knives

These are a pair of Shun knives that were gifted to the restaurant where I work. They were set down in front of me with the instructions “try these out and let me know what you think”. I thought they were a mirage, that my eyes had manifested my heart’s desire. I had to touch them to believe that they were real.

My Preciousss is from the Ken Onion series. The sweeping curve of her blade is formed from 32 layers of high-carbon SS clad over a VG-10 core with a Damascus finish that resembles a fine woodgrain or moire. A stunning work of art and craft. The sensual curve of her ergonomic handle found a natural home in my hand. With the perfectly fluid balance of her weight, I felt the power of a Samurai. I never wanted to put her down, but there were others waiting. I watched like a jealous lover.

Vicious is a hollow ground Santoku from the Classic series and features the same blade composition with a Pakkawood handle. Compared to My Preciousss, he felt stiff and rigid in my hand. I gave Vicious his name after he bit me twice in succession. They were superficial cuts, just deep enough to make me wince when pinching salt. I think he felt jilted for being picked last. Or maybe he was also a jealous lover.

Vicious and I are now friends. I find myself reaching for him more often than My Preciousss; his lighter weight and straighter blade makes him more versatile for slicing and chopping. He’s reminded me of something that I already knew: that knives, like people, should be regarded and handled as individuals.