Shigehiro Kasahara 165mm Nakiri White-2

16.5cm Nakiri from Shigehiro Kasahara with core of white#2

Among the perhaps less well-known knife makers in Sakai we find Shigehiro Kasahara, whose knives we fell head over heels for the first time we got one in our hands. These are some absolutely well-made and slightly understated knives, where all the details are right in the cupboard.

The knives are forged by Yoshikazu Ikeda and have a core of shirogami-2 - what we also call white steel. White steel is a so-called carbon steel, so it will rust if you do not care for the knife correctly. In practice, it applies to wipe your knife immediately after use, and to lubricate the knife blade in oil - e.g. camellia oil as it will also protect against oxidation. The advantage of the white steel, on the other hand, is that it can be ground very finely, and finer than blue steel and stainless alloys.

The profile of the knife is the Japanese nakiri. The Nakiri is incredibly suitable and exclusively created for working with vegetables. Its large cutting surface means that there is good contact with the cutting board and can therefore work with both large and small vegetables. The very thin blade means that it is both light and cuts fantastically well.

Foodgear always advises against cutting all kinds of bones and frozen goods. Knives must not be washed in a dishwasher, as this removes sharpness and provokes rust - even in stainless alloys!