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Suncraft, a knife manufacturer from Seki, has added interesting models to its collection of kitchen knives. We are bringing you one of them right now. Senzo Retro – a tasteful knife with a minimalist design. The first part of the name Senzo confirms that the knife was made in-house, i.e. by Suncraft craftsmen. The second part of the name is a bit misleading. We are looking for some retro signs, but we do not find any. On the contrary, the polished blade has a very fashionable Washiji texture on its outer layers. Together with the elegant handle without a ferrule, they create a successful, clean form of the working tool. The knife is a typical representative of Wa-Bocho, i.e. a Japanese knife with a half tang construction. The three-layer blade has a core of Ginsan steel. This material from Hitachi Metals is often referred to as Gingami, Silver3 or Gin3. It is a high-carbon steel, which is similar in composition to the “white” Shirogami2. Unlike it, however, it contains up to 14% chromium, which makes it more resistant to corrosion. It reaches a high hardness of 61HRC, which ensures excellent abrasion resistance and edge durability. The fact that it is a low-alloy steel contributes to the fineness of the grains. This is a basic prerequisite for creating a truly subtle edge. This material is ideal for Japanese blades, which are designed to perform fine cuts. In no case for chopping, prying and other actions associated with applying pressure to the tool. As already mentioned, the outer layers carry a Washiji texture reminiscent of the structure of handmade paper. The name Senzo is embossed in kanji characters. The Shinogi line separates matte Shinogi from polished Hamon. The fine edge is symmetrical in the shape of the letter "V".
The handle is a worthy second to the first-class blade. It has a popular octagon and is made of exotic Wenge solid wood. A typical Suncraft detail can be found at the interface between the blade and the handle. It is a plug that defines the position of the blade and at the same time closes the hole in the handle. A laborious but practical solution.
Senzo Retro knives are designed for those who prefer a clean, delicate cut and an aesthetic design of a kitchen knife.
©2025 Copyright Roman Ulík, Nippon Knives, www.japonskenoze.sk all rights reserved.
Photos and texts are protected by copyright law and their use without the author's consent is not possible.
About producer
Seki, with a tradition longer than 700 years, belongs together with the Sakai and Tosa regions to the oldest centers of Japanese blacksmithing. The ideal conditions for this craft attracted many blacksmiths already at the end of the 12th century. The legendary Motoshige was among them. He was aware of the presence of high-quality iron ore sand, pine peat and the proximity of water sources. Everything a blacksmith needs for his work. Adding to their craftsmanship, swords were created that quickly gained their reputation. The saying that a Seki blade will never bend or break accompanies local products to this day.
The fact that 40% of the local industry belongs to the knife industry speaks of the specialization of the city of Seki. Many important manufacturers of famous brands such as Masahiro, Kasumi, Mcusta-Zanmai, Hattori and many others are located here. Nippon Knives brings you another one - SUNCRAFT.
Kawashima Industries, the owner of the Suncraft brand, is one of the bigger manufacturers in Seki. Since 1947, it has specialized in knives and various other kitchen tools. The credo of the company is to investigate the needs of customers and respond flexibly to them. Significant investments in development and research help it to do so.
As is common in Japan, Kawashima Industries is a family business in which individual generations take turns. The founders of the company are rightfully proud of their ancestor, Mr. Senzo. He participated with his own resources in the construction of public zones and facilities in the city of Seki. He always had respect for its inhabitants and their needs. The current owners have the same respect for their customers. And in order not to forget the legacy of their ancestor, they call the knives made by company craftsmen Senzo.
©2019 Copyright Roman Ulík, Nippon Knives, www.japonskenoze.sk all rights reserved.
Photos and texts are protected by copyright law and their use without the consent of the author is not possible.
