Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

A White #1 core steel pushed to its limits of hardness paired with Hado's extraordinary attention to detail in both edge quality and overall finish make this a range of knives suited precision cutting at the highest level.

Beauty

Absolutely beautiful. As always the experience with Hado knives begins with their packaging and presentation box that each knife comes in. 

Once you've opened it, the Kirisame is everything you'd want and expect from a Hado knife with the classy hazy finish and the very light kurouchi that has been left on the upper parts of the stainless cladding steel. 

The blades are paired with individually scorched oak handles to provide yet more subtle but unique detail on the finish. The name, “Kirisame,” translates to a misty rain, capturing the image of the cloudy finish on the hira part.

In Hand

Hado's knives are well known for the quality of the finishing touches and like their other ranges you will find the attention to detail in the rounding and polishing of the spine and heel area make for a very comfortable and well balanced knife. 

Durability

The extremely hard (64-65HRC) treat of the White #1 core steel and very thin edge will naturally require a careful cutting technique but you'll be rewarded with top notch performance and edge retention. 

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

Very hard White #1 steel can sometimes be difficult to initially sharpen and is more traditionally viewed as a choice for more experienced artisans but once it has been sharpened, the maintenance of the edge becomes easier. 

For more tips, follow our carbon steel care tips and for longer term care and maintenance, we recommend a carbon steel care kit.

Our Verdict

Another outstanding range from the team at Hado and demonstration of their skill in forging, sharpening and finishing high level knives. 

The blade quality speaks for itself and with Hado the overall experience is elevated further by the small finishing touches and presentation and these are knives we would always recommend without hesitation.

Meet the maker

Hado Knife

HADO is a Japanese kitchen-knife brand based in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. Their founding philosophy revolves around 石 “the road of blades”, combining the heritage of Sakai craftsmanship with the meticulous finish of modern forging.

HADO works with master blacksmiths to produce a wide range of knives—from single-bevel Japanese styles to high-performance double-bevel chef’s knives—using premium steels such as SG2, Ginsan and Shirogami.

Every blade undergoes careful hand-sharpening and finishing, with particular attention paid to edge geometry, balance and polished details. HADO’s dedication to quality and artistry reflects Sakai’s long legacy of professional knife making, anchored now in a distinctive contemporary collection.

View all Hado Knife products