MIYABI IKI KNIVES
Premium Japanese Knives
The MIYABI IKI knife collection represents the pinnacle of MIYABI’s craftsmanship, sitting at the very top of the brand’s Japanese-made ranges. Each knife is handcrafted in Seki, Japan, through a highly specialised process involving more than 130 individual steps, carried out by master artisans who undergo specific training for the IKI series alone. The result is a collection defined by uncompromising precision, extreme hardness, and meticulous attention to detail.
At the core of each blade is ultra-hard MC66 MicroCarbide powder steel, CRYODUR ice-hardened to approximately 66 HRC. This exceptionally high hardness allows for extraordinary sharpness and long-lasting edge retention, while the blade itself is clad in 49 layers of steel, forming the exclusive Moonlight Damascus pattern unique to the IKI range. Finished with a hand-shaped black maple handle, each knife is individually balanced and matched to its blade, reinforcing the sense that these are crafted instruments rather than mass-produced tools. With just three blade shapes available, MIYABI IKI is intentionally focused, prioritising absolute performance over range breadth.
Key Features
- Hardness and Durability:Approximately 66 HRC, offering exceptional sharpness and edge retention at the highest level.
- Blade Construction: Ultra-hard MC66 MicroCarbide powder steel core with a 49-layer Damascus cladding.
- Blade Finish: Exclusive Moonlight Damascus pattern, unique to the IKI series, with a refined, artful grind.
- Handle Material & Design: Individually hand-shaped black maple handle, perfectly balanced to each blade.
- Knife Origin: Handmade in Seki, Japan, by specially trained MIYABI master artisans.
FAQs
Yes! Miyabi knives, including the Miyabi IKI range are indeed made by Zwilling in their state of the art manufacturing facilities in Seki, Japan
Absolutely, Miyabi knives including the Miyabi IKI range are forged, following a process that is deeply rooted in the centuries-old traditions of Japanese sword-making. This forging process is crucial in achieving the exceptional quality and performance that Miyabi knives are renowned for. During the forging process, high-grade steel is heated and shaped, resulting in a blade that is incredibly strong and durable. This technique also allows for precise control over the blade's geometry, edge sharpness, and overall balance.
Maintaining your Miyabi knives involves several essential practices to ensure they stay sharp, durable, and in top condition:
- Cleaning: Always wash your knives by hand with warm water and mild detergent immediately after use. It's important to avoid using the dishwasher, as the harsh environment can damage both the blade and the handle over time. After washing, dry the knives completely with a soft cloth to prevent any rust formation.
- Honing: Regular honing is key to keeping your knives sharp and maintaining their edge. Use a honing steel before or after each use to realign the blade's edge. Hold the steel vertically and gently slide the knife down and across the steel at a 20-degree angle.
- Sharpening: In addition to regular honing, your Miyabi knives will need periodic sharpening, typically once or twice a year depending on how frequently you use them. You can sharpen your knives using a whetstone, a handheld sharpener, or opt for professional sharpening services.
- Storage: Proper storage is crucial for the longevity of your knives. Store your Miyabi knives in a knife block, on a magnetic strip, or within protective sheaths. This not only prevents the blades from dulling but also helps avoid accidents. Storing knives in a drawer is not recommended, as they can easily get damaged.
- Cutting Surface: To maintain the sharpness of your knife edges, always use wooden or plastic cutting boards. Cutting on hard surfaces like glass, metal, or stone can quickly dull your knives.
- Avoid Misuse: Remember that these knives are specifically designed for cutting food. Avoid using them for any non-food related tasks, as this can damage the blade.
- Handle with Care: Always be mindful of the knife's balance and handle it with care. Avoid dropping or carelessly tossing your knives, as this can lead to damage to both the blade and the handle.
Shop at Cotswold Knife Company with confidence, knowing we are a verified stockist of Miyabi IKI knives.
OUR FIRST HAND IMPRESSION
Handling the MIYABI IKI knives in person, the level of precision is immediately apparent. Everything about the knife feels deliberate, from the way the blade meets the handle to the balance point when it rests in the hand. There’s a noticeable sense of focus to the design, with nothing feeling ornamental or unnecessary, which reflects the intensity of the craftsmanship behind the series.
In person, the Moonlight Damascus pattern has far more depth than images suggest. The layered steel reveals itself subtly as the light moves across the blade, giving it a quiet, refined character rather than a bold or decorative one. The black maple handle adds to this understated feel, sitting comfortably in the hand with a natural, organic texture that reinforces the individuality of each knife.
In use, the cutting edge feels exceptionally fine and responsive. The high hardness is evident in how effortlessly the blade moves through ingredients, rewarding a light, controlled technique rather than force. Despite the extreme sharpness, the knife feels stable and composed, encouraging confidence rather than caution. Taken as a complete collection, MIYABI IKI feels exacting and uncompromising, clearly designed for those who value precision, craftsmanship, and performance at the highest level.
