Kai Shun Premier Tantō Chef's Knife 25.5 cm Damascus

The KAI Shun Premier Tim Mälzer Tantō TDM-1785 is a premium Japanese chef's knife: 25.5 cm blade of Damascus steel VG-MAX with hardness of 61 (±1) HRC, its core wrapped in 32 layers of Damascus steel and a hand-hammered tsuchime finish. Developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Tim Mälzer, it unites the geometry of the traditional samurai tantō dagger with professional kitchen performance.

VG-MAX Damascus Steel Blade: Hardness and Flexibility in a Single Edge

The VG-MAX stainless steel core ranks among the most performant materials in Japanese knife-making, with a Rockwell hardness of 61 (±1) HRC that guarantees a long-lasting, deformation-resistant edge. The 32 layers of Damascus steel surrounding the core balance rigidity and toughness, avoiding the brittleness typical of single-steel blades at high hardness.

The hand-hammered tsuchime finish is far more than decorative: it reduces contact area between blade and food, limiting friction and facilitating clean separation during cutting. The result is an instrument that works with surgical precision and consistency, even through repeated, extended cuts.

Symmetrical Edge: Suitable for Right- and Left-Handers

Unlike most traditional Japanese knives sharpened on a single side, the TDM-1785 features a symmetrical edge on its 25.5 cm (10") blade. This choice makes it accessible to any chef, regardless of dominant hand, without sacrificing the cutting precision typical of KAI tradition.

Pakka Wood Handle and Full Tang

The 12 cm handle in medium brown Pakka wood — a composite combining natural wood fibres and resins — offers secure grip, moisture resistance, and warm aesthetics, consistent with the Shun Premier Tim Mälzer series aesthetic. The full tang ensures longitudinal balance and stability under stress. The handle end bears the bull head, Tim Mälzer's personal signature.

Technical Specifications

• Model: KAI Shun Premier Tim Mälzer Tantō TDM-1785
• Series: Shun Premier Tim Mälzer
• Blade Type: Tantō
• Blade Length: 25.5 cm (10")
• Handle Length: 12 cm
• Weight: 220 g
• Blade Material: VG-MAX Damascus steel, 32 layers, tsuchime finish
• Hardness: 61 (±1) HRC
• Edge: Symmetrical (suitable for right- and left-handers)
• Handle Material: Medium brown Pakka wood, full tang
• Production: Hand-made in Japan
• EAN: 4260036145021

Care and Maintenance of the KAI TDM-1785 Knife

Wash exclusively by hand with neutral detergent and dry immediately after use. Do not wash in the dishwasher: prolonged moisture exposure and aggressive detergents compromise both the Damascus blade and Pakka wood handle. Periodically oil the handle with neutral vegetable oil or camellia oil to preserve its texture.

For sharpening, use only progressive-grit whetstones or specialist electric systems for high-hardness blades. Traditional honing steels are unsuitable for the 61 HRC hardness of VG-MAX and risk damaging the edge.