Elegance, Japanese tradition and extraordinary performance come together in the 3-knife set of Yaxell's ZEN Series damask knives. Each blade has a core of VG10 steel, a high-quality Japanese stainless steel, coated with 18 alternating layers of soft and hard high-carbon steel on both sides, for a total of 37 damask layers. This guarantees not only high rust resistance, but also a refined and unique aesthetic.
The characteristic hammered design of the upper part of the blade gives the knives a handcrafted and distinctive look, while reducing food adherence during cutting. The blades reach a hardness of HRC 61, offering an extremely sharp, precise and durable edge.
The black Canvas-Micarta handle, composed of resin and linen fibre, is honed to perfection to offer a stable, ergonomic and durable grip even in the most demanding conditions.
This set is the ideal choice for those seeking excellence, beauty and functionality in the kitchen, combining the best of Japanese tradition with modern materials.
The set consists of:
- Santoku knife cm 16,5
- Filleting knife \ 23 cm
- Cleaver \ Chinese vegetable knife cm 18
Shipping time: 3-5 days
FAQs
What characterises the HANA series?
The HANA series represents the entry point into the Yaxell range while maintaining a distinctly Japanese design approach. It uses more accessible stainless steels (such as AUS-8 / Mo-V) with lower hardness, resulting in greater flexibility, forgiveness, and ease of use.The result is a blade that is less extreme in pure performance but more stable and easier to manage in everyday use.
Who is it recommended for?
It is ideal for users entering the world of Japanese knives, advanced home cooks, and anyone looking for a reliable knife without requiring advanced technique. It also works well as a first step before upgrading to higher-performance lines.
What is it ideal for?
Perfect for everyday kitchen tasks: general prep, vegetables, meat, and non-specialised work. It offers good control with a more forgiving feel, especially during prolonged use.
How should it be maintained?
Hand wash, dry immediately, and sharpen regularly using whetstones or simpler sharpening systems. Thanks to its lower hardness, sharpening is easier and quicker compared to VG-10 or SG2 blades.
What truly distinguishes Yaxell knives within the Japanese knife market?
Yaxell occupies a very specific position: it is one of the brands that most effectively translates Japanese knife-making tradition into a high-quality industrial product, while maintaining both consistency and accessibility. Unlike fully handcrafted knives, Yaxell relies on controlled processes and modern steels such as VG-10 and SG2 to achieve high and consistent performance. The result is a blade that combines Damascus-style aesthetics, high hardness, and stable cutting performance, without entering the extreme complexity of more elite artisanal knives.
What is the real philosophy behind the Yaxell brand?
Yaxell’s philosophy is not just about Japanese tradition, but about making that tradition practical and usable at scale. Each knife is designed to deliver precise cutting, long-lasting edge stability, and strong perceived quality, including visual appeal, while maintaining consistency and reliability through industrial production.
How should the differences between Yaxell series be understood?
The main differences lie in the type of steel (VG-10 vs SG2), blade rigidity, and edge retention. VG-10 lines offer a balance between performance and ease of use, while SG2 lines represent a clear step up in performance, with higher hardness, longer edge life, and greater cutting precision.
Who are Yaxell knives recommended for?
Yaxell covers a wide range of users, from those entering the world of Japanese knives to advanced professionals. It is an ideal choice for anyone looking for high performance that remains manageable in everyday use.
What are they ideal for?
They excel in precision cutting, repetitive preparation tasks, and continuous use. The more advanced series offer greater stability and consistency during extended work sessions.
What is the correct maintenance approach?
Hand wash, dry immediately, and sharpen regularly using whetstones. SG2 series require more attention due to their higher hardness.
What distinguishes Japanese knives from Western ones?
Thinner geometries, sharper edge angles and an approach focused on precision and clean cutting.
Santoku or Gyuto: which should you choose?
The santoku is compact and versatile for everyday use; the gyuto is closer to a classic chef’s knife and is ideal for long cuts and sustained work.
Are Japanese knives more delicate?
Yes, they often require more care: they are not suitable for bones, frozen foods or twisting, but offer superior cutting performance when used correctly.
How do you properly sharpen a Japanese knife?
Whetstone sharpening is ideal: a medium grit for maintenance and a finer grit for finishing, adapting the choice to the steel and usage.