Shizu Gifu Chef Knife 230mm

“Gifu Collection” is a remarkable knife series that blends the refined aesthetics of Japanese and European design.
 

Aiming to create a Western-style Japanese kitchen knife, Shizu Hamono collaborated with world-renowned designer Sebastian Conran, a lecturer at the Royal College of Art in the UK.
 

During a sightseeing trip in Gifu, Conran was inspired by the unique silhouette of the surrounding mountains. He realized that if those natural forms were combined with the traditional Japanese art of Origami, it could result in an exceptionally original kitchen knife design.
 

The design process was completed, but turning it into a practical, high-performance knife required another leap. Fortunately, Gifu is not only famous for swordsmithing—it’s also the birthplace of some of Japan’s finest woodworking craftsmanship. This fusion of expertise led to the creation of the Western-style “Gifu Collection”, which is now widely available across Japan and around the world.
 

If you're seeking a kitchen knife that is high-end, visually striking, and built to last, the Gifu Collection is made for you.

Exceptional Construction
 

The Gifu Collection features a masterfully crafted blade made from 32-layer folded Damascus steel, forming beautiful flowing wave patterns. At its core lies VG10 steel, known for its razor-sharp edge retention and hardness of HRC 60–61, making it a truly premium kitchen knife.
 

This knife is forged using the "Hon Toushi" (本通し) method, meaning the blade and tang are formed from a single solid piece of steel that extends all the way through to the end of the handle. This creates a well-balanced, evenly weighted knife, favored by professional chefs.
 

Typically, knives made with the "Hon Toushi" structure require 2–3 rivets to secure the tang within the handle, resulting in a flat surface on the grip. However, the Gifu Collection features a specially designed handle with a unique internal locking mechanism, eliminating the need for exposed rivets. This results in a sleek, seamless appearance, enhancing both aesthetics and structural integrity.