White Steel No.1 is made by further refining White Steel No.2 and adding more Carbon. The extra Carbon allows it to achieve a slightly higher HRc. than White Steel No.2, but also makes it a bit more brittle. White No.1 is very popular with professional chefs who make traditional Japanese cuisine because it can be sharpened to an exceedingly fine edge, has very good edge retention and is easy to re-sharpen.

The knife bears visible impressions of the hand-forging process (round hammer dents on the blade), which gives it a beautiful finish and also prevents food from sticking to the blade.

Damascus is a laminated steel knife made of several layers of different steel materials. The center of the blade is made of hard steel for sharpness, and both sides are covered with multiple soft steel materials. The multiple steels are metallurgically joined, not by plating or glue. The more the blade is forged, the more complex the ripples become, and the more beautiful the unique grain pattern becomes.

The handles on these knives are Octagonal Oak wood dye Japanese Lacquer (Urushi) that recalls the images of Japanese tradition.

The coating film of Urushi exudes a warm sense of intimacy when in contact with the skin that can almost be likened to the touch of an infant’s skin. With antibacterial and disinfectant properties, it is also provides an exceptional sense of security. urushi is a totally natural lacquer, and with use develops a distinct, deeply refined luster and texture which cannot be reproduced with chemically developed coating materials. This naturally fosters strong feelings of attachment and deference.