for Food
Arts Magazine, sits on the Board of Directors for Gohan Society, and makes guest Press and
TV appearances ranging from Top Chef Masters to the New York Times. He currently works
as the Vice President of Restaurant Operations for the Marcus Samuelsson Group, a New York
City-based hospitality management and food media company.
What inspires you to cook and create new recipes?
As a chef you always need new ways of being inspired. You need to always have
that drive to create more things and to better yourself in everything you do. One of
the stranger things that inspire me is architecture. This might sound weird, but I like
shapes. Sometimes I can start with the shapes rather than with the flavors of the dish,
and then based on the idea of the shape I can put in flavors that would work with it.
I dont always do this, but sometimes its a little backwards.

NILS NOREN
Marcus Samuelsson Group,
New York

What do you like about Japanese knives?

If you look at the craftsmanship that goes into it, you can feel it when you use it. For
me, Japanese knives have always fit better because they have a better balance and
tends to be a little lighter than Western knives. I got my first Japanese knife about
twenty years ago in Sweden, and Ive used mostly Japanese knives ever since. Now my
favorite is the Suisin Wa-gyutou, I take it everywhere with me. When I travel I only
take that knife and a whetstone. Everyone that uses my Suisin Wa-gyutou always ask
me to bring them back one, because its such a great knife.

Marc Forgione joined his culinary legend father, Larry Forgione, at the young age of 16.
When asked why he decided to immerse himself in the culinary industry he explains, Most
kids dont want to do what dad did when they grow up. I wanted to do something different
and I tried to do many different things, but I always came back to cooking. Since the
beginning of his culinary journey, he has built on his culinary foundation to discover his
own identity as a chef and was honored with being the youngest American born owner
chef to receive a Michelin star for three consecutive years.

MARC FORGIONE
Marc Forgione, New York

What made you want to be a chef?

I learned how to cook at a very young age and it just came natural to me. One day
when I was cooking dinner for a bunch of my friends at home, while I was trying to
do other stuff, cooking was making me happy. It was like a light went off. Well, if this
is what makes me happy and people enjoy what I cook, this may be it. But then to
actually say I want to be a chef and make my own restaurant. I had another light
went off moment in France. I worked with Michel Gurard at a three star Michelin
restaurant in the middle of nowhere. I had a lot of alone time, because I didnt speak
French when I first got there. But just seeing the products, the way they do things,
and with all of the alone time I had, I just sat and wrote in a book the whole time.
That was when I really started to form my ideas for this restaurant.
Do you have any advice for chefs who are thinking about buying their first Japanese
knives?
I would go into Korin. They let you take the knives out and hold them to really get
a feel for them. Talk to the people there and get some advice, let them know what
youre going to be doing with it, then go from there. Understand that its a different
style of knife, so you have to get all of the information you possibly can.

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Atsushi Kono is the executive chef of Torishin restaurant in New York. Torishin specializes
in a Japanese grilling style called yakitori, and is the second yakitori restaurant in the United
States to earn a coveted Michelin Star. Kono has been active collaborator for a Japanese
non-profit organizations educational programs and fund raising events as a chef advisory
committee member. He has an unyielding determination to stay true to the nature of the
cuisine and to promote the most authentic Tokyo style yakitori experience with the highest
quality ingredients.
What made you want to be a chef?
My parents were owners of a fish store and restaurant. I had the intentions of taking
over the store.
What has been your experience cooking in a foreign country?
The most important point is understanding the customers and the needs of the city.
Its not good to disregard the flavors that are preferred in that city and push the taste
of Japan. Granted there was a time when I wanted to display real Japanese food and
I believed that communicating the authenticity was my job.
What is your advice for aspiring chefs?
Its a very strict industry, but instead of being intimidated and scared away, I would
want them to think about why its such a tough industry. Its a very important job,
where you are entrusted someones life style. If something happens after eating
your fish, then youve affected that persons life. Its a job with those kinds of
responsibilities, so it will be a difficult one. But by learning, understanding, working
hard, and persevering, there will be a greater happiness waiting for you.

ATSUSHI KONO
Torishin, New York

Seamus Mullen is an award-winning New York chef, restaurateur and cookbook author.
He is known for his inventive approach to modern Spanish cuisine, and for being one of the
leading chefs in the country. His first solo restaurant, Tertulia has been highly acclaimed by
top food critics and was a finalist for one of the industrys highest honors, the James Beard
Foundation Award for Best New Restaurant. He has recently released his first cookbook
Hero Food: How Cooking with Delicious Things Can Make Us Feel Better, which discusses
eighteen key ingredients that improved his quality of life.

