A set of five Japanese knives from Kai Shuns ultra-resilient Nagare range that can take on a majority of kitchen tasks, plus a sharpening stone and walnut block that holds up to ten utensils.

—DETAILS—

Every knife in Kai Shuns Nagare range undergoes a highly sophisticated process which involves bonding flexible VG2 steel with hard VG10 steel, surrounded by 72 layers of Damascus steel that form a radial pattern. Besides looking beautiful, this construction provides excellent durability and prevents food from sticking to the sides of the blade as you prep food. Very little pressure is required to make neat and precise cuts, and the blades retain their sharp edges for long stretches of time. The waterproof handle adopts the ergonomic style of Western knives, with a forged tang that provides an optimum counterweight to the blade. Japanese knives should only be sharpened with a whetstone, as pull-through sharpeners can damage their metal. The included Kai Stonehenge Walnut Knife Block has an ultra-stablegranite base and can hold up to ten knives or metal utensils.

This set includes:

• A Kai Shun Nagare Santoku Knife
• A Kai Shun Nagare Paring Knife
• A Kai Shun Nagare Utility Knife
• A Kai Shun Nagare Bread Knife
• A Kai Shun Nagare Slicing Knife
• A Kai Seki Magoroku Combination Whetstone 1000/4000
• A Kai Stonehenge Pillar Knife Block withgranite base

—BENEFITS— Because Ive used European-style knives professionally for decades, I was reluctant to part with that style of handle. Then I met the Nagare range, which means I dont have to! I can finally enjoy the sharp, fine-angled blades that make Japanese knives so delightful.