After years of the collaborative work
with the KnifeForums "In the Kitchen" members and the premier
knifemaker, Mr.Ichiro Hattori, we are proud to
release our first JCK Original, FH Series Hattori /
Forums high end Chef's
knives.
This was the project to design the most
practical Kitchen knives by the knife enthusiasts for the
knife enthusiasts, and we all got together to
brainstorm the best sizes, shapes, balances etc for each
knife. We have then finally determined 15 models of the most
essential knife designs, and chosen Mr. Ichiro Hattori
to make these knives to ensure the world's finest
quality.
However, it was difficult for Hattori to make 15
different models at one time, due to his limited capacity for
the highest quality hand made knives, so we have
decided to go first with the popular 8 models. For
the blade steel, we have selected VG-10 Cobalt steel
for the regular line and Cowry X powdered
steel for the upgrade line. We will introduce
Cowry X upgrade versions
later.
For
the handle material, the Black Linen Micarta was
chosen for durability with solid stainless steel bolster and
rivets. Each handle is hand contoured to fit
your hand comfortably, and the full tang is
tapered down for the perfect weight
balance.
Handle Pic from the side
Handle pic from the bottom (Tapered tang for weight balance)
Handle Pic from the top
With these specifications, Mr. Hattori
came up with the hand made prototypes in February,
2006, and we have sent these protos to the Forums
members for testing. According to the feedbacks of the
testing results, some final modifications and improvements
have been made, and the production has been arranged with
Hattori.
These knives were produced
in very small batches to ensure a high level of
quality and performance. Every detail in
design and manufacture has been taken into consideration from
the special heat treat process, to the hand
shaped Micarta handle and to the balance, ergonomics and
profile of each knife.
After long waiting for
over a year, Hattori has finally completed first 20Pcs. each
of the 8 models in May, 2007, and shipped out these knives to
the Forums members who were involved with this development.
The reactions were terrific!!We have
received many thanks letters saying these are the best knives
they ever had.
Now, we got the
second batch from Hattori, and are pleased to
bring these fine knives available for sales to the JCK
customers. It is assured that you will find
these knives to be the finest semi-custom chef knives
available today.
Again, many thanks to the KnifeForums members and Mr.Hattori for their collabortive
effort, and also to the valued JCK customers for their continued support
to make it possible to create this finest JCK Original products.
Koki & Jemmy Iwahara
Special thanks to the Knifeforums member, Bob Worthington for his excellent leadership and effort as a mediator.
Here is his story
how this big project has started two yeas ago.
written by KnifeForums member Bob
Worthington
Each knife comes with handsome presentation box. With Deep Marine Blue silk
interior enhances this high end knife, and can be displayed on your
kitchen table in open position, when not in use.
UP!! Factory Report !! When I visited Hattori to pick
up some Hattori-Forum Santoku knives, Mr. Ichiro Hattori was working on hand
contouring Forums Cleaver knife handles, so I took some pictures at work.
He told me this is one of the most time consuming
process in the Forums production. He pays special attentions to grind each
side symmetrically. Each time he grinds a little by little with different
sizes and angles wheels, he holds it and grinds repeatedly to ensure the
most comfortable grip.
While watching this long process, I felt his insistence to every detail and realized this is why his knife differs from others and the production is very limited with longer leadtime.
His same insistence goes to the blade finishing too.
He showed me 3 different grits buffing belts which he uses to finish the
blade surface (he called it "Shira-Togi" finish).
This is only a few steps I saw in hundreds of the
manufacturing steps to complete and deliver your Forums knives. When
I had more chance to see other steps in future, I will report it's exciting
moment again.
UP!!Hattori Forums FH Series
Special
Editions
Cocobolo wood Handle version & Ebony wood
handle version
Cocobolo Wood Handle Version
Ebony Wood Handle Version
We have worked with Hattori to produce natural wood handle version
which makes different taste from the first models (First models "
Linen Micarta Handle Version" has extra durability, water resistance,
secured grip and unique layered pattern).
With Hattori's advice, we have selected Cocobolo wood and Ebony wood.
The Cocobolo wood has a light brown color with unique & beautiful natural
woodgrain textures. The African Ebony wood has an elegant look of
dark & simple textures.Hattori's fine custom hand working process can be seen on its well hand
contoured and perfect shaped handle.
Mr. Hattori believes that the comfortable and well balanced handles are
as important as the good blades, so he pays a special attention to the
details of not only for the outside looks, but also for the durability
against crack and shrinkage that may happen in a long range of use on these
natural materials. Before assembling and shaping the handle slabs, each
selected wooden block is stabilized in the boiled wax for 3 hours, and
then cut into two pieces for matching woodgrain patterns for both sides.
In fact, when I first saw and gripped it in my hand, I felt something warmness
and comfortable sense of touch with this hand shaped natural wood handle.
Now you can select your favorite handle version from 3 kinds of handle
(Linen Micarta Handle or Cocobolo Wood Handle or Ebonywood Handle) through
the Shopping Cart.
