HAP40 is what CKTG has been calling Voodoo Steel for years - a powdered high-speed semi-stainless alloy from Hitachi Metals that holds its edge three to five times longer than traditional carbon or stainless steels. At 65-66 HRC, it is harder than Aogami Super and SG2, fine-grained enough to take a razor-sharp edge, and semi-stainless enough to handle daily kitchen use without the reactive surface care that carbon demands. The Kohetsu HAP40 Western line brings that steel into a familiar western handle format - full tang mahogany with stainless bolster and three rivets - made exclusively for CKTG by the Tsukahara family in Seki City, Japan.
The kiritsuke at 240mm uses the same gyuto profile as the rest of the HAP40 Western line - the tip area is hand-ground after forging to produce the clipped tanto angle that gives the kiritsuke its distinctive aggressive profile. The result is a knife with the versatility and board coverage of a 240mm gyuto plus the fine, precise tip that handles detail work a rounded blade cannot manage cleanly. At 6.5oz, it is well-balanced for extended prep sessions. The thin grind lets the blade pass through food with minimal resistance, and the 60/40 asymmetric edge works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Stainless san-mai cladding over the HAP40 core keeps daily maintenance simple. The mahogany western handle with stainless bolster and three rivets is well executed - full tang construction, comfortable across grip styles, and finished to a professional standard. CKTG is the only source for the Kohetsu HAP40 line.
Care Instructions: HAP40 is a semi-stainless steel - hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only and avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials that could chip the edge. Sharpen on quality water stones; HAP40 sharpens more readily than most powdered steels but rewards a consistent angle and light pressure. Strop regularly between sharpenings to maintain peak performance. The extraordinary edge retention means sharpening sessions are less frequent than with any other steel in the Kohetsu lineup.Brand: Kohetsu
Exclusive: CKTG Exclusive - Available Only at CKTG
Blacksmith: Tsukahara Family
Location: Seki City, Japan
Construction: Laser Cut, San Mai
Edge Steel: HAP40 Semi Stainless (Powdered High Speed Steel)
Cladding: Stainless Steel
HRC: 65-66
Edge Grind: 60/40 Asymmetric Double Bevel
Etching: Acid Etched Kanji
Handle: Mahogany Western - Full Tang
Bolster: Stainless Steel
3 Stainless Rivets
Weight: 6.5 oz (184 g)
Blade Length: 235 mm
Total Length: 360 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
Blade Height: 50 mm
The kiritsuke at 240mm uses the same gyuto profile as the rest of the HAP40 Western line - the tip area is hand-ground after forging to produce the clipped tanto angle that gives the kiritsuke its distinctive aggressive profile. The result is a knife with the versatility and board coverage of a 240mm gyuto plus the fine, precise tip that handles detail work a rounded blade cannot manage cleanly. At 6.5oz, it is well-balanced for extended prep sessions. The thin grind lets the blade pass through food with minimal resistance, and the 60/40 asymmetric edge works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Stainless san-mai cladding over the HAP40 core keeps daily maintenance simple. The mahogany western handle with stainless bolster and three rivets is well executed - full tang construction, comfortable across grip styles, and finished to a professional standard. CKTG is the only source for the Kohetsu HAP40 line.
Care Instructions: HAP40 is a semi-stainless steel - hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only and avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials that could chip the edge. Sharpen on quality water stones; HAP40 sharpens more readily than most powdered steels but rewards a consistent angle and light pressure. Strop regularly between sharpenings to maintain peak performance. The extraordinary edge retention means sharpening sessions are less frequent than with any other steel in the Kohetsu lineup.
