Kitaeji vs damascus

[Alder26]

Hello all,

I've been wondering for a little while now what's the difference between Kitaeji and other damascus patterns?

I know Shigefusa is the most synonymous with this style but other makers like heji, tsukasa hinoura, yoshikazu tanaka also make knives that are labeled 'kitaeji'.

What's the actual definition of this term?

Any help is much appreciated!

 

[zizirex]

I think kitaeji means Damascus but in a specific pattern. the other word for suminagashi

 

[M1k3]

Found this in the Kitchen Knife Glossary:

Kitaeji - Multi Layer Jigane. Often referred as damascus. See Shigefusa Kitaeji Gyuto Knife review and Shigefusa Kitaeji Miroshi Deba Kitchen Knife review for photos and detailed information.

 

[Alder26]

So mostly its a synonym for damascus?

 

[HRC_64]

So mostly its a synonym for damascus?

Moslty, but suminigashi is a more specific series of damascus with "traditional" patterns...
more like its a "japanese" pattern damascus if its really important to summarize it in a few words.

Its typically a "wave" (naturalistic) pattern, not a geometric pattern you might see in the western market (bands, stars, etc). If you google suminigashi it will tell you more about what its talking about