What about cooking keeps you in this industry?

One of the things I love about cooking is that its the perfect marriage of art and
science. I dont think of us chefs as artists at all, I think of us as artisans. Were more
like craftsmen. You need to understand the principles of cooking which is the science
aspect, but you have to be able to interpret, to react and to create which is the artistic
side of it. As a cook it is really important to always get better at what we do. Its a
part of why Im so fascinated with Japanese culture. There is a sense of integrity and
desire to improve regardless of what you are doing. There are signs throughout the
kitchen here that say, The best way out is through, taste taste taste, and Is this
dish as good as it could be? It is good to always remind ourselves that we want to
strive to make each dish better than the last dish and strive for excellence.

SEAMUS MULLEN
Tertulia, New York

Whats your philosophy towards hospitality?

It starts with respect. Have respect for the ingredients, the process, the guests, the
team, and the experience. Try to be humble, but try to be excellent. Try not to say no
and accommodate them. There will always be times when you have difficult guests
and it may not be necessarily rewarding, but you will have other guests that are very
rewarding to make up for it. Always treat guests with reverence, they are here for
you to take care of them. Remember that people have a choice to dine in many many
restaurants and they made a decision to come into your restaurant.
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Paul Liebrandts cuisine seamlessly melds classical tradition with a contemporary, graphic
style. During his teenage years, Leibrandt worked under Marco Pierre White, Pierre Gagnaire,
and Jean-George Vongerichten before travelling to New York to work as Chef de Cuisine at
Bouley Bakery. In 2000 he joined Atlas as the Executive Chef, becoming director of Papillon.
In 2008, he opened his own restaurant Corton, which quickly garnered critical acclaim,
receiving two Michelin stars and three stars from the New York Times. In 2013, he turned his
attention to other projects including his new Williamsburg restaurant The Elm and plans for
his signature restaurant Paul Liebrandt.
Do you have a mentor or chef who particularly inspired you?
I was inspired by Pierre Gagnaire in Paris. There is a very interesting, thoughtful, and
creative approach to the entire style of the cuisine. The mentality and approach to
food, changed my approach to food: it is for much more than just cooking. There
is rhythm to it, and it is much more than just ingredients or technique. There is a
beauty to it.

PAUL LIEBRANDT

What is your advice for aspiring chefs?

Be true to who you are. Its very hard to be focused in this business with people pulling
you, but be focused on who you are. Steady the course and dont give up.

The Elm, New York

Whats your philosophy towards hospitality?
Hospitality has relaxed on a worldwide basis, but some things never change.
Customers come in no matter what the style of your restaurant and have a good time.
They want to enjoy themselves and have value for money. No matter what trends
come and go, these things will never change. My job is to make sure that we never
change. We want people to enjoy themselves. We want them to forget whatever is
happening in their lives, to focus on having a great experience, and to relax.

Herb Wilson made a name for himself early working with Chefs Patrick Clark and Larry
Forgione, before traveling abroad to work at the Michelin three star restaurants Gerard
Pangaud and Le Freres Troisgros in Paris. Returning to New York, he became the executive
chef of Le Refuge. In 1996 he opened Bambou, a Caribbean concept inspired by his Jamaican
heritage. He has since served as the executive chef of Bull Run Restaurant, Soho and Tribeca
Grand Hotels, and is currently the executive chef of Sushi Samba in Las Vegas.
What made you want to be a chef?
Ive been interested in cooking since I was teenager cooking for my brother while
my parents were at work. As a kid, I was just experimenting with hotdogs and beans,
nothing really sophisticated, but in my early twenties I saw the visual and textural
beauty of how food could possibly be, and I was fascinated.
What inspires you to cook and create new recipes?
When new products, machines, tableware, in other words new toys that Korin might
offer inspires a new dish.

HERB WILSON
Sushi Samba, Las Vegas

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What do you think of the recent popularity of Japanese food and knives?
I think the recent popularity of Japanese food and knives are amazing. Twenty years
ago you couldnt find decent sashimi in a sushi restaurant, but you can find sushi
now in supermarkets in New York City. A lot of my cooks are from different parts of
the world, but they too are using Japanese knives from Korin even with their limited
budget. They realize that the knives are much sharper and of higher quality.

