Yoshihiro HAP40 High Speed Stainless Steel Kiritsuke Multipurpose Chefs Knife Triple Ring Ebony Handle

High Speed Steel is currently considered the most advanced stainless steel on the market for high-end kitchen knives. One notable feature is its high cobalt content (8%), which contributes to exceptional wear resistance and durability. This makes it ideal not only for its original use in industrial machinery but also for high-end kitchen knives that require long-lasting edge retention.

Forging kitchen knives from High Speed Steel is challenging, and few manufacturers attempt it. However, the results can be overwhelmingly positive when done successfully. Heat treatment plays a critical role, as the steel must reach temperatures exceeding 1200 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat is essential even in the forging of handcrafted Japanese knives, which contributes to the exceptional features of the Yoshihiro High Speed Steel Kiritsuke.

Our Yoshihiro HAP40 High Speed Stainless Steel Kiritsuke is a state-of-the-art handcrafted Japanese chef's knife. HAP40 (Funmatsu Haisu) stainless steel has the potential to be one of the best options on the stainless steel knife market, maximizing cutting performance and edge retention like few others. High Speed Steel is forged at extremely high temperatures to evenly disperse metallic elements, creating a steel composition durable enough for industrial machinery and power tools. With a Rockwell hardness scale rating of 65-66, this knife maintains its superior edge for an extended period.

The High Speed Stainless Steel core is clad with softer stainless steel, resulting in exceptional toughness and unmatched edge retention. The knife is equipped with a traditional premium ebony handle with a bolster for a balanced and comfortable grip, making it perfect for professionals engaged in daily high-volume prep work for extended hours.