Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives
Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku - Cutting Edge Knives

Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Silver Santoku

£265.00

A great looking knife that boasts the sharpness and hardness of knives significantly more expensive. This santoku has a superbly sharp edge out of the box and will hold it for a long time. 

With a bit more of a veg bias than the gyuto knife the santoku can do most things (no really hard veg or bones though!) and you'll find it becomes invaluable. 

The knife is made from a core steel of ZDP-189, a very hard steel (66-67 HRC), which means it can achieve and hold an incredibly sharp edge. 

This version has a polished finish and has a very flat cutting edge which means it would be suitable more for push/pull cutters rather than rock choppers.

Currently out of stock

Product Code: 2255

Knife & Range Specifications

Knife Measurements
  • Blade Edge Length: 180mm / 7.09" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 317mm / 12.48" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 47mm / 1.85" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 2mm / 0.08" (Spine width above the heel)
  • Total Weight: 146 grams / 5.15 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.

Range Specifications
  • Core Steel: ZDP189
  • Cladding Steel: Stainless
  • Blade Finish: Kurouchi | Polished
  • Hardness: 66-67 (HRC)
  • Handle Style: Japanese
  • Handle Material: Various - Typically either octagonal walnut or oval rosewood
  • Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

The sharpness of the ZDP-189 range is up there with the very best knives we've ever seen. The hardness of the steel also means that edge is going to stay sharper for longer than many knives. They simply glide through food.

Beauty

These are very good looking knives, you can see the journey they have been on through the process in the steel itself. If you are looking for a knife that tells a story then look no further.

Kurouchi finished blade, which is in the upper part of the knife, untreated and has already developed a dark patina. This protects the blade while giving it a traditional Japanese look.

In Hand

The ZDP range is comfortable across the various knife styles and sizes with a balance typically around the middle of the kanji on the longer knives and just towards the bottom of the kanji on the shorter ones which makes them easy to hold when using a pinch grip and nimble in hand.

Please note: the knives are supplied with either an octagonal walnut or oval rosewood wa handle. The handle selection depends on which batch is currently in stock and can vary.

Durability

The ZDP-189 is one of the hardest knives we sell and so benefits from incredible edge retention of the already very sharp blade.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

ZDP 189 can be difficult to sharpen but you shouldn't have to do it very often compared to many relatively softer steels.

Given the extremely high HRC rating of the steel, you do need to be precise in your cutting technique to avoid any potential chipping but if you are, these knives will last a long time between sharpens.

ZDP189 is technically a "stainless" steel but it's not absoltely rust proof so we do mark it as a carbon steel in our experience we've not found it to be particularly reactive but it's worth noting that it's not completely resistant to rust in some cases so follow our carbon steel care tips to make the most of your blade.

Our Verdict

Excellent value - The craftsmanship and style combined with the insane sharpness rivals many significantly more expensive knives.

With a steel this hard, you need to be a little more careful with your cutting technique than softer steels and avoid any lateral stresses from twisting but if you do, you'll be rewarded with an extremely sharp and very durable knife.