K-Yanagi • 360 mm • Nenohi kaede steel • ebony handle with silver • for right handed use only 

Features of the Nenohi Honyaki K-Yanagi

For true connoisseurs, Nenohi is a well-known name, recognized for the Nenox‑S series and many other high-quality knives. The brand is especially known for its exceptional steel. President Yusuke Sawada closely monitors all departments; only through this care and precision does Nenohi achieve the outstanding quality it is known for.

In addition to standard series such as the Nenox‑S, Nenohi is also a popular name in custom knives. After a two-year wait, we have an exclusive model available in our store.

The handle of this knife is made from ebony wood and silver, featuring the signature of the silversmith who contributed to its creation in the ferrule. At Nenohi, there is a dedicated department that produces custom handles. The blade is supplied with a tang, after which a handle is crafted to it with the utmost precision. This can be seen in how seamlessly the tang fits into the handle and in the small visible section of “machi.” This is often mistaken for a maker’s flaw, but nothing could be further from the truth. It is a deliberate choice to ensure the knife has the correct proportions and balance from handle to tip. The model is a K-Yanagi, meaning a Yanagiba with a kiritsuke tip.

The blade is honyaki forged, which literally means “truly (hon) forged (yaki).” The steel is forged from a single piece of high-quality Kaede Nenohi steel and has undergone a special hardening process. The hira is finished with a mirror polish, while the kireha and ura are slightly matte.

The knife comes with a custom-made saya that is Wajima-lacquered. This means the sheath has been treated with Urushi lacquer mixed with Jinoko (powdered diatomaceous earth, locally sourced in Wajima), making it resistant to heat and wear. In addition to the lacquer, the saya is carefully painted with a blossom rain, giving it a particularly artistic appearance.

This stunning and unique piece is exclusively available at our store in the Netherlands and perfectly demonstrates what is possible with Nenohi custom knives.

Elwin de Veld about Nenohi

The Nenohi brand was founded in 1993 in Japan, basically because there was a high demand for western style stainless knives. At that time many chefs from Tokyo used the robust stainless knives of European brokerage, but often complained about the enormous difference in sharpness and sharpness retention compared to the Japanese carbon steel.

After many years of design, shape testing and testing of steel alloys, Nenohi launches its first western style knives under the name Nenox Premium.

Nenox adheres to the philosophy of continuous improvement of quality, innovation, attention to detail and the use of top quality materials. Nenohi belongs to the absolute top of professional knives and is highly appreciated among the elite of chefs from Tokyo and now also the United States.

Rangelrooij is proud to be the assigned official agent for the Netherlands.