Santoku • 165 mm • Gin#3 • Purple pakka handle • for both left and right handed use

Characteristics of the OEM Gin#3 Nashiji

OEM, also known as Original Equipment Manufacturer, is a larger company that produces both handles and blades for the knife industry. By operating on a larger scale, they are able to assign specialists to each department, resulting in an excellent price-to-quality ratio. OEM is often regarded as a commercial manufacturer, but this perception is not entirely accurate.

The knife is constructed from two layers, with a core of Gin#3 steel, also known as Silver Steel. The blade features a nashiji finish, which translates to pear skin. This finish has a slightly more rustic and understated appearance compared to high-polished blades or multi-layer Damascus steel that you may recognize from other knives.

The handle is made of pakkawood and finished with a purple lacquer coating. This makes the knife an ideal and affordable choice for both the beginning collector and the enthusiastic cook.

GINSAN /Gingami No.3 ("Silver Paper No.3”) / Gin#3 ("Silver#3") / Ginsan-kō ("Silver 3 Steel")

Gingami No. 3, known as ginsan steel silver steel (manufactured by Hitachi Metals Ltd.) is a semi stainless steel. It has a very fine structure, which can be maintained easily and can be sharpened to extreme sharpness. Hitachi steel factory disigned silver to position it next to the well known VG10 steel, same characteristics, but a little less chrome and more refinement. The ginsan silver steel becomes more and more popular with home cooks and professionals.

Elwin de Veld about OEM

An Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) is a company that manufactures an original product that is sold under another company’s brand name. In the case of knives, an OEM might manufacture a knife and sell it to several different companies who then simply add their price margin and sell the knife under their own brand name. This is a common practice in the Japan knife industry. Does it affect quality? No it doesn't, in fact, it can mean a stable production for the knifemaker. 

In this particular OEM case, a well known knifemaker from Sakai, provides knives from other producers from the region. A well overthought choice, to provide a beautiful blade with a stunning handle.