Masaharu Morimoto never goes into battle on the popular cooking show, Iron Chef, without his custom-made knives that are produced by master craftsmen in Japan in accordance with his specifications. These knives are the leading weapons in his arsenal with which he pioneers his globally famous "new world cuisine." The handles are deer horn and each of the knives retail for between $4,000 and $5,000. A $30,000 custom engraved sword is part of his collection of over 80 knives, many of which he wields as Chef Morimoto all over the world. For Morimoto "cutting boards and knives are sacred." His knives are of the highest standards, created with the traditional methods of samurai sword making. It is craftsmanship that goes back for many centuries. Today only 50% of all knives use forged steel (Hitukuri). From a select pool of Hitukuri knives, Morimoto has chosen the finest, thus giving birth to the Morimoto Signature knives that represent the upper limit in modern cutlery. Limited quantities of Morimoto Signature knives are produced in a meticulous ten step manual process. Top quality high carbon steel is hot-drop forged for exceptional balance and strength, heated to 1850 degrees F, tempered, and hardened in ice and water (Mizuhonyaki) to enhance the ability to hold a delicate edge. The steel is then ground three separate times, assembled, polished, and finally honed by hand for a cutting edge so sharp it's absolutely unrivaled by almost all top quality European knives. The entire knife, including the tang and heel, is forged from one piece of steel to provide extra power and control. Durable high quality Karin (Chinese quince) knotwood handles are ergonomically designed for more comfort and effortless cutting. There are very few sources in the world that can produce knives of this stature: Morimoto's craftsmen are the best at the Mizuhonyaki style. The joy of using a superior grade knife is something wonderful that cannot be experienced with most commercially available knives. Cutting with Morimoto's Signature Knives requires substantially less effort, yet they provide greater speed and maneuverability. You feel as though they are an extension of your arm and are free to concentrate on the precision, rather than on any effort. Equally important, is the affect on food. Morimoto's Signature Knives employ a leading edge technology that allows you to cut into food without crushing the cells at the sliced area. This improves the ability of the food to absorb flavors during preparation. Morimoto's passion for perfection and innovation led him over the years to seek out and collaborate with a team of gifted Japanese artists that are able to forge Morimoto Signature knives. They employed the amazing workmanship of the East to create western style knives to Morimoto's specifications. Morimoto is proud to bring to you the pure pleasure of using these culinary tools that he considers works of perfection.