{"product_id":"kai-tanto","title":"Kai Shun Premier Tantō Chef's Knife 25.5 cm Damascus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eKAI Shun Premier Tim Mälzer Tantō TDM-1785\u003c\/strong\u003e is a premium Japanese chef's knife: 25.5 cm blade of Damascus steel VG-MAX with hardness of \u003cstrong\u003e61 (±1) HRC\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cem\u003etantō\u003c\/em\u003e dagger with professional kitchen performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eVG-MAX Damascus Steel Blade: Hardness and Flexibility in a Single Edge\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eVG-MAX\u003c\/strong\u003e stainless steel core ranks among the most performant materials in Japanese knife-making, with a Rockwell hardness of \u003cstrong\u003e61 (±1) HRC\u003c\/strong\u003e that guarantees a long-lasting, deformation-resistant edge. The \u003cstrong\u003e32 layers of Damascus steel\u003c\/strong\u003e surrounding the core balance rigidity and toughness, avoiding the brittleness typical of single-steel blades at high hardness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ehand-hammered tsuchime finish\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSymmetrical Edge: Suitable for Right- and Left-Handers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike most traditional Japanese knives sharpened on a single side, the \u003cstrong\u003eTDM-1785\u003c\/strong\u003e features a \u003cstrong\u003esymmetrical edge\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePakka Wood Handle and Full Tang\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003eShun Premier Tim Mälzer\u003c\/strong\u003e series aesthetic. The \u003cstrong\u003efull tang\u003c\/strong\u003e ensures longitudinal balance and stability under stress. The handle end bears the \u003cstrong\u003ebull head\u003c\/strong\u003e, Tim Mälzer's personal signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e KAI Shun Premier Tim Mälzer Tantō TDM-1785\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shun Premier Tim Mälzer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tantō\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 25.5 cm (10\")\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 220 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e VG-MAX Damascus steel, 32 layers, tsuchime finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 61 (±1) HRC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEdge:\u003c\/strong\u003e Symmetrical (suitable for right- and left-handers)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium brown Pakka wood, full tang\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-made in Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEAN:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4260036145021\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare and Maintenance of the KAI TDM-1785 Knife\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWash exclusively by hand with neutral detergent and dry immediately after use. \u003cstrong\u003eDo not wash in the dishwasher:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor sharpening, use only \u003cstrong\u003eprogressive-grit whetstones\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003csection data-ai-faq=\"1\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"\u003e\u003csummary itemprop=\"name\"\u003eWhat is VG-MAX steel and why is it used in KAI Shun Premier knives?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"\u003e\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\"\u003eVG-MAX is a Japanese stainless steel of high hardness developed by KAI. It achieves 61 (±1) HRC on the Rockwell scale, a value exceeding most professional cutlery steels. This hardness guarantees an edge that stays sharp longer, but requires more careful maintenance: sharpening demands specialist stones, not traditional honing steels.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"\u003e\u003csummary itemprop=\"name\"\u003eWhat does tsuchime surface finish mean and what is its practical purpose?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"\u003e\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\"\u003eTsuchime refers to the hand-hammered finish of the blade. Each indentation creates a micro air-pocket between edge and food, reducing friction and preventing thin slices of food (such as raw fish, beef or vegetables) from adhering to the blade during cutting. It is a functional technical solution, not merely aesthetic.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"\u003e\u003csummary itemprop=\"name\"\u003eIs the KAI Shun Premier Tantō TDM-1785 suitable for left-handers?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"\u003e\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\"\u003eYes. Unlike many traditional Japanese knives with asymmetrical single-side sharpening, the TDM-1785 features symmetrical edge sharpening, making it equally suitable for right- and left-handers without adaptation.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"\u003e\u003csummary itemprop=\"name\"\u003eWhat kitchen tasks is the KAI Tantō knife recommended for?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"\u003e\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\"\u003eThe tantō blade geometry — angled tip and extended edge — excels at precision work: filleting portions, cutting raw fish, filleting and preparations requiring point control. The 25.5 cm length also makes it versatile for slicing roasts or medium-sized preparations.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003cdetails itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"\u003e\u003csummary itemprop=\"name\"\u003eHow should the Pakka wood handle be properly maintained?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cdiv itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\"\u003e\u003cdiv itemprop=\"text\"\u003ePakka wood is a composite of natural fibres and resins, moisture-resistant but not waterproof. It is advisable to oil it periodically with neutral vegetable oil or camellia oil to preserve its compactness and appearance. Avoid prolonged immersion in water and do not use the dishwasher.\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"KAI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57706558521689,"sku":null,"price":299.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0513\/9057\/8883\/files\/kai-tanto-su-tavolo-cemento-nero.png?v=1775048433","url":"https:\/\/fontanahotellerieshop.it\/en\/products\/kai-tanto","provider":"F.lli Fontana Hotellerie Srl ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}