Haiku Ryoma Sakamoto

It is an entry-level raw forge, with uncemented handle, taking his roots in Tosa, Kochi prefecture, like the eponymous hero from whom it borrows its name in memory of the imprint he left on this island. Ryoma Sakamoto is an inspiring historical figure, a bridge between two eras. This is what we liked when we were looking for a name. Sakamoto was the local samurai steeped in Tosa traditions, but he was also a visionary. He felt the wind turning and was one of the influential politicians of the Meiji emperor who was leading feudal Japan towards modernity at a forced march, in front of the opposition of the elite folded up on their former privileges. He was unfortunately assassinated at the age of 31, having created many enemies who refused the changes.

Haiku Ryoma knives are raw forged. By raw forged we mean knives that are not polished. When the raw blade is heated (in order to harden it), the surface of the blade turns black. The blacksmith has two choices: polish it or leave it as is. The flames alone will have done their job on the Haiku Ryoma. The knife is then sharpened on the glossy part. 

Haiku Ryoma is like Haiku Home basically designed for the domestic market, professionals will rather go for Haiku Blue Carbon or Kurouchi. This means simple raw handles, not cemented to be exchanged if necessary. Plastic ferrule and standardized blade thickness are the paradigm, unlike Kurouchi, which is freely forged and of variable thickness.

Let us remind if necessary that pure carbon knives are to be respected. The black side, already oxidized, will remain black, while the glossy side will develop a patina over time. All knives need care, this one as well as any other, but it is still advisable to clean and dry them properly after use, and they are not insensitive all-terrain knives. This is part of their charm, the advantage in return is that they are easier to sharpen and their edge is pure and direct. 

Another aspect that goes a little unnoticed because it comes from the nature of the product itself, is that you don't need cold hammering to make it non-stick, it is non-stick by default and precisely where it sticks, upwards. Haiku Ryoma is a short range of the 3 classic Japanese knives, Nakiri, Santoku, Utility. No long knives are made in this steel.    

Packaging : in blister pack.

Be sure to keep the knives away from children, better make them understand that the knife cuts. It is a steel with 0.8% carbon and depending on your address, it will contrast with stainless steel knives that do not cut. The handles can be varnished or oiled with a suitable product if you wish. We also supply knife handles on request at Chroma France.