220USD 52100 Honyaki Gyuto 250MM 7mm and 5mm and 3mm spine

[bill_zeng]

Hello everyone,
it's that time of the month again to announce new products. In September, there will be 2 to 3 new releases. Today, I'm introducing a product that evolved from the July Honyaki project. While customizing for Honyaki customers, I designed these. These are 250mm long, 55mm wide Honyaki Gyutos made from 52100 steel. They're large, with a flat blade profile. They come in three thickness options: 7mm, 5mm, and 3mm, all featuring a simple hamon line. Here are the specifications:

• Blade Length: 250mm
• Edge Length: 230mm
• Width: 55mm
• Material: 52100 steel
• Hardness: HRC 61-63
• Tang Length: 110mm
• Weight: 143g (3mm), 218g (5mm), 262g (7mm) blade only
• Handle: African Blackwood
• Production Method: Forged from a steel bar
• Taper:
  • 3mm version:
    • Heel: 3mm
    • 25%: 2.2mm
    • 50%: 2mm
    • 75%: 1.4mm
    • 1cm to tip: 0.5mm
  • 5mm version:
    • Heel: 5.5mm
    • 25%: 3.6mm
    • 50%: 2.9mm
    • 75%: 2mm
    • 1cm to tip: 1mm
  • 7mm version:
    • Heel: 7mm
    • 25%: 5mm
    • 50%: 4mm
    • 75%: 3mm
    • 1cm to tip: 1.5mm

Due to the 10-image limit, the taper images will be placed in the second batch.
The price for all three thickness options is $220. Production time is 10~14 days.
3MM
https://zenforgedknife.com/products/52100-honyaki-gyuto-250mm-3mm
5MM
https://zenforgedknife.com/products/52100-honyaki-gyuto-250mm-5mm
7MM
https://zenforgedknife.com/products/52100-honyaki-gyuto-250mm-7mm

Since the hamon line in 52100 steel is very challenging to control, this product does not accept custom hamon requests. Only the simplest hamon can be provided.



On a side note, last month, we experienced the hottest summer in decades, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). The forge had to shut down for nearly 20 days, which delayed many orders. Fortunately, temperatures have recently dropped, and the forge is back in operation. I apologize for the delays and am working hard to complete everyone's orders.


I conducted a cutting food test using two knives. Both knives were ones I use daily. I am just a home cook, and my movements are not as smooth as those of a professional chef. When cutting onions, I could hardly keep my eyes open.
Everything except onions becomes my dog's food.

 

[bill_zeng]

My favorite color is BLUE!

TAPER

 

[OyakoDont]

I’m not familiar with hamon designs besides Mr. Fuji and waves. I might be blind and just not seeing the picture clearly that you put up. Can you describe what shape the simple hamon line looks like?

 

[cooktocut]

I’m not familiar with hamon designs besides Mr. Fuji and waves. I might be blind and just not seeing the picture clearly that you put up. Can you describe what shape the simple hamon line looks like?

The pic that's labeled "hamon" shows a mark about an inch from the tang, the part that's lighter... that is the hamon.

 

[OyakoDont]

The pic that's labeled "hamon" shows a mark about an inch from the tang, the part that's lighter... that is the hamon.

Ah, got it. Wasn't showing up clearly on my phone, I see it now on a desktop.

 

[bill_zeng]

I’m not familiar with hamon designs besides Mr. Fuji and waves. I might be blind and just not seeing the picture clearly that you put up. Can you describe what shape the simple hamon line looks like?

The hamon line on 52100 steel honyaki tends to be light and wide, resulting in less impressive effects. That's why I haven't given any special treatment to the hamon line on 52100 steel. Additionally, since this knife is intended to be a practical tool, my focus wasn't on the hamon line. Its purpose is mainly to demonstrate that this is indeed a honyaki knife. The design inspiration for this type of honyaki comes from the kearu on JNS. Because this kind of hamon is easy to create, I've priced these knives the same as the regular mono steel ones.
https://www.japanesenaturalstones.com/kaeru-special-blue2-honyaki-gyuto-240mm-2/

 

[timebard]

These look like a lot of knife for the price point! How tapered are the 5 and 7mm versions? The comparison of the tips makes it look like they hold quite a bit of thickness close to the tip but it's hard to tell how much of the blade we're looking at. A full spine shot and/or heel, halfway, 1cm spine measurements would be helpful.

 

[bill_zeng]

These look like a lot of knife for the price point! How tapered are the 5 and 7mm versions? The comparison of the tips makes it look like they hold quite a bit of thickness close to the tip but it's hard to tell how much of the blade we're looking at. A full spine shot and/or heel, halfway, 1cm spine measurements would be helpful.

Thanks for the reminder. I initially thought that a single image would be enough to convey their taper, but I'll provide the detailed measurements now.

 

[ahhactive]

since these are made to order, is it possible to have it in a full tang style?

 

[ahhactive]

actually could you show some cutting videos? patina looks hot!!

 

[bill_zeng]

For carbon steel, I'm not very keen on making full tang handles due to rust issues. However, I've made some full tang knives with semi-stainless and stainless steel. Regarding the cutting video, no problem—I'll record one in a few days.

 

[kdizzog6]

Hey Bill,

I am interested in these, but waiting to get my chevron blade from you first so I can see the quality of your work. What are the chances I get my first order before you close out this one?

 

[bill_zeng]

This is a long-term available product, so you can use the chevron for a while before deciding whether to place an order. However, it's important to note that the 52100 forged products and the chevron product line are completely different in terms of processing methods. You won't be able to judge one product based on your experience with the other. But I understand that you want to see my attitude toward quality control. Regardless of the product, the final quality of the product is always under my control.
Of course, the 52100 product is purely handmade. Its precision and surface finish cannot be compared to the KKF-01, which is produced under modern industrial systems. The precision of any handmade product can never reach the level of high-precision machining equipment. Therefore, I've created an entirely new logo for my machined product line to distinguish it from the handmade line. After reflecting on this for the past few months, I've also come up with a preliminary concept for my brand's philosophy: Respect the Tradition, Embrace the Future.

 

[dtro]

That pixel logo is great!

 

[bill_zeng]

For the cutting video, I made myself a new one.

 

[bill_zeng]

actually could you show some cutting videos? patina looks hot!!

vedio is upload at top

 

[bill_zeng]

Today, I forged a 7mm spine 52100 blade. It features a significant thickness variation throughout the blade.

 

[enrico]

Today, I forged a 7mm spine 52100 blade. It features a significant thickness variation throughout the blade.
View attachment 371731

Background noise is perfect