• ZDP189

  • ZDP189 is a premium stainless steel known for its unparalleled hardness, achieved through advanced powder metallurgy by Hitachi Metals.

ZDP189 Japanese Knife Collection

ZDP189 knives, handled by KIREAJI, feature a mirror-polished finish by Tadayoshi Yamatsuka, reflecting his traditional craftsmanship.

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    1. High-quality Japanese Knive

    We offer knives crafted by craftsmen from Sakai City.

    Honbazuke 
  • Honbazuke

    2. Genuine Sharpness

    To ensure you experience sharpness, we provide a free Honbazuke by our skilled craftsmen.

    Saya (Sheath) 

  • 3. Lifetime Knife Use

    Every knife comes with a free Saya(Sheath) for durability. We also provide paid after-sales services with Sakai City Japanese knife workshop.

    After services 
ZDP189-Gyuto-240mm-Mirror-Polished-both-sides

What is ZDP189?

ZDP189 is a premium stainless steel produced by Hitachi Metals, one of Japan's leading steel manufacturers. It contains 3% carbon and 20% chromium, achieving high hardness (up to 70 HRC) and excellent wear resistance, while also being resistant to rust. Particularly, in terms of hardness, which significantly affects the edge retention, ZDP189 is among the top-class steels for blades. Despite these strengths, it has drawbacks such as lower toughness, reduced corrosion resistance, and being difficult to sharpen. Utilizing these outstanding material properties, skilled craftsmen meticulously create each knife. Please enjoy the exceptional sharpness.

What is ZDP189?

Hitachi Metals' strongest powder steel, ZDP-189, boasts a hardness of 67 or higher, the highest of any known steel for cutting tools. It offers the ultimate combination of hardness, toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, due to its extreme hardness, ZDP-189 is difficult to sharpen with regular sharpening stones and is quite expensive.

Features of ZDP189

  • ZDP189

    World-Class Hardness

    ZDP189 is a high-hardness stainless steel developed by Hitachi Metals, Ltd. Due to its extremely high hardness, it maintains sharpness for extended periods.

  • Petty made from ZDP189

    Excellent Wear Resistance

    Thanks to its high hardness, ZDP189 exhibits superior wear resistance compared to conventional stainless steels, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.

  • Sharpening a knife

    Challenging to Handle

    ZDP189 is extremely hard, making it difficult to sharpen and unsuitable for beginners. Skilled technique is required for effective use.

Recommended Users for ZDP189

  • Professional Chefs and Knife Enthusiasts with Expertise

    Knives made with ZDP189, an extremely hard powdered metallurgy stainless steel, exhibit exceptional sharpness and maintain their edge even after prolonged use, making them ideal for professional chefs and knife aficionados. The sustained sharpness and precision cutting are significant advantages, especially in busy professional kitchens where knives are frequently used.

  • Users with Advanced Knife Sharpening Skills

    Due to the extreme hardness of ZDP189 knives, advanced sharpening techniques are required.

Common Questions about ZDP189

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What is ZDP-189?

ZDP-189 is a new type of blade steel manufactured using powder metallurgy technology. It has a uniform and fine microstructure, devoid of coarse carbides, which contributes to excellent edge retention. Additionally, it achieves high hardness of 66-68 HRC and superior wear resistance. With excellent corrosion resistance as well, it offers both exceptional sharpness and edge retention.

What are the precautions for handling ZDP189 knives?

Sharpening: ZDP189 is an extremely hard stainless steel, making self-sharpening difficult, although it can be done by skilled individuals.

Characteristics of ZDP189 knives: ZDP189 knives are made of stainless special steel with the highest level of hardness in the world, ensuring long-lasting sharpness due to their wear resistance. However, due to their hardness, there is an increased risk of edge chipping. Please be cautious when cutting frozen foods or hard objects like bones.

Please keep these precautions in mind for the safe use of ZDP189 knives.

Japanese Knife Materials

In the realm of Japanese knives, the choice of material plays a crucial role in performance and maintenance. This guide delves into the nuances of carbon and stainless steel, including popular variants like White Steel #2 and Blue Steel #2, and newer innovations like ZDP189 and Ginsan.

Japanese Knife Materials