Ben Jenkins culinary path began at age 16 when he made ice cream for restaurants in
Durham, North Carolina. From there he worked under Chef Scott Howell at Nanas, before
enrolling in culinary school at the New England Culinary Institute. After graduating, he began
working for Aqua Bellagio in Las Vegas, where he quickly proved himself, rising from chef
garde manger to sous chef in a year. He has since worked with Philippe Rispoli and Michael
Mina at Aqua, Nobhill and Seablue. He is the former executive chef of Strip Steak and
currently the executive chef of Michael Mina restaurant at Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas, NV.
What made you want to be a chef?
Ive been in the kitchen since I was a child. My parents are very good cooks, who
love to be in the kitchen and entertain. My first job was in making ice cream in an
ice cream shop, and I fell in love with the professional aspect of it. I moved into the
restaurant side in high school, then shortly after ended up going to culinary school.
Do you have a mentor or chef who particularly inspired you?
Ive worked for a very long time with Michael Mina in the Mina Group, and he is the
most influential chef in my career. His attention to detail, quality, and the amount of
care he puts into every restaurant is just amazing.
What is your advice for aspiring chefs?
Put your head down and absorb as much as you can. You cant go into culinary school
and assume youre going to become a chef as soon as you get out. There is a lot of
work to be done.

BEN JENKINS
Michael Mina, Las Vegas

Anthony Ricco was born and raised in Brooklyn. Growing up in an Italian family, his curiosity
in cooking was piqued at a young age by his grandmothers love of cooking. He transitioned
from construction work to his first position at China Grill Restaurant, which proved to be
the stepping stone for an exciting culinary career. His strong drive and will to succeed have
led him to his position as the executive chef at Jean-Georges Vongerichtens Spice Market.
Do you have a mentor or chef who particularly inspired you?
My mentor is Greg Brainin, he was the executive chef at Jean-Georges Restaurant.
I have been eating his food for so many years. He creates things that are top
notch-things that even at this point in my career I couldnt even think about putting
together. Just how quickly he can put recipes together: its very inspiring. A lot of
the recipes in this restaurant come from him. One of the dishes he made for me that
changed my whole view on food in terms of how delicate and simple it can be was his
trout sashimi with dill puree, lemon foam, fresh grated horseradish and crispy trout
skin. It is hands down my favorite dish to eat. Out of all the things to eat, I want to
eat that all the time.
What do your knives mean to you?
My knife shows who I am. If you have a dull knife, you shouldnt be cooking. If you
dont have time to sharpen the tools of your trade, then youre not really giving it
100%. My chef coat is a little wrinkled right now and Im not perfectly shaved, but
the bottom line is that my knife is sharp. If I see my cooks are doing a good job and
theyre really trying to learn, I wind up giving my knives to them. I dont get too
attached to them anymore, because I know they are eventually going. Its just a way
of me sharing and I wish people would have had done stuff like that for my cooking
crew too. There wasnt a lot of that giving spirit, but some people think Im crazy for it.

ANTHONY RICCO
Spice Market, New York

What was your first Japanese knife?

I have plenty of Korin knives, which to me are just fun to work with and use. My first
Japanese knife was the Misono UX10. By the time I was done using it, it was so small.
It has a hook on the front now, but that was my practice knife.
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Takashi Yagihashi has refined the classical elements of his technique and developed his
personal style as a chef. He was offered a position as the Executive Chef of Tribute in Detroit,
which rocketed into the spotlight under his guidance. This position also won him acclaim as
one of Food and Wines Best New Chefs, as well as the title of Best Chef: Midwest from
the James Beard Foundation. He has since opened The Slurping Turtle, and his namesake
restaurant Takashi has received the coveted Michelin star in 2010 and 2011. Both restaurants
found instant success and are renowned for their distinctive style, artful blend of Japanese
and French techniques, and exquisite contrast of textures and flavors.

TAKASHI YAGIHASHI
Takashi, Chicago

Do you have a mentor or chef who particularly inspired you?

