The Craftsmanship of Western-Style Double-Edged Knives - Blade Structure and Handle Making - Nenohi Record Vol. 7
For many years, Nenohi has earned high praise from Japanese cuisine chefs for their traditional Japanese knife craftsmanship.
As chefs experienced the precise cutting edge of Nenohi's Japanese knives, they began requesting Western-style knives that could maintain the same exceptional sharpness. In response, Nenohi embarked on research to develop stainless steel that could deliver their signature cutting performance. This research culminated in the creation of the "NENOX" series, which now represents Nenohi's flagship Western-style knives.
Thirty years after its initial release and through many updates, NENOX has become a beloved series used by top chefs worldwide. The manufacturing of these Western-style knives involves meticulous attention to detail and techniques that can only be achieved through skilled craftsmanship.
In this article, we'll explore the craftsmanship behind one of Nenohi's main products - Western-style knives - in two parts.
◇ Blade Structure
The defining feature of Nenohi's Western-style knives is their "solid structure," meaning they are entirely composed of cutting-grade steel.
This solid structure ensures the knife won't bend during use and maintains its precise shape, allowing the ideal cutting edge created through high-precision knife making to remain consistent over time.
NENOX knives combine three essential qualities:
- Cutting performance (precise sharpening, reduced friction with ingredients)
- Durability (resistance to bending)
- Maintainability (previous sharpening shape is preserved, making consecutive sharpening easier)
Additionally, the knives feature a "full tang construction," where a single piece of steel extends from the blade tip to the end of the handle (tang). This provides superior strength and shock resistance throughout the entire knife, including the handle section.
However, blades designed for optimal cutting performance and functionality are delicate and present unique manufacturing challenges. Nenohi has overcome these challenges by researching and implementing proprietary manufacturing methods that achieve ideal cutting performance.
Let's examine these challenges and how Nenohi's unique manufacturing methods address them.
◇ Handle Assembly
The delicate blade, optimized for cutting performance, risks deterioration or damage if exposed to welding heat. Therefore, handle attachment is performed entirely through handcrafting, without any welding.
A NENOX handle consists of 16 separate parts, as shown in the photos, with more than 15 assembly steps to combine these parts.
Since no welding is used, the components must fit together perfectly without gaps between the blade and handle. Any gaps could allow water to penetrate, leading to rust and reduced durability.
The foundation for a practical and beautiful handle with zero gaps is created by precisely grinding the connecting surfaces between handle parts to achieve perfectly flat surfaces, then securing the components and handle materials with German Silver bolts.
These processes require exceptional skill and can only be accomplished through master craftsmanship.
◇ Handle Polishing
The seamlessly assembled handle is finished entirely by hand.
Using custom-designed machines developed specifically for handle production, craftsmen shape the handle into its characteristic curved form. This curved design creates a comfortable, user-friendly grip that seems to meld into the palm.
Since handle shaping relies entirely on the craftsman's experience and intuition, regular workshops are held among craftsmen to ensure consistent finishing quality regardless of who works on the knife.
Creating a "solid-structure Western knife optimized for cutting performance" requires skilled handwork for both blade and handle, demanding considerable production time. This meticulous manufacturing process naturally limits NENOX production quantities.
While craftsmanship is often associated with traditional Japanese knives, as we've seen, Nenohi's Western-style knives are equally rich in artisanal techniques.
Over thirty years of history, through continuous trial and error in blade performance, handle shape, materials, and assembly methods, Nenohi has established their current Western knife making expertise.
In our next episode, we'll discuss ongoing developments in handle materials and shapes.