Hakucho Fish Set: Knives and scissors Made in Italy by Due Cigni Coltellerie

The most common length for a chef's knife is 20 cm (8 inches), which is perfect for most kitchen tasks. However, the ideal choice depends on several factors: Hand size: Smaller hands handle 16–18 cm blades more comfortably, while larger hands may prefer a 21–25 cm blade. Personal habits: Those who favor broad movements and long cuts might lean toward longer knives; those who prioritize precision or work in tight spaces might prefer a shorter blade. Experience level: Beginners tend to choose shorter, more manageable blades, while professionals often prefer 21 or 24 cm knives for greater efficiency. In short, there is no “perfect” size for everyone — the right length should be chosen based on comfort, control, and intended use.

Avoid keeping them loose in drawers, where they can get damaged or become a safety hazard. It’s better to use a wooden block, magnetic strip, or blade guard. You can find the right solution in our catalog.

Yes, in our ecommerce store you will find only professional and high-quality chef knives. Each model is selected to meet the needs of chefs, cooks, and cooking enthusiasts who seek reliable, sharp, and durable tools. We offer a complete range of professional kitchen knives, ideal for precision cutting, meat, fish, vegetables, and much more. You will find slicing knives, santoku, paring knives, and other models commonly used in professional kitchens. We collaborate only with brands recognized at the professional level, such as [e.g., Victorinox, Global, Kai, F. Dick, Ambrogio Sanelli, Wüsthof, etc.], to offer you the best in performance and safety in the kitchen

It’s highly discouraged. High heat and aggressive detergents can damage both blade and handle. Knives can also knock against other items, dulling the edge.

Hardness refers to how resistant the steel is, measured on the Rockwell scale (HRC). The harder the steel, the better it retains its edge—but it’s also more brittle and prone to chipping.

Blades can be made of stainless steel (rust-resistant), carbon steel (very sharp but delicate), or ceramic (lightweight and razor-sharp but fragile). Premium knives often use Damascus steel or advanced alloys. Not sure which to choose? Contact us—AFcoltellerie has them all.

Handles can be made of wood (classic but delicate), plastic (durable and hygienic), or technical materials like micarta or G-10, which are extremely tough and non-slip even when wet.

A 20 cm chef’s knife is the most versatile option to start with. Paired with a paring knife, it covers most everyday kitchen needs.

The grooves or “granton edge” reduce friction and prevent food from sticking to the blade. They’re especially useful with wet or soft foods like fish, cheese, or vegetables.

Yes. Some single-bevel Japanese knives are made specifically for right- or left-handed use. Many universal knives, with a double bevel, work well for both.

European knives are sturdier, with thick, curved blades for rocking cuts and tough ingredients. Japanese knives have thinner, harder blades for clean, precise slicing—but they’re also more fragile. In short: Europeans are durable and versatile, Japanese are sharp and surgical.

Essential tools include good quality knives, cutting boards, pots and pans of various sizes, ladles, spatulas, whisks, and bowls. These tools allow you to easily handle most everyday cooking tasks.

It depends on the use: stainless steel is versatile and durable, cast iron retains heat well, aluminum is lightweight and has excellent heat conductivity, while ceramic offers a non-stick surface without chemicals.

Consider the material (stainless steel, aluminum, copper), compatibility with your stovetop, the number of pieces included, and ease of cleaning. A good set should be versatile and long-lasting.

Avoid using metal utensils on non-stick coatings, do not heat pots empty, and clean them with soft sponges. When storing, protect surfaces by stacking pots with cloths or separators to prevent scratches.

It’s important to wash them immediately after use, avoiding harsh detergents especially on delicate materials like wood or ceramic. Some tools are dishwasher safe, while others, like knives and special pots, should be hand washed. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Replace utensils when they show significant wear, such as deep scratches on non-stick surfaces, broken or deformed parts, or when the material emits unusual odors or substances.

Contact us! We can help you find the right utensil or suggest suitable alternatives for your needs.

The Due Cigni Hakuchō range introduces a design language closer to Japanese knife culture, prioritising precision, blade agility and control of the cutting motion. Its appeal therefore goes beyond an Eastern-inspired appearance and lies mainly in a cutting experience different from that of a heavier traditional European knife. A blade designed for precise cutting works through food while limiting crushing and tearing, a particularly valuable feature with delicate ingredients. Hakuchō is therefore suited to users who want to approach a more controlled and sensitive cutting technique.

Due Cigni knife cases and complete blocks make it possible to create an immediately coordinated set of knives for different functions. The main advantage is not simply buying several pieces together, but having complementary blades so that the correct tool can be used for each preparation. A knife block prioritises organisation and accessibility at a fixed workstation, while a case is designed for protection and transport. The choice therefore depends on the context of use and the number of knives that need to be stored or carried.

