Wiki-Blade line

The blade line (hasen) refers to the line traced by the edge of a knife's blade. Below is an overview of its key characteristics:

Definition and Features

  • Determines the shape of the blade edge.
  • Directly affects the cutting performance and functionality of the knife.
  • Can be straight or curved, influencing the types of ingredients and tasks it is best suited for.

Importance

  • Cutting Performance: The shape of the blade line plays a crucial role in determining the sharpness of the knife.
  • Quality Assessment: Irregularities in the blade line are a key factor in evaluating the quality of a knife.
  • Efficiency: A well-designed blade line enables precise and efficient cutting tasks.

Blade Line Shapes

The optimal blade line shape depends on the knife's intended use and the ingredients being cut:

  • For sashimi knives (yanagiba), the blade line gently curves toward the tip, known as the "sori."

Maintenance

  • Proper sharpening techniques are essential to maintain the sharpness and shape of the blade line.
  • To preserve the blade line’s integrity, it’s important to consider the entire bevel, starting from the shinogi line, during sharpening.

The blade line is a critical factor in determining a knife’s performance. By maintaining the proper shape and sharpness, you can maximize the knife’s cutting efficiency and effectiveness.

Related websites
Decoding Japanese Knives: Understanding Parts and Names | KIREAJI