Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm
Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm

Manaka Hamono ATS-34 Gyuto 170mm

Excuisite looks and very limited availablilty the ATS-34 is entirely hand forged and finished by Kisuke Hamono.

🗝 This is an archive item. It's either so unique it's never coming back into stock, extremely difficult to source or discontinued.

If we able to source more of this knife, it will be restocked in the all knives collection and we will share details via our newsletter and Instagram.

Knife Measurements
  • Blade Edge Length: 174mm / 6.85" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 293mm / 11.54" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 47.8mm / 1.88" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 3.08mm / 0.12" (Spine width above the heel)
  • Total Weight: 219 grams / 7.72 oz

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and finishes.

Manaka Hamono - ATS-34

Our in-depth range review

First Impressions


The ATS-34 is a significant knife, it's an uncommon steel to use in kitchen knives but Kisuke Manaka has forge welded these stunning knives entirely by hand to be a thick and well finished collection that boasts incredible looks and durability.

Beauty

We're going to go out on a limb here and say that the ATS34 is either a knife that will be love at first sight or absolutely not for you. 

The hammer finish is lovely, it's got a lot of depth and the heavy duty integrated bolster is nicely finished but still very clearly handmade and retains that connection with the blacksmith that you'd want and expect from a fully hand forged knife.

However, they are chunky, bold knives throughout the range and that's not for everyone.

In Hand

If you're looking for a thicker, heavier feel to your knife then you're in luck here. The petty are actually quite short (in height) and nimble but the larger gyuto in the range definitely have that more significant feel of heft in hand which is largely due to the Western handle and integrated bolster. 

The balance however is excellent and the reasonably tall and thicker gyutos offset that additional handle weight nicely and so create a knife that's still nimble and comfortable to use.

Durability

ATS-34 (from Hitachi Metals Yasuki Steel) has a high carbon content (over 1%) and around 14% chromium which makes it effectively a stainless steel although in reality it may develop a very minor patina over time.

It's not commonly used in kitchen knives it is an excellent choice because it's durable, robust and has excellent edge retention properties.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

ATS34 is widely used in outdoor knives because it's incredibly robust and easy to sharpen so it's easy to care for if you just follow our normal care instructions.

Our Verdict

Certainly a considered purchase and definitely one for fans of Manaka Hamono knives, we seldom see knives like this and while the price is high you're investing in the process and skill of Kisuke Manaka who has learnt the skills to make and finish these knives entirely by hand and this is both difficult and time consuming. 

We've not seen many of this Western handled version before and once they're gone who knows how long it might be before we see more!

Meet the maker

Manaka Hamono