Yaxell Kiritsuke Knife Zen 20 cm - 37-ply stainless damascus steel - canvas Micarta handle
Japanese craftsmanship — traditionally forged with modern precision
Unique Damascus pattern — each knife has its own character
Hybrid Japanese knife — combines precision and versatility
Forget that endless switching between knife and knife: with the Yaxell Kiritsuke Zen 20 cm knife, you have a single, exceptional instrument with which you cut everything your Asian cuisine demands of you. This is no ordinary chef's knife. This is a craftsman's knife with character of its own—and once you hold it in your hands, you won't put it down.
Why this knife is different from the rest
The Kiritsuke is the silent hero of Japanese cuisine. Classically speaking, it is the master chef's knife—demanding to use, but rewarding in results. The Yaxell Zen version combines the flat, straight blade of a Nakiri (the vegetable knife) with the graceful point of a Sujihiki (the fish knife). That sounds technical, but in practice, it simply means this: you slice vegetables paper-thin, portion your fish with surgical precision, and work meat with a control that other knives simply do not give you.
- Versatility in one knife - From julienne-cut cucumber to thin slices of raw salmon: the Kiritsuke does it all without compromise.
- Japanese precision, noticeable with every cut - The blade is sharpened to 60-62 HRC hardness - sharper than the vast majority of Western knives, and you feel it immediately.
- 37-layer Damascus steel - Not only beautiful to look at, but also functional: the layered structure reduces friction and prevents ingredients from sticking to the knife.
- Canvas Micarta handle for a secure grip - The handle feels sturdy, warm, and just right in the hand - even after a long cooking marathon.
- Truly made in Japan - Not assembled, not certified - but actually manufactured in Japan by skilled blacksmiths who take their craft seriously.
The blade: Damascus steel with a purpose
The 37-layer Damascus steel construction of this knife is not a marketing gimmick - it has a direct function. By combining alternating layers of hard and slightly softer steel, you get a blade that can be sharpened to an extremely sharp edge (and stays sharp), while simultaneously remaining non-breakable. The hardness of 60-62 HRC on the Rockwell scale says it all: this is a knife that cuts the way a knife is supposed to cut. With minimal force, maximum control. The fine Damascus steel pattern visible on the blade is proof of craftsmanship—and simultaneously gives your knife an appearance that stands out when you place it on your cutting board.
The 20-centimeter-long blade is the sweet spot for the Kiritsuke. Long enough to cut through a cabbage or portion a fillet in a smooth motion, yet compact enough to keep you fully aware of exactly where the knife is. Do you spend your time on Asian dishes, sushi, carpaccio, or refined vegetable dishes? Then this is the blade you are missing from your collection. The handle: canvas Micarta that feels like home
A good knife is worthless with a bad handle. Yaxell knows this too—which is why they chose canvas Micarta: a composite material consisting of layers of canvas fabric impregnated with resin, compressed under high pressure. The result is a handle that doesn't slip when your hands are wet, doesn't splinter, doesn't tear or crack, and retains its shape and texture year after year. It feels warm to the touch—almost organic—but behaves as stable as a rock.
The black handle gives the knife a sleek, no-nonsense look that matches the serious character of a Kiritsuke. Not flashy, but distinctive. This is a knife you don't hide in a drawer, but proudly display on your magnetic strip or in your knife block.
Who is this knife for?
Are you a fan of Japanese cuisine? Do you regularly prepare fish, vegetables, or refined dishes? Or are you simply ready for a knife that raises the bar and takes your cutting to a new level? Then the Yaxell Kiritsuke Zen knife is exactly what you are looking for. You don't have to be a sushi master chef to benefit from this knife—you just need to love good tools that pay off with every meal you put on the table.
Please note: this knife does require a little respect. Hand washing is a must—the dishwasher is not an option. Sharpen it regularly with a whetstone or have it sharpened by a professional. If you treat it well, it will last a lifetime.
💡 Tip: Use the flat side of the blade to crush garlic or ginger before chopping—the width of the Kiritsuke makes this easy and efficient. A little trick that Japanese chefs have been using for generations.
Specifications
- Collection: Zen
- Type: Kiritsuke Knife
- Brand: Yaxell
- Country of origin: Japan
- Blade length: 20 cm
- Material: 37-ply stainless damascus steel
- Handle: Canvas Micarta
- Hardness: 60-62 HRC
- Weight: 340 grams
- Color: Black
- Dishwasher safe: No - hand washing recommended
In the packaging
- Yaxell Kiritsuke Knife Zen 20 cm
Ready to take your cutting to the next level? Add the Yaxell Kiritsuke Knife Zen to your collection and discover what Japanese precision means for your kitchen.
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