残心 Zan Shin AO (from Seki) - AUS10 Steel Kiritsuke (K-tip) Hammered Finish Petty Knife Navy Pakkawood Handle 13.5cm

Zan shin（残心）- Kaz's original knife brand

"Zanshin" translates as “to keep one’s mind”. It is a mindset that we should retain our tension after completing a single action and be prepared for the next. For example, in a kendo match, even if you win, those who care Zanshin mindset do not show their joy, meaning that even if you defeat your opponent in front of you, he may still be attacking you again, or there may be a second opponent behind him. So, it is important to always remain focused and keep your mind calm.

In kitchen knives too, we chose this name in the hope that people will not be distracted when cooking, sharpening knives, or in any other situation, and that they will safely prepare delicious food and keep their knives sharp.

The AUS10 Zanshin knives are crafted by Itazu-Hamono, a distinguished knife manufacturer based in Seki, renowned as Japan's foremost knife-producing region. Each knife features meticulously handcrafted pakkawood handles by seasoned artisans.

Kiritsuke Knives - Fusion of traditional Japanese and Western Knives

The blade of Kiritsuke knives has a different shape to normal Western knives. It is angular shape around the tip and straight line on the spine. This design is originated from rectangular Usuba knives and pointed Yanagiba Knives.

With having both advantages of wide blade Usuba and pointed tip Yanagiba, this hybrid knife works as multi-purpose knife. Besides, by having the angular shape the tip has a smaller angle which is good for some meticulous tasks using a tip.

Kiritsuke knives have become popular because of its aesthetic and functional aspects. It is double bevel blade and has the same cutting pattern as normal Western knives.

Hammered Pattern Blade

The Damascus steel material is struck with a handle to give a hammered pattern. Because of the hammered pattern, another feature is that cut ingredients don't easily stick to the blade.

Blade: AUS10 (stainless)

Sharpness　★★★★☆ (4/5)

Hardness/durability　★★★★☆ (4/5)

Edge retention  ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Ease of sharpening　★★★★☆ (4/5)

Rust resistance　★★★★★ (5/5)

Manufactured by Aichi Steel Corporation Contains Carbon 0.95-1.1%, Chromium 13-14%, Silicon 1%, Molybdenum 0.1-0.3%, Vanadium 0.1-0.25%, phosphorus 0.04%, sulfur 0.03%, nickel 0.49%,  Manganese 1%, Rockwell Hardness 59-61 HRC.

AUS10 is often compared to VG10 and Ginsan (silver-3), having very similar carbon content. Superior to AUS8, AUS6, AUS 10 knives are the hardest and most abrasion resistant of all types of steel made by this manufacturer.

Suited for both right and left handers as the blade is aligned 50:50 (double bevel).

Handle: Navy pakkawood

The pakkawood handle feels comfortable in the hand, so it doesn't cause fatigue even if held for a long time.

Each knife comes with an individual knife box, which is good for a storage when not used and is presentable for gift purposes. Use of knife sheath is recommended only when you take the knife outside.

All the knives are pre-sharpened to the optimal result. They are ready for the first cut!