These carbon steel knives are like that of years ago. Sharp, sturdy, and very easy to sharpen, carbon steel knives require a bit more care.  They will change in color from silver to gray and should be washed and dried by hand after using.  It is the high carbon content in this line of knives that causes the color change and is also responsible for making these knives so easy to sharpen.

Kikuichi has a long and distinguished history. Although they have been producing superior cutlery for more than a hundred years, the origin of their company lies some seven hundred years ago. For most of their history they manufactured Samurai swords that bore the Emperor's Chrysanthemum symbol as a mark of their excellence. Today, their ancestor's swords are considered national treasures in Japan. Kikuichi uses the same techniques used for making swords in their cutlery manufacturing and the results are amazing. Unlike ordinary stainless steel knives and scissors, the sharpness of their high-quality, handcrafted products is easily maintained. All Kikuichi knives come gift boxed with sharpening and care instructions.