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Sometimes we get the feeling that Tomo isn’t really enjoying making standard knives any more. It’s as if he’s left that task to others, whilst he revels in ever more imaginative creations. He combines new materials and gives traditional ones a modern look. Keeping track of the stream of new releases is a challenge; getting hold of them is even harder. Here, the saying ‘good things come to those who wait’ really does hold true.
Mcusta Zanmai uses the ‘ULTIMATE’ designation to denote its flagship products. One glance at the Zanmai Ultimate Aranami, with its stunning coreless blades, and everything becomes clear. But limits are there to be constantly pushed. And that is Tomo’s challenge. His latest edition is called the ZANMAI ULTIMATE III Limited Edition. For newcomers, here’s an explanation of the name: Zanmai – the kitchen knife range; Ultimate – the top-of-the-range model; III – the generation designation; Limited Edition – an unnumbered edition available in limited quantities. And to make things even more interesting, the edition comes in two variants: Black Phoenix and White Phoenix.
The Phoenix is housed in a paulownia wood case. The case is discreetly marked with the logo and name in silver. Upon opening it, your gaze will fall upon a magnificent octagonal handle. The black Phoenix, naturally, features a black micarta handle with subtle diagonal stripes. These differ not only in shade but also in texture. In the centre of the handle is a round decorative inlay depicting the sun. The guard and end-cap are traditionally made from a nickel-silver alloy; they are highly polished and separated from the handle by red demarcation rings. The brand logo and a small symbol are featured on the end-cap. The White Phoenix is distinguished by its handle. It has the same shape but is made from light-coloured hinoki wood. The guard and end-cap have a matt finish.
As you remove the blade from its new cardboard case, which contains instructions on how to use the knife, you’ll find yourself holding your breath. You’re looking at the top-of-the-range Rainbow Damascus model. We’ve had the honour of seeing the Rainbow Damascus pattern itself in the exclusive limited editions SUZAKU and RAIJIN & FUJIN, but this version is even more striking. The intricate patterns in red, yellow and silver were created by interlayering copper, brass and SUS410 steel. The resulting 32 outer layers encase a cutting core made of V-Toku 2 carbon steel. Specialists at Takefu Special Steel have hardened it to 64 HRC. Thanks to this extreme hardness, you won’t need to sharpen the symmetrical blade very often.
It stands to reason that such a luxury edition contains only the essential knife types, namely: a 150mm Petty, an 180mm Santoku and a 210mm Gyuto. However, you won’t be missing anything essential. You’ll be able to handle both preparatory work and the main tasks involving vegetables, meat and fish.
There is no doubt that the Phoenix has, immediately upon arrival, taken its place amongst the exceptional Nippon Knives’ Top Gun range.
©2026 Copyright Roman Ulík, Nippon Knives, www.japonskenoze.sk.
All rights reserved. The photographs and text are protected by copyright law and may not be used without the author’s consent.
About producer
The manufacturer of iconic MCUSTA knives is Marusho Industry Inc. from Seki City in Gifu Province. Any connoisseur of Japanese knives knows that this is a prominent area with more than 700 years of tradition. The Hasegawa family clan has been producing the most sophisticated pocket knives you can find here for three generations.
Marusho Industry Inc. has a rarely seen production background in this industry. Since we are lucky, or rather honored, to be a family friend of the Hasegawas, we did not miss the opportunity to tour their factory. We start with the design and construction section, where experienced programmers prepare algorithms for modern CNC machines. The most elegant materials that you can only imagine in a cutlery shop are casually resting in the entrance warehouse. VG-10 steel sheets from nearby Takefu, 33-layer damascene sheets, aluminum alloys, rare woods and high-quality micarta. Laser cutters and CNC mills work in the machining section. However, the most interesting thing for us is the finalization of the knives and their subsequent sharpening. Here, on the contrary, everything is done manually. Even the president of the company, Tomohiro Hasegawa, sits down at the rotating grindstone and skillfully shapes the razor blade. This is followed by a final inspection, where each knife is carefully examined and travels to the dispatch warehouse. The whole world is supplied from there. Today, you will hardly find a brand that is still produced in its country of origin. MCUSTA is among those that have retained this privilege.
©2010-2018 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.
