Gyuto • 210 mm • 1K6 • Japanese handle of burnt oak  • for both left- and right-handed use

Features of the Enkoku series

A term that is used a lot in Japan and that really appeals to me is "Shibui (渋い) ". Shibui refers to a certain aesthetic beauty of simplicity. That is how I describe our Enkoku series, subtle in design and appearance. The kanji Ryu Jin is refined in the logo and enhances the beauty of the knife itself.

This in combination with the 1k6 steel, which is forged slightly harder than our other mono steels, gives this a perfectly performing knife. Burnt oak octave handle, which is slightly heavier, ensures that the knife is nicely balanced on the bolster. This distinguishes the Enkoku series from a large part of other Japanese knives with octave handles, which always have the center of gravity more at the front and which we as Western users often have to get used to.

Elwin de Veld on Daishin Ryujin

Shosaka Motomiya, the president of Ryujin, explained to us in detail how the name Ryujin came about. 'Ryu' means dragon and 'Jin' translates as God. Shosaku san, the founder of Daishin, really wanted to launch a knife brand from Tsubame city, where he was born and raised. In Tsubame there is a temple called: 'Echigo Ichinomiya Yahiko Shrine'. The legend that is honored here tells us that after great losses in the battles, a sword was offered to Emperor Jinmu (the first emperor of Japan), with which the emperor defeated the crisis and also many opponents after that. Thanks to this sword, many crafts have emerged in the Tsubame region, including knife makers. In addition, it is said about the emperor that Jinmu was a god, who wore dragon scales on his skin, which would protect him. The sword is still the source for the knives that are still made with great dedication in the region today, President Honomiya said.