Discover the story of the exceptional collaboration between the French brand Opinel and a Japanese master blacksmith. The combination of two cultures and two skills that gave rise to the unique limited edition N°10 knife .
OPINEL MEETS ATSUKO TOTSUKA-BLANCHET
Atsuko Totsuka-Blanchet is originally from Japan and now lives in France. She teaches cooking classes and sells items made in Japan. She is the founder of the Shiori concept, which selects items made by Japanese artisans and adapted to everyday life in France. These items focus on a ubiquitous Japanese concept: Yōnobi (斨の美), or functional beauty. A design value that Opinel values.
NIGARA HAMONO: 350 YEARS OF BLACKSMITHING
Atsuko searched for craftsmen in Hyogo, Osaka, Gifu and Niigata to work on the Opinel knife. She eventually chose Nigara Hamono in Aomori Prefecture to help bring this remarkable N°10 knife to life, bridging both cultures. The eighth generation of the family to forge swords for the samurai, she uses skills and techniques that have been passed down in the family for over 350 years.
EXCEPTIONAL VG7 STEEL
Nigara Hamono chose an exceptional multi-layered VG7 stainless steel for the blade. The hand-hammering process called Tsuchime creates an irregular surface on the blade that prevents wet foods from sticking. With a hardness of 63 HRC, it offers a remarkable cut and a blade that will last for years. The handle is made of flame maple, a light, naturally shimmering wood. The original maple sheath including branded tissue paper, which are part of the knife, make it a true collector's item.
