Hitohira Togashi White #1 Stainless Clad Kasumi Petty 165mm Ebony Handle

The Togashi Kasumi series belong in the high-end assortment we carry at Karasu. Similar to the Migaki series these are made with only Blue #1 and White #1 steel only with a difference in the geometry. Kenya Togashi is the sharpener of both lines but the Kasumi series is ground with a convex grind. The bevels are slightly rounded and these knives do not have a visible shinogi line. Characterized by their incredibly slick and clean aesthetics with smooth and solid performance. By Hitohira design, with high level fit and finish like polished heel and spine and amazing handle quality. To us both the Kasumi and Migaki series by Togashi resemble the traditional craftsmanship and refinement in a way we appreciate most.

Master Kenji Togashi is one of the most celebrated and distiguisted blacksmith from Sakai. Not only a “Dentokogeshi” (certified traditional craftsman) but also awarded with a medal from the emperor for his accomplishments and service. One of the, if not the, most honourable and prestigious decorations in Japan. To be awarded such a prestigious titles is proof of vast knowledge and skill. He is amongst the very few remaining blacksmiths in Japan with the skillset to forge water-quenched Honyaki blades. A true master of traditional techniques. Togashi made knives are characterised by their durability and hardness while still easy to sharpen. Not only the steel quality but also their in-house sharpening is praiseworthy. In charge of the in-house sharpening is Kenya Togashi, the third son of Togashi San, and from him we see some of the most true and consistent single and double-bevel sharpening we've come across. All their knives really feel like they've been made with the intention to last for years.

Petty knives (Utilty) have a similar profile as the Gyuto but smaller, commonly ranging from 12 to 15cm. A shape most often used next to any larger all-purpose blade (gyuto & santoku) although there are many households where this is the go-to knife. Very suitable for the smaller cutting tasks such as cleaning, portioning and peeling fruits and vegetables and cleaning smaller cuts of meat or fish. 

Pairing knives are more used for in-hand tasks such as peeling, trimming, scoring and cleaning and fruit or vegetable. 

This is a carbon steel knife with a soft stainless steel cladding. Most Japanese knives have a 3-layer construction called “San Mai”, hard and high quality steel sandwiched between two layers of soft steel. In this case the soft steel (cladding) is a stainless steel and only the core is made out of carbon (non-stainless) steel. You’ll have all the advantages of a carbon edge e.g., sharpening ease and edge retention, but without having to worry about oxidation on the rest of the blade.
Still it is important to store your knife dry and clean, never let it air-dry after washing, no dishwasher and avoid extremely hard products like frozen foods or bones ect.