The ultimate steel hardness
All knives are graded for hardness. The harder the steel in the blade, the longer the knife stays sharp for and the more exquisite the cutting edge feels.
In contrast, the softer the steel, the quicker it blunts and it doesn’t ‘feel’ as sharp, even when it’s brand new out of the box.
For many years, knife manufacturers have been trying to use increasingly harder steel in order to achieve the ultimate cutting edge. The hardness of stainless steel is measured on a scale called Rockwell; Rockwell 62 º (also known as HRC62) being the highest grade commercially available. However, the brittleness of such hard steel has always been a limiting factor – therefore knife manufacturers have had to stop short of what is considered ‘the ultimate steel hardness for a knife’.
Standard single layer Japanese knives will typically rate at between Rockwell 54 -58 º. This is the outer limit of steel production as any higher would result in snapping or chipping of the blade if misused.
The ultimate cutting edge
I.O.Shen Mastergrade knives have overcome this problem by using a layer of extremely hard Japanese steel (Rockwell 62º), which is sandwiched between two layers of softer stainless steel (Rockwell 10º), to produce the ultimate cutting edge. The softer layers add a protective shock absorbing element to the blade, whilst the HRC62 steel which runs through the middle is exposed at the edge of the blade to ensure that your knife is the sharpest blade that can possibly be manufactured.
Click here for an article published in the The Guardian about how I.O.Shen knives came to be……
Click here for Take Stock magazine article on I.O.Shen.
CATRA (The Culinary & Allied Trades Research Association) are world renowned for their steel testing and consultancy services. I.O.Shen knives have been tested and certified as “Excellent” for initial cut and longevity of cutting edge.
Like working with a piece of art
What distinguishes I.O.Shen knives from other Japanese knives (apart from the Triplex Steel Technology) is that the handles have more of a Western influence.
Most, if not all, Japanese knives are very light and have metal, bamboo or wooden handles. I.O.Shen handles are heavier and have the weight of a traditional German knife with the added benefit of Japanese steel which has been honed to a 15 º angle.
The handles also have a very distinctive Tai Tang pattern in the handle, making them a stylish knife choice. Chef Felice Tocchini says that using I.O.Shen knives is “…like working with a piece of art”.
Launched in 2004, I.O.Shen Mastergrade knives are now established as a firm favourite with chefs and budding amateurs alike.
A force to be reckoned with!
With some wonderful testimonials and amazing Press and TV coverage – you are sure to find the right knife for the job. We were once hailed in one of the Sunday tabloids for being “The Luke Skywalker light sabre of chef’s knives”.
In 2007, I.O.Shen won the converted Excellence in Housewares Award (equivalent to an industry Oscar!) and we were finalists again in 2011.
The range was voted for by a panel of experts who recognised that the combination of an amazing cutting edge, a uniquely designed handle and astonishing price points could only mean that I.O.Shen was a force to be reckoned with!
Dont just take our word for it either! Here’s what Soho Knives (Dennys) have to say about I.O.Shen: Click here for I.O.Shen review
We have High Street stockists all over the Great Britain and on-line partners. Also a great big thank you to all our Facebook and Twitter followers.
Thanks for all your support! Big love – the I.O.Shen team xx
Sharp talking
Chef’s Knife 8″ / 21cm – An excellent, well balanced and comfortable knife. Versatile enough for day-to-day tasks, and attractive to stand out during presentations and demonstrations. Service from the team sparkles as do the blades.
The IOShen Filleting Knife can fillet a Lemon Sole or Plaice in 3 mins with this beauty. A wonderful knife, like holding a matchstick, every cut is a breeze.
Chef’s Knife 8″ / 21cm – This knife is just phenomenal. I am fairly new to IO SHEN but i am now hooked. This knife is just purely better than the rest. Also, Natalie’s knowledge and passion is simply unmatched by any other supplier i have ever dealt with both food and non-food. I WILL NEVER LOOK AT ANOTHER BRAND AGAIN.
Extra Long Bread Knife – Unlike many serrated bread knives I’ve tried over my professional career, this knife will cut the softest or crustiest of breads with ease and precision.
Filleting Knife – I have a fish restaurant and I hammer this beauty. I absolutely hammer it. The balance and weight are perfect, there’s just enough flexibility in the blade and I wave a steel in its vague direction about once every 6 months. I love it. I’d get a room with it if that wouldn’t be weird.
Oriental Slicer – One of the best I have used. It is so versatile you just don’t want to use any other knife. Even my wife loves it and she is not in to knives. If you are looking for a knife that does everything, get this knife.
Double-sided Magnetic Knife Block Set – I evaluated a number of makes and types of knife before opting purchase the I.O.Shen knife block. This is a great value way of buying 4 excellent knives with a stylish storage block.
I have been very impressed with the I.O.Shen range. The weight and balance of each knife is perfect. This coupled with super sharp blades means you can prepare a wide range of ingredients confidently, quickly and accurately.
Preparation time has also been reduced as a result of better knife skills and there is a definite improvement in my presentation, too.
I was so impressed with the knives provided with the block, I have added the Mai Peng 10th Anniversary and Broad Blade Shredding knives to my collection.
I managed to damage the blade on my pairing knife. I.O.Shen provided prompt and courteous service, restoring the blade to its former glory.
Outstanding products, outstanding service and support!!!
How did I manage without these knives before ????!
Oriental Slicer – The one big problem with this knife is that it is SO versatile, SO useful that it’s hard to justify buying more IO Shen knives. It does it all, I’ve had mine for 5-6 years, sharpened it once & it is still razor sharp. The perfect way to start a happy addiction. If you have one you don’t need more knives but you do NEED more (I’ve got 3 others).
Mai Peng 10th Anniversary Gift Set – Was given the set as an anniversary present, and was even more surprised to see that it had been engraved as well.
The Mai Peng has become a firm favourite very quickly, and I’ll reach for it for chills, ginger and onions in preference to the paring or Sahm Kohm.
Chef’s Knife 8″ / 21cm – A ridiculously strong and reliable chefs knife that seems to want you to put near enough no effort at all into cutting an amazing knife for all levels of experience.