Nigara Hamono is located in Hirosaki, a part of the Aomori Prefecture on the northern tip of Japan. With ancestry dating back to the Edo period (more than 350 years ago), the current generation upholds the legacy of its predecessors. Former Nigara Hamono family, Kunitoshi Nigara, was a highly praised swordsmith during the Showa period and won many accolades for his creations. Nigara Hamono, now headed by 7th generation President Mr. Toshiju Yoshizawa, focuses mainly on kitchen cutlery featuring in house made innovative damascus patterns. This series features SG2 powdered steel as the choice for the cutting edge. SG2 is a popular high carbon stainless steel with great wear resistance and very easy to care for. The stainless cladding is hammer finished with natural kurouchi. These are ground thin and more performance focused for excellent cutting feel. Fitted with octagonal wenge handle with buffalo horn ferrule. Edge length: 199mmHeight at heel: 49.3mmSpine thickness above heel: 2.2mmWeight: 166g