NIGARA HAMONO - The New VG-XEOS & STRIX Japanese Knife Series

It is with great excitement that I'm writing this blog about Nigara Hamono's latest Japanese knife lines. The VG XEOS and the STRIX series will be released this coming Fall 2024, and we just received their first demos to experience firsthand the look, feel, and performance. Let me tell you, things are looking promising.

For those unfamiliar with Nigara, a brief backstory: Their work falls under the category of Tsugaru Uchi Hamono (Tsugaru handcrafted knives), a traditional craft that has continued for over a thousand years in the western region of Aomori Prefecture. This craft is characterized by traditional methods such as 「Hizukuri (Smith forging)」 and 「Doronuri (applying earthen varnish to strengthen the materials)」. Tsugaru Uchi Hamono is renowned for its exceptional sharpness and durability.

I will break down the blog into two sections. Each section will talk about the specific series, the steel, fabrication, and available models, which will be updated regularly as Nigara introduces further changes. So, let's dive into it!

The XEOS series

Made from Stainless Steel also known as VG-XEOS, some will say it "VG-X-EOS" which originates from TAKEFU SPECIAL STEEL CO., LTD. Now, the steel composition is not yet fully open to public, however, this material was developed to aim has high corrosion resistance and durability.

There are many speculations found on the internet. Some say it's an improved VG-1/10 steel, while others compare its durability and sharpness to certain powdered steels, with some even suggesting it could be a replacement for Hap40. However, at this point, none of this has been confirmed by the factory, as they keep most details a secret.

At this time Nigara Hamono has the following models coming into production: Petty 150mm, Nakiri 165mm, Santoku 170mm, Gyuto 210mm and Gyuto 240mm. Below is the 210mm Gyuto:

The knife blade cladding and finishing are what Nigara is truly known for—always unique and simply spectacular. The VG-XEOS models feature a stunning Damascus pattern in the middle with a Tsuchime finish on top:

These models come from factory with Ebony and Buffalo horn ferrules. In the below picture, I show you the balance point of the 210mm Gyuto:

Below is a choil shot of our 210mm Gyuto from the VG-XEOS series, showing its smooth and progressive grind:

The STRIX series

Nigara Hamono STRIX series is crafted from high-speed powdered steel known to be categorized under stainless steel. This material has smaller carbides than conventional powdered steel, resulting in outstanding sharpness. With a hardness around 64 HRC, the STRIX series offers top-tier construction with an impressive feel, performance, and geometry, based on our experience.

In the production line coming in late 2024, Nigara Hamono has the following knife shapes and sizes coming up: 120mm Petty, 150mm Petty, 165mm Santoku, 180mm Nakiri, 180mm Bunka, 210mm Gyuto, 240mm Gyuto, 240mm Sujihiki and 270mm Sujihiki which is a nice contrast to their XEOS series. In our demo's we requested the 180mm Bunka which we believe might be the top selling because of it's size and beautiful shape:

Damascus middle and a beautifully exposed cutting core beneath the lamination. Running your nail across the Damascus layer reveals each distinct layer, a detail that many enthusiasts appreciate, as it not only enhances food release but also adds a modern yet authentic look to the blade.

The factory handle, same as the VG-EOX from Nigara Hamono is a classic Ebony wood with buffalo horn ferrule but that can be changed for a Custom Handle found at Kakushin.

The balance point of the 180mm Bunka STRIX is located right at the tang entry of the handle, making it noticeably more back-heavy compared to the 210mm VG-XEOS Gyuto. This likely explains the slight difference between the two but we can confirm once the 210mm STRIX Gyuto is received at our shop from Nigara Hamono.

Now, let's keep in mind that this blog is not final and is written in a way that ensures I can continue to keep it up to date as I take more pictures, images, and receive inventory at Kakushin. If there is information you believe should be added, write it in the comment section below, and I will be more than happy to get back to you.