The Basic Knife
This is a Petty knife (Tomoeba blade) by Yuji Totani, a traditional craftsman from Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture.
Totani-san highly values "a minimal and quiet aesthetic that fits into modern life," "the lightness unique to Echizen forged knives," and "ease of use that complements any dish."
The design, handled by Kairi Eguchi, is simple and fits comfortably in the hand, and the pleasant ease with which it cuts through any ingredient conveys the desire for it to be a long-lasting basic knife.
With a resharpening service available, there's also peace of mind in continuous use.
It's such an exquisite item that you might involuntarily murmur, "Nice to meet you," when you hold this beautifully minimalist knife.
＞癶 -HATSU-
Santoku Walnut Octagonal
Tomoeba Walnut Octagonal
癶(HATSU)
The radical "癶 (hatsugashira)" that "HATSU" takes as its motif is said to embody the meaning of "standing with both feet together when starting something."
The moment the user picks up the knife, the story of "cooking" begins.
And a new challenge for Totani-san begins, introducing the traditional craft of Echizen forged knives to more people.
This knife, named "癶" with thoughts of various "beginnings," is perfect for celebrating friends' milestones, housewarmings, and other moments of new beginnings, making it an appealing gift.
The Tomoeba blade offers stability and maneuverability.
The "Tomoeba" (巴刃) is a mini-knife that combines the best features of a small Santoku and a petty knife.
Meaning "something that possesses two characteristics equally," it incorporates the maneuverability of a petty knife based on the solid sharpness of a small Santoku knife.
Its blade, which tapers towards the tip, allows for stable cutting of large ingredients and is a hybrid of a small Santoku and a petty knife, capable of intricate cutting and peeling.
Lightweight and compact, as is characteristic of Echizen forged knives, it allows for easy application of force and is useful in various situations with just one knife.
When actually peeling oranges or kiwis, it fits stably in the hand whether you place your finger on the base of the blade or grip it firmly, allowing for free and smooth handling and thin peeling without stress.
In addition to peeling, it also frequently comes in handy for cutting small ingredients like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.
"Sharpener" Yuji Totani
Totani-san continues to create blades daily at Takefu Knife Village as a "sharpener," handling the sharpening and finishing of various blades, including double-edged knives.
More details about Takefu Knife Village can be found in "Hibinokoto".
He inherited the family business that was familiar to him since birth, established "Sharpening four," and launched his own brand "癶 (HATSU)" in 2023, imbued with his aspirations.
For Totani-san, blades and knives are a means to connect with people around the world, work with colleagues, and inspire possibilities and dreams for craftsmanship in the region and production area.
A knife is not just a tool; it is a gift infused with Totani-san's aspirations, fostering connections with like-minded individuals, contributing to the development of the production area, and creating new value for the future.
I believe that because Totani-san is involved in craftsmanship alongside us users, dedicates himself to perfecting knives, and continuously confronts the environment around him without compromise, he continues to produce essential goods.
Increase dining satisfaction with a good knife
I also want to enjoy the changes in my daily life that I feel with the changing seasons.
For example, on days when I feel like "Today, I'll try a slightly more serious dish!"
Using a Hatsu knife, it feels like I can prevent excess water and umami from escaping from the cut surfaces of ingredients, keeping their flavor and texture in better condition, significantly improving the dish's finish and the satisfaction of eating it.
Of course, I use it for daily cooking, but when I see a magnificent fish and want to gut it, or when I encounter a vegetable I've never seen before, I feel a little excited, even if I think it might be difficult to cook.
Why not use a Hatsu knife to try a different recipe than usual, create a menu centered around the ingredients of that moment, and incorporate newness into your life?
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【Care Instructions】
We also offer resharpening and repair services.
For inquiries, please click here
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