When I was young I was good friends with Chef Pierre Gagnaire. I went to visit his
restaurant in Japan to stage after he received 3 stars from the Michelin Guide. It
was an amazing experience, but unfortunately he had to close. After he closed he
opened a restaurant in Paris where he became very famous. He was so special, with
such unique ideas and a fundamental approach to cooking. What was explained in
the menu and what actually appeared in the dish was completely different. It was
fascinating to learn and to see him change the menu almost daily, depending on the
new techniques he discovered.
What do you like about Japanese knives?
People always say that a knife is the extension of your hand, but when I get a new
knife its not a part of me yet. Japanese knives require you to sharpen them and take
care of them. Everyone sharpens their knives a little differently, but as you learn and
get used to that specific knife, it slowly becomes a part of you. You can never stop
improving, but its important to figure out what you want to achieve and plan out
your goals for your future.
Kristen Kish discovered her love for cooking at a young age, a passion that was further
cultivated as she attended Le Cordon Bleu at the suggestion of her mother. Since graduating
in 2006, Kish has worked in many restaurants before joining the Stir team in 2011. She draws
inspiration and fulfillment from the energy and the camaraderie of the industry, and most
recently has won critical acclaim for her success on Bravos Top Chef Season Ten: Seattle,
becoming the second woman to win the coveted title of Top Chef. She is currently the Chef
de Cuisine of Bostons only Relais & Chateaux property and Chef Barbara Lynchs newest
restaurant, Menton.
What inspires you to cook and create new recipes?
I get my inspirations from everywhere, and admittedly mostly from places that
arent food related. I love going to museums, because art really inspires me. When
I look at cookbooks, I tend to like the ones that are super artistic - more art books
than cookbooks. I dont necessarily read recipes even if I look up how to do something,
because I like to make up my own flavor profiles.

KRISTEN KISH
Menton, Boston

Do you have any advice for chefs who are thinking about buying their first Japanese
knives?
My whole recommendation would be to just go in and hold the knife. My favorite
knife isnt necessarily going to be perfect for them. Everybody at Korin is really
knowledgeable on letting you know based on what kind of cutting you are going to
do, how much are you going to be using it, and finding the right fit for you. I couldnt
tell somebody what knife they should buy. They need to go in to touch them, use
them, and see them to see what fits their particular style.
I have many many knives, but the knives I use daily and most frequently are the
Togiharu chef and Misono petty. One of these days I will buy one of those stunning
Nenox knives, but I could never cut anything with them because they are too beautiful.
That would be something that sits on a shelf for me, so I can look at. There is something
about a beautiful knife that inspires you to cook as well.

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GLOSSARY

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Ao-ko - Blue Steel. High quality Japanese carbon steel created by adding chromium and tungsten to shiro-ko for increased edge
retention.
Awase-bocho - Joined knife. Refers to knives that are crafted by forging two different types of steels together, such as kasumi and
hongasumi style knives.
Damascus - Layered, hammered steel used to create symmetrical 50:50 double bevel knives.
Ginsan-ko - New type of blade steel in which a stain resistant steel core is encased in a soft iron with 13% additional chromium.
Hagane - Carbon steel used in traditional Japanese knife forging to make the blade edge.
Hamaguriba - Shell-shaped blade. Shell shape formed on traditional Japanese knives when the shinogi and edge are both sharpened.
Hamon - Pattern on the blades of traditional Japanese knives that is created when the spine of the blade is coated with clay, then
reheated and slowly tempered.
Hasaki - Blade edge.
Honbazuke - Putting the true edge. For traditional Japanese knives, this means they are hand-sharpened on water stones by an elite
sharpener. For Western knives, this refers to knives with blades that are individually hand finished during the final factory production stage.
Hongasumi - Hongasumi knives are high-grade kasumi knives. They are forged, tempered, and finished with great care and precision.
To create these blades, high-carbon steel is layered with soft iron then forged and hammered in a process similar to kasumi knives but
with more detailed steps involved.
Ho-no-ki - Ho wood.Japanese Magnolia, which is widely used in making Japanese knife handles and saya covers.
Honyaki - True forged. Hand-forged from one single material then hammered and tempered into traditional Japanese styles. These
knives are difficult to forge and difficult to use, however when used properly can achieve the sharpest edge.
Jigane - Soft iron that is used in traditional Japanese knife forging. Jigane is mostly used for kasumi and hongasumi knives.
Kaeri - Burr. The rough metal edge that forms while using rough or medium stones during the sharpening process. The burr must be
removed using a fine grit stone for a polished edge.
Kakumaki - Collar of traditional Japanese knives.
Kasumi - Japanese hand forging method where a piece of soft iron is joined with a block of carbon steel, then heated and hammered
into a traditional Japanese knife with a carbon steel blade edge.
Katana - Japanese sword.
Kireha - Cutting edge or blade road.
Kirenaga - Edge retention.
Kissaki - Tip of knife edge, including point.
Machi - Small exposed portion of the tang near the collar of traditional Japanese knives.
Mizu-honyaki - Water tempering method used in Japanese sword and knife making.
Saya - Japanese style knife sheath or cover, commonly made of unfinished Japanese Magnolia wood for its many beneficial properties
in protecting the blade.
Shinogi - Border of edge that separates the flat body of the blade and cutting edge.
Shiro-ko - White steel. Highly refined carbon steel.
Tamahagane - High grade form of steel produced in western Japan in a tatara or high heat smelter, that is used in Japanese sword
crafting. Tamahagane steel is only produced a few times a year.
Uraoshi - The initial sharpening process to strengthen and align the blade.
Urasuki - The concave surface on the back of traditional Japanese knives.
Wa-bocho - Traditional Japanese knife.
Yaki-ire - Quench hardening process in forging knives.
Yo-bocho - Western style knife.

