Yaxell Kiritsuke knife Ran 20 cm - 69-ply stainless damascus steel - canvas Micarta handle

Forget endlessly switching between knives: with the 20 cm Yaxell Ran Kiritsuke knife, you master every ingredient with one powerful, precise cut. This is the knife professional chefs have been using for years—and now it sits right on your kitchen counter.

The Kiritsuke is arguably the most versatile knife in Japanese culinary tradition. It combines the broad, flat cutting edge of a Nakiri (vegetable knife) with the sharp point of a Sujihiki (fish knife). The result? An instrument that lets you slice wafer-thin sashimi, effortlessly julienne vegetables, and fillet fish—without having to switch knives even once. That is not a luxury, that is simply smart cooking.

Why this knife is a gamechanger in your kitchen

• Versatile – From vegetables and herbs to fish and meat: the Kiritsuke handles it all with elegant precision
• 69 layers of Damascus steel – Each layer contributes to an exceptionally sharp and durable blade that proves itself with every cut
• Hardness of 60-62 HRC – This knife retains its sharp edge significantly longer than average European knives – less sharpening, more cooking
• Canvas Micarta handle – The characteristic black handle fits perfectly in the hand: comfortable, durable, and stylish
• Japanese craftsmanship – Made in Japan by people who view cutting tools not as a product but as an art form
• Ideal for Asian cuisine – Specially designed for the technique and precision required for Asian cooking, yet equally at home in any other kitchen style

69 layers of Damascus steel: steel that works like a work of art

The blade of the Yaxell Ran Kiritsuke knife is constructed from 69 layers of stainless Damascus steel – and that is not a marketing story, that is craftsmanship. These layers create a characteristic wavy pattern in the steel that you recognize immediately. But it goes beyond aesthetics: the multi-layered construction ensures an exceptional balance between hardness and flexibility. The core of the blade achieves a Rockwell hardness of 60 to 62 HRC. In concrete terms, this means your knife stays sharp, cut after cut, week after week. Whether you are slicing thin slices of pickled vegetables for a bento, filleting a sea bass, or finely chopping coriander stems—the Ran blade follows effortlessly.

Furthermore, the 20 cm blade offers enough length to work with smooth, continuous cutting motions—exactly as Japanese knives are meant to be. No chopping motions, but a fluid, controlled cut that respects your ingredients instead of crushing them.

Canvas Micarta handle: comfort you feel with every cut

A good knife starts with the handle. The Yaxell Ran Kiritsuke knife is equipped with a Micarta canvas handle, a material trusted by professional masters for decades. Micarta is a composite material consisting of layers of canvas compressed with synthetic resin under high pressure. The result is a handle that is exceptionally strong, lightweight, and comfortable to hold—even during prolonged use. The texture provides grip, even when your hands are wet or damp. The deep black of the handle forms a beautiful contrast with the shiny Damascus steel of the blade. Stylish, functional, and no-nonsense—exactly what you expect from Japanese craftsmanship.

The balance between blade and handle is carefully tuned so that the knife feels like an extension of your hand. Whether you are making fine julienne carrots or slicing through wide slices of fresh tuna—the knife follows your movement, not the other way around.

The Kiritsuke: the secret of the Japanese professional kitchen

Traditionally, the Kiritsuke was the knife that only the head chef in a Japanese kitchen was allowed to use—a symbol of craftsmanship and status. That story is woven into every Yaxell Ran Kiritsuke. This is no ordinary kitchen knife. It is an invitation to cut more consciously, to pay more attention to your technique, and to find true joy in the preparation process. Because good dishes do not start at the stove—they start with the first cut.

The Ran collection by Yaxell is named after the Japanese term for "orchid"—a plant that symbolizes balance and elegance. You can feel that philosophy reflected in every detail of this knife: the perfect balance, the sharp blade, the comfortable handle.

💡 Cookinglife Tip: Maintain your Yaxell Ran Kiritsuke with a fine-grit whetstone. Always wash the knife by hand—never in the dishwasher. Dry it immediately after washing and store it in a knife block or on a magnetic strip to protect the blade. With this little care, this knife will last a lifetime.

Specifications

Collection: Ran
Type: Kiritsuke knife
Brand: Yaxell
Country of origin: Japan
Blade length: 200 mm (20 cm)
Blade material: 69-ply stainless damascus steel
Hardness: 60-62 HRC
Handle: Canvas Micarta
Color: Black
Weight: 360 grams
Hand wash: Yes - always hand wash
Dishwasher safe: No

In the package

• 1x Yaxell Ran Kiritsuke knife 20 cm

The Yaxell Ran Kiritsuke knife is more than just an addition to your knife set - it is an upgrade to your way of cooking. Whether you are preparing refined Japanese dishes, experimenting adventurously with Asian flavors, or simply want to get the best out of fresh ingredients: this knife gives you the control, the sharpness, and the pleasure that comes with truly good cooking. Add the Yaxell Ran Kiritsuke to your collection and taste the difference in your next dish.