Due Cigni Hakuchō is particularly suitable for chefs and enthusiasts who appreciate agile, precise knives and prefer to let the edge do the work rather than applying excessive force. It is especially interesting for users who frequently prepare vegetables, fish and ingredients that benefit from clean cut surfaces. Its design does, however, require appropriate use: anyone needing a tool for bones, frozen foods or twisting actions should choose equipment specifically designed for heavier work.

Due Cigni knife cases are particularly useful for chefs, hospitality students and professionals who need to carry their knives between different workstations. They protect the blades and keep tools organised during transport. Complete Due Cigni knife blocks are better suited to home kitchens and fixed professional workstations where the main knives need to be readily available while remaining separated and protected.

Due Cigni Hakuchō knives are naturally suited to precision work: thin slicing, vegetable preparation, portioning delicate ingredients and cuts where smooth, regular surfaces are important. The shape of each knife naturally determines the most appropriate technique. The common objective is to exploit blade precision and smoothness while avoiding improper movements, lateral twisting and impacts against very hard materials.

It is better to assess the actual composition than simply choose the set with the largest number of pieces. A well-designed set should cover the tasks that are really performed: a versatile main knife, a small precision blade and one or more specialist tools depending on personal habits. Professionals should also consider the size and organisation of the case; with a knife block, available space, stability and ease of removing and replacing the knives become central.

A precision-oriented blade must be protected from uses that may damage its edge. Suitable cutting boards are particularly important; bones and frozen foods should be avoided, and the knife should never be used as a lever. When sharpening Due Cigni Hakuchō knives, the original geometry should be respected and work should be controlled. Hand washing, immediate drying and protected storage complete a maintenance routine designed to preserve precision and cutting quality.

Knives should be placed in a Due Cigni case or block only when they are perfectly clean and dry. Moisture trapped in the slots can create unfavourable conditions for both blades and the storage system. Blocks and cases should be cleaned periodically according to their respective materials. It is also useful to check that the slots are free from residues and that blades cannot come into contact with one another during storage or transport.

Due Cigni knives and accessories represent one of the most established expressions of Italian cutlery. Founded in Maniago, internationally recognised as Italy's cutlery capital, the company has been developing tools for professionals and enthusiasts for more than a century, with a focus on build quality, cutting precision and long-term reliability. Due Cigni's manufacturing philosophy balances traditional craftsmanship with technological innovation. Each knife is designed around its intended use, blade geometry, steel, handle ergonomics and overall balance. The aim is not simply to create a sharp blade, but a tool that feels natural, precise and comfortable even during extended use. One of Due Cigni's key strengths is the breadth of its range without losing a clear brand identity. The catalogue includes professional and domestic kitchen knives, table knives, specialist tools and accessories designed to complete the user experience. Across the range, Italian design, attention to finishing and practical functionality remain central. Choosing Due Cigni means choosing a brand that interprets the Italian cutlery tradition through a contemporary approach, creating tools designed to support everyday work with precision, reliability and elegance.

One of the main strengths of the Due Cigni range is its ability to meet very different needs while maintaining a consistent stylistic and quality identity. The catalogue includes chef's knives, Santoku knives, paring knives, bread and meat knives, table knives, specialist tools and a broad selection of accessories for a complete workstation. Each product family is developed around specific operating requirements. Steel selection, blade hardness, cutting geometry and handle materials are defined according to the intended use, seeking the best balance between precision, edge retention, ease of maintenance and comfort. Italian design is another distinctive feature. A Due Cigni knife is not conceived only as a technical tool, but as an object intended to be used and appreciated every day. Attention to finishes, proportions and construction details helps combine function with elegance. This approach allows Due Cigni to serve catering professionals, cooking enthusiasts and users who want knives capable of maintaining high performance over time while also offering strong aesthetic value.

Due Cigni knives are intended for a broad range of users because the different collections address significantly different needs. Chefs, restaurateurs and professional operators can choose models designed for frequent, prolonged use, while cooking enthusiasts can select series with more refined materials, finishes and design. They are also well suited to anyone wishing to build a complete knife set progressively. Rather than using one knife for every task, a chef's knife can be complemented by specific blades for bread, meat, vegetables or precision work, improving control and reducing effort. The breadth of the range also makes Due Cigni suitable for users who want to explore quality cutlery without adopting a single cutting tradition: the catalogue combines interpretations of Italian tradition, professional tools and solutions influenced by Japanese knife culture.

The Due Cigni range can cover virtually all major kitchen preparations when the blade geometry is matched to the ingredient and technique. Chef's knives suit general work with boneless meat, vegetables and herbs; smaller blades provide greater precision for peeling and finishing; serrated knives are suited to bread and foods with a firm crust or surface. Collections with thinner, more agile geometries are particularly effective when clean cuts are required on vegetables, fish and delicate ingredients. More substantial models favour stability and control in everyday preparation. Choosing the right knife improves more than precision: it reduces the force required, helps preserve the structure of the ingredient and makes cutting more fluid. The individual Due Cigni series should therefore be assessed in relation to personal cooking techniques rather than selected only by shape or appearance.