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showroom

MEMBERSHIP

Thanks to wonderful customers such as yourself, Korin has been in business

for over 30 years. To celebrate this grand anniversary and show our gratitude
for your support, we have begun a rewards program for our loyal customers.
Earn valuable reward points every time you shop through Korin, and enjoy
the perks of being a member.

Visit www.korin.com/membership for more details!

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Ways to Order!
In Store:
Visit our store in Manhattan and experience our
products in person! Our knowledgeable and
friendly sales specialists will answer any questions
and personally assist you with your product choices.
Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 7:00pm EST.
Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am - 6:00pm EST.
By Phone: 1-800-626-2172
Our knowledgeable sales specialists will help you
place your order and answer any questions you
may have.
Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 7:00pm EST.
By Fax: (212) 587-7027
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please print the order form from our web site
http://korin.com/site/form.html
Internet: www.korin.com
Place online orders through our secure server anytime.

RETURNS
Please contact customer service at 1-800-626-2171 to obtain a
Return Authorization (RMA) number and details including mailing
address and procedures. WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY RETURNS
WITHOUT A RMA NUMBER. No exchanges or returns will be
accepted after 14 days from original date of purchase or without
a receipt. Merchandise must be returned in the original packaging
and condition. Import orders, special orders, and clearance items
are not eligible for return or exchange. If items are damaged upon
return to Korin, they will not be accepted or credited. Please send
all items for return via either insured USPS mail with a receipt, or
insured UPS or Federal Express shipping. Placing an order indicates
your acceptance of our return policy.
If you have any questions, comments, or problems with your
order, please call customer service at 1-800-626-2172.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
At Korin we have offered top-quality, professional-grade Japanese
kitchenware, tableware, and chef knives to the public for over 30
years. It has always been our goal that our customers are completely
satisfied with every purchase they make. Therefore, all of our
products are carefully inspected prior to shipping. However, if you
find you have any problems with your order upon receipt, please
contact sustomer service at 1-800-626-2172.

PAYMENT
Domestic and International customers may order online with
Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover. We will also
accept payments by PayPal, money order or wire transfer in
U.S. currency.

SALES TAX & CUSTOMS FEES

Sales tax applies to shipments to New York and New Jersey.
Customers will be responsible for any and all customs fees and
taxes incurred for shipments outside the U.S.

DELIVERY
In stock merchandise is shipped from our New York or New
Jersey warehouse in 1-2 business days. For an additional charge,
we also offer expedited UPS shipping services such as Next Day
Air or 3 Day Select service (order must be received by 10:00AM
EST to ship on the same day). Not all products are available
at all times, so back ordering may be necessary. Please note,
that orders submitted for UPS shipment to P.O. Boxes will be
changed to the equivalent USPS shipping option as UPS does
not deliver to P.O. Boxes.

BREAKAGE or DISCREPANCIES
Please open and inspect the package at the time of delivery for
any damages or blemishes, be it internal or external. Any signs of
damage must be reported to customer service within 24 hours of
delivery. In the event of signs of significant damage to a package
upon delivery, please refuse the package and send the product
back. For breakage resulting from carrier transit, please keep the
entirety of original item(s) as well as all packaging and packing
materials for inspection by the carrier. If there are any problems
with your order, please notify Customer Service within 24 hours
of delivery and a return/exchange will be set up immediately.
Korin will not be held responsible for claims made after 24
hours of delivery.
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www.korin.com

Korin is located on 57 Warren Street, in the heart of downtown NYC.

Business Hours
Mon - Fri 10:00am - 7:00pm
Sat & Sun 10:00am - 6:00pm
Closed on major holidays.