This knife is named after the Kotetsu, Japan's first ironclad warship. It was not originally created with this image in mind.

The design came from a pursuit for the ideal knife. Its shape must allow power to extend the length of the blade; must direct that force to the cutting edge; must fit the index finger on the peak, and meld the handle into the hand.

Continuous improvements and adjustments led to the evolution of a knife that resembled the Kotetsu's distinctive bow. Please try the sharpness of the Kotetsu knife. Test it on paper, or raw carrots. You will be impressed!