Overview

A slim 150mm Japanese utility knife for trimming boneless meat, slicing fruit and preparing smaller vegetables. Its compact profile complements a gyuto or santoku when a larger blade feels cumbersome.

Made by Nigara Hamono in Hirosaki, Japan, this knife pairs a VG-XEOS stainless-steel core with stainless Damascus cladding and a hammered tsuchime finish. The layered steel and textured blade give each knife an individual appearance. Stainless construction makes daily care straightforward: wash by hand and dry after use.

Choose Your Handle

Carbon Fiber Handle: Includes a Tokushu Shattered Carbon wa handle fitted by our team after you order. The handle uses carbon fiber set in epoxy, with an octagonal profile. Installation is included in the selected knife price.

Blade Only (No Handle): Includes the blade and exposed tang only. A handle is not included or installed. Choose this option for a custom build; handle fit must be checked against the tang.

Common Questions

Is this knife suitable for home cooks? Yes, once fitted with a handle. It is useful for small preparation tasks alongside a larger chef's knife. Use a controlled cutting motion and avoid bones, frozen food and twisting the edge.

Does the carbon-fiber option arrive assembled? Yes. Tokushu Knife fits the included handle after your order and ships the completed knife. The blade-only option ships without a handle.

How should I care for VG-XEOS steel? Hand wash with mild soap, rinse and dry promptly. Do not soak or put the knife in a dishwasher. Use a wood or knife-friendly synthetic board, such as a Hasegawa cutting board. Maintain the edge with whetstones when needed.

Specifications

Maker: Nigara Hamono

Origin: Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan

Knife Type: Petty / utility knife

Core Steel: VG-XEOS stainless steel

Cladding: Stainless Damascus

Finish: Tsuchime / hammered

Blade Length: Approximately 150 mm (heel to tip)

Hardness: Approximately 61–62 HRC

Edge: Double bevel

Handle: Small Tokushu Shattered Carbon wa handle, or blade only without a handle