Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

Very impressive sharpness right out of the box and to be honest - this is the normal expectation of all Nigara Hamono knives and like all their knives the AS range doesn't disappoint when it comes to cutting performance.

The grind down to the cutting edge is very thin and they simply glide through food.

Beauty

If you're looking for wow factor then we'll let the photos and product videos do the talking here!

It's a sensational looking knife blade with the matt grey shade of the kurouchi finish and the S shaped hammer finish tapering down to the wavy mirror finish of the core aogami steel. 

In Hand

For the traditional handled versions of the AS, it's a nice and light knife in hand and you'll find a familiar balance just around the Nigara logo on the blade of most of the knives in the range.

Durability

Aogami Super Blue is a very popular and durable steel and used widely throughout the Japanese knife world so it's one that's easy to sharpen and retains an edge well so this is definitely a knife that's going to last when cared for.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

It's a reactive core steel so the cutting edge will develop a patina with use as you'd expect but it's easy to look after if you follow our normal care instructions and store properly when not in use.

For long term knife care, we recommend carbon steel knife care kit bundle which has all the tools needed to keep your knife in its best condition.

Our Verdict

An excellent range in a quality steel and with the very thin edge you see on Nigara Hamono knives of this style. A great balance of performance and value for money.

Nigara Hamono have been making knives and blades of the highest quality for more than 350 years and this range is another one that will no doubt prove incredibly popular and rightly so.

Meet the maker

Nigara Hamono

Nigara Hamono is a historic knife maker based in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, with roots that date back more than 350 years to the early Edo period. Originally established as a swordsmithing family serving the Tsugaru clan, Nigara has evolved through eight generations into one of Japan’s most respected modern forges.

Today, the workshop is led by Go Yoshizawa and a small team of highly skilled artisans who continue to uphold the traditions of their ancestors while embracing modern metallurgy and design. Nigara Hamono is best known for its visually striking damascus patterns and meticulous heat treatment, producing knives that combine exceptional performance with artistic beauty.

Often forged from high-performance steels such as VG10, SG2, and Blue Super, each knife is finished by hand to exacting standards. With deep historical roots and a commitment to constant innovation, Nigara Hamono exemplifies the perfect balance of heritage, precision, and artistry in Japanese blade making.

View all Nigara Hamono products