The Japanese culture is embedded in their society for centuries now. There is no question about their ways of living and passing on the values of life to future generations. One thing the Japanese are great at is their lifestyle, which includes very healthy food. As soon as Japanese food became all the rage internationally, the techniques to make them also became popular.
Chefs around the world followed the techniques to make Japanese food and so the interest in investing in Japanese knives increased. Japanese knives are manufactured using the ancient sword forging techniques and are the best ones in the world. Marusho Kogyo’s kitchen and pocketknives are made at a professional level using the ancient techniques and modern technology. Most swordsmiths belong to Seki city where the art of forging swords began. The company of Zanmai is also located in Seki city that has a history of about 800 years.
The Story of Zanmai
The ancestor of Zanmai family moved to Seki City and started making swords like most blacksmiths in the city during the Kamakura era. He ensured that the swords he was forging were made with high quality sword clay, and used pine charcoal in the furnace. He also sourced pure water from the Nagara and Tsubo rivers to ensure uniqueness and quality in his swords. Since the city offers ideal temperatures for sword making, many blacksmiths gathered there to do their work.
In the Muromachi period, there were around 300 different, very talented swordsmiths in the area and the Seki sword gained popularity around the country. The Samurai sword became famous around the world for being sharp and durable since it does not break or bend with excessive use. Since its popularity, Seki City is still well known for producing high quality kitchen knives, scissors, nail clippers, and even razors. The city also exports cutlery around the world making cooking a breeze.
ZANMAI Kitchen Knives
The manufacturing process of Zanmai knives is what makes it unique. Each piece is cut using a laser machine that ensures precision and shape of the knife. Before a piece is crafted out of a blade to fit a particular shape, the blade is forged using the same ancient technique. Hammering and other forging techniques are still used in the Zanmai factory.
The manufacturing process also includes the grinding machine that ensures each piece is grinded to the perfect kitchen knife. The brand focuses on ensuring high quality while keeping the end user in mind. Every piece that you will see and use speaks volumes about the history and the perfect fusion of ancient techniques and modern technology.
Best 5 ZANMAI Knives
Following is the list of highly recommended products of Zanmai that will not only bring delight to your cooking but will also add beauty to your kitchen.
1. Zanmai Ultimate Rough Wave Santoku 180mm
The total length of this all-purpose knife is 330mm with a blade length of 180mm. It weighs about 175g that makes it very comfortable to work with. The Santoku knives manufactured in Japan are made for cutting meat and vegetables that ensures maximum taste. The handle is made to perfection with rosewood so it lasts long.
2. Zanmai Revolution Small Santoku 150mm
This Santoku knife from the revolution series has a different shape that is highly popular among new chefs around the world. The overall length of the knife is 330mm with the blade length only 150mm, which is slightly less than the rough wave series. This knife is ideal for aspiring chefs who wish to learn the art of making delicious food. You can also buy this one as a gift with the name of future owner of the knife engraved on the blade.
3. Zanmai Classic Damascus Santoku 180mm
The classis Damascus knife made by Zanmai has some great reviews when it comes to it functionality and beauty. The length of the knife is about 316mm with the blade being 180mm. The weight of the knife is slightly higher because of the ceramic handle. If you wish to purchase this knife with a lighter handle you can get one in black handle that will weigh about 190g. A ceramic handle will be 192g.
4. Zanmai Ultimate Rough Wave Chef’s Knife 180mm
The ultimate rough wave chef’s knife is a beautiful piece that every chef must have in their collection. The waves embossed on the blade is proof of the ancient techniques used by Japanese in the Seki City. The total length of the knife is 330mm with the blade length being 180mm. The weight of this knife is 165g.
5. Zanmai Supreme Hammer Eye Chef’s Knife 210mm
This knife is perfect for creating delicate Japanese food and steaks. Although it is advised not to use the knife while the meat is frozen as, it can damage the blade. The knife is ideal for professional restaurants that offer delicate and special meals to their customers. The 210mm long blade is non-corrosive and the handle is very comfortable to use.
ZANMAI Knives Reviews
According to real users of the Zanmai kitchen knife, the experience has been delightful. According to Mike in Spain, the Zanmai knives provide the “beautility” of Japanese knives. Beautility is a word introduced by a website that defines the beauty and usefulness of a kitchen knife. And Zanmai does just that.
According to another user based in United States, the balance of the knife is amazing making cooking easy and fun. She also gifted the knife to her spouse who loves to cook delicate food for the whole family using the Zanmai Damascus knife.
Another user points out the Zanmai knife’s ability to chop, dice and cut vegetables and fruits professionally. The blade is sharp with the handle made of ceramic to provide comfort to the user while using it for longer periods. According to her, the knife is excellent and does not need any more words to validate its quality.
Where to Buy ZANMAI Knives
You can buy the entire collection of Zanmai knives with all their variations at Marusho Official Shop. They have the entire collection of Japanese knives including various others available. They offer low delivery rates with the quality ensured with every purchase. If you wish to gift the knives to a loved one, you can request them to write a message or a name on the handle of the knife. This process takes an additional week for the delivery of the knife.
Summary
Adding the Zanmai knife to your kitchen utensils is a great addition that will increase your efficiency in the kitchen. The large collection of Zanmai knives adds value to your cooking skills with a different style and fit to suit your needs. Invest in a Zanmai kitchen knife today so it can last you generations to come.
