What is sanmai knife?

Sanmai is a traditional Japanese blade-making technique that involves layering different types of steel to create a blade with superior strength and durability. The word "sanmai" literally translates to "three layers" in Japanese, and the technique involves sandwiching a hard, high-carbon steel core between two layers of softer, lower-carbon steel.

The high-carbon steel core provides the blade with excellent edge retention and hardness, while the softer outer layers give the blade flexibility and toughness. This results in a knife that can be sharpened to an incredibly sharp edge and withstands heavy use without chipping or cracking.

Sanmai knives are typically made by hand using traditional techniques passed down through generations of Japanese craftsmen. They are highly valued by chefs and knife enthusiasts for their exceptional quality and performance.