Set of three (3) handmade Japanese kitchen knives by Kirin Hamono with decorative paulownia wood storage box. Handcrafted in Takefu using traditional Japanese sword-making techniques, Kirin Hamono has been crafting quality kitchen knives in Japan for more than 130 years – having established their guild just after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. This is a significant time in Japanese history as it marked the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and with it Japanese swords were no longer permitted to be worn in public by Samurai. These knives are born by swordsmiths who simply channeled their katana expertise towards cutlery production to meet a new set of timely demands. Craftsmen working at Kirin Hamono STILL USE sword-making techniques to this day to forge kitchen knives and are one of the last remaining workshops in Japan proudly doing so. The Japanese kanji characters engraved on the knife spell out the name of Ohyama Eiju, a masterclass craftsman who lived in Koshinokuni. Each knife pays homage to the pioneers of supreme samurai-sword making craftsmanship. Kirin knives have been used by many top chefs in Japan that include Nobuo Murakami, the former head chef at Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel and Komei Nakamura who was a champion Iron Chef. A “Kirin” is Japan’s most powerful fire-breathing mythical creature that is said to bring a good omen. Produced from extremely high-quality VG-10 stainless steel. Blades contain high levels of Carbon (1%) for strength and Chromium (15%) that gives it excellent stain resistance. Other elements in this unique steel alloy include Vanadium, Molybdenum and Cobalt. Hardened to HRC 60-61 (Rockwell Scale) with a beautifully hammered finish! Nakiri Bocho – Traditional Japanese Vegetable Chopping Knife. Blade Length: 165mm (6.5in). Blade Width: 52mm (2in). Knife Weight: 143g (5oz). Deba-Bocho – Traditional Japanese Cleaver. Knife Weight: 315g (11.1oz). The Deba-bocho (literal translation: pointed carving knife) is the the preferred fillet tool for traders working at Tokyo’s famous fish market. It’s built strong to cut through the toughest food material such as poultry bone, lobster shells, frozen fish, and pumpkin. If you love to prepare spareribs or whole chickens, you will adore this knife. The Deba-bocho’s blade measures 165mm and weighs an impressive 315g (11.1oz). This famous Japanese knife’s defining characteristic is its single edge, allowing for greater pitch and, as a result, effortlessly tear through intended tasks. This is an incredibly durable knife but do keep in mind that the part of the blade nearest the handle is meant to cut through bones, not the tip of the knife. Yanagi Bocho – Traditional Sashimi Knife (Right-Handed). Blade Length: 240mm (9.5in), Japanese industry standard. Knife Weight: 140g (4.9oz). Japanese shitan (rosewood) handle with its teardrop-shape and distinct ridge makes it makes it very comfortable to hold (right-handed only). This famous Japanese knife’s defining characteristic is also its single edge, allowing for greater pitch and, as a result, effortlessly tear through intended tasks. Paulownia wood storage box dimensions: Approx. Feel free to inquire with any questions.