The stunning Kasumi HM series is the latest result of an obsessive search for the perfect knife. Manufactured by craftsmen in Seki Japan, the HM series features the very best technical materials resulting in a tool that is perfectly designed for cutting and slicing. Seki is the historic capital of the Japanese cutlery industry dating back over 780 years. Famous during the 1300’s-1600’s for producing the finest Samurai swords, Seki prospered with over 300 sword makers. The Kasumi HM series features a blade made from a core of VG10 cobalt high carbon stainless steel. The outer sides of the blade are a softer SUS410 stainless steel. This speciality steel has been developed specifically for cutting edge blades. The blades are hardened to Rockwell C59-60 degrees; the ideal point at which a steel blade is hard enough to retain its razor sharp edge and also allows for re-sharpening and maintaining the finish. The Kasumi Hammer pattern on both sides of the blade is produced through a method of hot forging with a 300 tons flection machine. This results in not only a stunning looking knife but also a stronger blade. The hammer marks create small air pockets between the food and blade when cutting reducing friction and sticking. The highly polished appearance is obtained through a duel finishing process using ultra fine water stones. This helps to produce the trade mark ultra sharp professional edge and a wood like grain effect where the VG- 10 steel becomes exposed. The handle is crafted from polyacetal resin (POM) and features a double rivet for strength and an extended bolster to maintain perfect balance. The Kasumi HM series is ideal for both right and left handed users.