Toki 150mm Stainless Clad SLD Tsuchime Azumagata

The Toki, or Crested Ibis, is an endangered species, once common in the Niigata area. Featuring white plumage on its body and a red head, the bird has been a part of Japanese folklore for generations. As this series is made in Sanjo, Niigata, the name Toki has significance. These knives are made by hand in a medium-sized workshop, focused on making user-friendly knives. Their knives tend to be a medium thickness, not super thin, but not like a super thick workhorse. The wide bevel designs work well for food release. And, because we love burnt chestnut handles, and they also come from Sanjo, the series features octagonal burnt chestnut handles with water buffalo ferrules.
"Azumagata" translates directly to "Eastern style," meaning, in this case, that it is a subtle variation on the nakiri originating from the Tokyo area, i.e. the East of Honshu. This series of Toki knives features an SLD (semi-stainless) core with soft stainless cladding. Semi-stainless knives are generally easier to care for than carbon steel knives, but do require some additional care, making sure to keep them clean and dry when not in use, and wiping periodically when cutting acidic foods. They are just less reactive than carbon steel knives. They will, however, form a patina. We recommend Flitz to clean off any light rust (or patina, if you don't like it) as soon as you see it (you can leave the patina if you don't mind it). SLD is known for good edge retention, toughness and durability, and relative ease of sharpening when compared to many stainless steels.