Jelle Hazenberg is a European knife maker held in particularly high regard within the high‑end kitchen knife community. This gyuto represents his ongoing exploration of forged geometry. It does not pursue performance through extreme thinness alone. Instead, it is shaped around a forged C‑profile hollow that determines how the blade behaves in use.
The steel selected is Spicy White 26C3. In many respects it may be viewed as a modern refinement of traditional Japanese Shirogami, retaining the same crisp edge characteristics while offering greater toughness. When heat treated correctly it reaches 65 HRC without becoming excessively brittle. Its edge retention is widely respected, and its sharpening response remains clean and precise.
The hollow is formed during forging, reducing drag and relieving pressure when moving through dense ingredients. The spine maintains strength and stability, while the edge remains fine and purposeful. This balance allows the knife to pass through food smoothly with minimal wedging, offering a controlled and composed cutting experience. The opposite face carries a subtle X‑grind, further refining the sensation of glide and enhancing the overall smoothness of the cut.
Spine taper is carefully considered. Thickness begins with presence near the handle and gradually reduces towards a fine and precise tip. This progression provides authority at the heel while preserving delicacy at the front, resulting in a balance that feels stable yet responsive.
The handle is sculpted with a distinctive ergonomic curvature, allowing it to settle naturally in the hand. Gidgee introduces warmth and depth, while the pale mammoth ivory ferrule offers subtle contrast without distraction. Together they complement the blade’s structural character and maintain a sense of cohesion throughout the piece.
Specification:Tip to Heel: 243 mmFull Length: 375 mmMaximum Blade Height: 62 mmSpine Thickness: 3.5 > 0.8 mmWeight: 232 gOrigin: IrelandBevel: Double (Hollow Forged & X-Grind)Steel Core: 26C3 Spicy WhiteHardness: 65 HRCCorrosion Resistance: LowHandle: Gidgee / Mammoth ivory