KOTAI Tsubame Knives

Across the range, most of the knives use a distinctive "reverse Tanto" or K-tip profile, which gives a more precise point than a classic rounded blade and suits detailed prep as well as everyday chopping and slicing. The Kiritsuke and Bunka Santoku both carry that K-tip, while the paring knife takes a spear-tip shape for close, off-the-board work. From the Kiritsuke to the Bunka Santoku and paring knife, each shape is built for a specific role while sharing the same materials and character.

What defines the KOTAI Tsubame range is the balance between precision and everyday capability. The blades are forged with Japanese 1K6 high-carbon stainless steel, which pairs a high carbon content for hardness and edge retention with enough chromium for corrosion resistance, and are hardened to HRC 59 +/-1. That places the collection above the softer, more forgiving end of the market while keeping it practical to maintain. Finished with a hammered Tsuchime surface, fitted with ergonomic black pakkawood handles and built with a full tang running to the base of the handle, the range is designed to feel sharp, balanced and durable in daily use. A lifetime warranty underlines the intent that these are knives to keep.