Yoshihiro Kurouchi Black-Forged Blue Steel Stainless Clad Utility Kiritsuke Multipurpose Knife (Shitan Handle)

Traditional Kurouchi knives are typically crafted from highly reactive carbon steel, but our Yoshihiro Kurouchi Stainless Clad Knife is exceptional in that it features a Kurouchi finish on stainless cladding—a recent advancement in modern metallurgy that is both rare and challenging to forge. This Stainless 'Kurouchi' Cladding beautifully merges traditional Japanese forging techniques with contemporary stainless metallurgy, resulting in an outstanding blade that retains the rustic aesthetic of a Kurouchi knife without the maintenance demands of high-carbon steel.

Kurouchi translates to "black-forged," and this unique forging style imparts a characteristic look and an unpolished, rustic finish to the blade. Our knives are clad in two layers of full Kurouchi stainless steel, providing durability and protection while maintaining a sharp cutting edge. The inner core, made from Blue Steel #2, boasts a hardness of 62-63 on the Rockwell scale and is prized for its excellent edge retention, offering an incredibly sharp edge that can maintain its sharpness over extended periods.

The Kurouchi Stainless Cladding allows much of the blade to be more forgiving when exposed to moisture, while still retaining superior edge retention and sharpness. This knife is complemented by a handcrafted octagonal rosewood handle, designed for comfort for both left- and right-handed users. A lacquered magnolia wood saya cover is included for safe and easy storage.

Whether you're dicing, slicing, or chopping fresh produce from a farmer's market or carving a roast chicken straight from the oven, even the simplest culinary tasks are elevated with this handcrafted knife that is as functional as it is beautiful.

While the majority of the blade is crafted from stainless steel, it's important to note that the exposed blue steel edge can rust if not properly maintained. For optimal care, we recommend regular drying and oiling after use, making this knife ideal for chefs who are experienced in knife maintenance.