Hoshanho 16-Piece Knife Set (Brown Pakkawood Handle)

What steel type is used in these knives and how hard are the blades?

The knives are made from Japanese 10Cr15CoMoV high carbon stainless steel. After high-temperature forging, the blades achieve 58 HRC hardness, which provides excellent edge retention and durability. This steel offers strong resistance to stains and rust whilst maintaining sharpness through daily use. The high carbon content ensures the blades can achieve and maintain very sharp edges.

How sharp are these knives when they arrive and what cutting angle do they have?

The knives arrive extremely sharp with a precision 15-degree cutting angle achieved through advanced sharpening technology. This acute angle allows the blades to cut through tender meat, fish, fruits and vegetables with extreme precision without tearing food fibres. Many customers report being able to slice tomatoes and apples paper-thin straight from the box.

Are these knives dishwasher safe and how should I care for them?

No, these knives are not dishwasher safe and require hand washing to maintain their quality. The high-carbon steel and pakkawood handles can be damaged by dishwasher detergents and high temperatures. Hand wash with warm soapy water, dry immediately and store in the provided ventilated block. Use the included sharpening rod for regular maintenance.

What exactly comes in the 16-piece set?

The set includes: 8-inch chef knife, 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch carving knife, 7-inch santoku knife, 7-inch fillet knife, 6-inch utility knife, 3.75-inch paring knife, six 4.5-inch steak knives, kitchen shears, sharpening rod and a ventilated storage block. This provides comprehensive coverage for all kitchen cutting tasks from food preparation to dining.

What are the handles made from and are they comfortable to use?

The handles are crafted from high-density pakkawood, known for its hardness and resistance to cracking. They're ergonomically designed to fit palms perfectly, providing optimal grip and comfort. The design significantly reduces hand fatigue during extended use, making them suitable for both professional chefs and home cooks who do extensive food preparation.

How does the knife block storage system work?

The knife block features a ventilation design at the bottom that allows air circulation for proper long-term storage. This prevents moisture buildup that could damage blades or handles. The block keeps all knives organised, easily accessible and safely stored. The ventilation system is particularly important for maintaining the quality of the pakkawood handles and preventing rust.

Can these knives handle heavy-duty tasks like cutting through bones?

These knives are designed for precision cutting of meat, fish, fruits and vegetables rather than heavy-duty butchery. Whilst the 58 HRC hardness provides excellent durability for daily kitchen tasks, they're not intended for cutting through bones or frozen foods, which could damage the finely honed edges. Use appropriate knives for heavy-duty tasks to maintain blade quality.

Do I need any age verification to purchase this knife set?

Yes, age verification is required as these knives are not for sale to people under 18. Online age verification is required during purchase and photographic ID with date of birth may be required upon delivery. The delivery driver will input your year of birth and may require an ID check, though they cannot access this information after delivery is complete.