Nigara VG XEOS Santoku 170mm Ebony Handle

From their origins forging battle-ready blades to their current work in kitchen knives and steel products, the Nigara family’s craftsmanship has evolved while preserving its deep-rooted traditions. With over 350 years of history, Nigara Hamono is a highly respected Japanese bladesmithing company known for producing exceptional knives.

Today, the family continues to refine their methods, creating distinctive, high-quality pieces. This series of Nigara Hamono knives is best described by their thin, hand-sharpened geometry and outstanding cutting performance.

The knives are made with VG-XEOS steel, a stainless steel developed by Takefu Steel Co. Known for its corrosion and wear resistance, VG-XEOS also features a fine grain structure that helps maintain a sharp edge over time.

An equally all-round knife as the gyuto but more orientated to homestyle cooking. Incredibly versatile on its own, easy to use, nimble and suitable for a wide variety of cutting tasks. The bunka is a version of the santoku but with a Kiritsuke tip. This style tip will excel in more delicate work while it still retains the all-purpose functionality of the santoku. 

Stainless steel gets its name from the inclusion of chromium (10-13%) in the alloy, which forms a protective film that helps prevent rust and corrosion by acting as a barrier between the metal and oxygen.
While stainless steel knives are practical, functional, and easier to maintain than carbon steel, they are not completely maintenance-free. With improper care, they can still rust or develop pitting—after all, "stainless" does not mean "stain-free."

The level of corrosion resistance varies depending on the type of stainless steel used, but the basic principles of care are similar to those for carbon steel knives.

To maintain your knife, store it clean and dry, avoid air-drying after washing, never use the dishwasher, and steer clear of cutting extremely hard items like frozen food or bones.
The key advantage of stainless steel over carbon steel is a greater margin for error—its rust resistance is higher, making it easier to maintain with less worry.

Remember, not all stainless steels are the same. Just like with carbon steels, each stainless steel alloy has its own unique properties and performance characteristics, and should be judged individually.