The Nigara Hamono STRIX series is crafted in Japan from blade-oriented powdered steel, a premium stainless steel known for its fine carbide structure that delivers exceptional sharpness. With a solid hardness of around 64 HRC, the STRIX knives are built to impress—offering a balanced feel, top-tier performance, and thoughtful geometry.

Paired with a custom handle assembled in-house at Kakushin’s knife shop, this knife features beautifully stabilized wood with rich yellow and orange tones, complemented by a marbled buffalo horn ferrule. The result is a knife that stands out on the rack while remaining dependable and comfortable in daily kitchen use.

Want to learn more about Nigara Hamono's latest models,  Click here!

Gyutos are known as the only knife needed in the kitchen. The blades typically range from 210mm to 270mm in length and are appreciated for their taller heel. Gyuto’s are a great option for most as they have a reasonably flat profile toward the heel for chopping, a belly toward the tip of the blade for rock cutting, and a pointed tip for precision work. which is why many chefs prefer a Gyuto over many other models.

While often similar in shape when compared to Western chef knives, Japanese Gyuto’s have a reputation for being lighter and thinner.