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Tualatin, OR – August 5, 2009 - Kai USA Ltd. hires Kurt Zanner as Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Housewares Division, reporting to Jack Igarashi, effective June 8. This is a new position. Zanner joins the Housewares Division sales management team that includes Marc Wade, National Sales Manager and Jason Ledbetter, Regional Sales Manager.
“Mr. Zanner is a veteran housewares executive who brings to the position a wealth of experience in the industry,” said Mr. Igarashi. “We’re pleased to have hired him to help take our housewares division to next level.”
Zanner has worked in the housewares industry for 26 years, most recently with KitchenArt and just prior to that, Lamson & Goodnow.
KAI Corporation, a family-owned company located in Seki City, Japan, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008. It is privately held and is run by Mr. Koji Endo, the third generation to run the company. KAI is the major manufacturer and distributor of disposable razors, surgical tools, personal care products and housewares in Japan.
In the United States, KAI has established several brand names all controlled by the Kai USA, Ltd. division run by Jack Igarashi. The brands managed by Kai USA, Ltd. are Shun cutlery and housewares, Kershaw sporting knives and Zero Tolerance military knives. |
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Tualatin, OR – Gourmet Show, August 2009 - Kai USA Ltd presents Pure Komachi 2, a collection of brilliantly colored, exceedingly sharp knives that are purely delightful, fun, and creative. The Pure Komachi 2 collection of 12 open stock knives each retail for just $7.95 to $9.95. Each knife is a different vivid color so cooks can use color-coding to guard against cross-contamination of food. The Pure Komachi 2 nine-piece set retails for $89.95 and is fabulously modern, a departure from the bulky, heavy European block sets.
The high-carbon stainless steel blades provide a razor-sharp edge while the colorful coatings on the blades make it easy to choose the right knife for the right job from the clear acrylic knife block.
The brilliant colors are achieved by bonding a food-safe, FDA-approved liquid color coat to high-carbon stainless-steel blades. The food-safe coating offers more then just fashion and color-coding. It resists corrosion, is easy to clean and glides right through foods. The Pure Komachi 2 color-matched handles are lightweight and ergonomically shaped for a comfortable grip.
The Pure Komachi 2 Nine-piece set in the Acrylic block includes the following knives: paring, tomato, citrus, bagel/sandwich, multi utility, santoku, 8inch chef, and bread knife.
KAI Corporation, a family-owned company located in Seki City, Japan, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008. It is privately held and is run by Mr. Koji Endo, the third generation to run the company. KAI is the major manufacturer and distributor of disposable razors, surgical tools, personal care products and housewares in Japan.
In the United States, KAI has established several brand names all controlled by the Kai USA, Ltd. division run by Jack Igarashi. The brands managed by Kai USA, Ltd. are Shun cutlery and housewares, Kershaw sporting knives and Zero Tolerance military knives.
Contact Kurt Zanner, Housewares Div. - Kai USA Ltd., 18600 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062, Phone: 800-325-2891 x1145, kurt@kai-usa.com, www.shuncutlery.com |
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Tualatin, OR – Gourmet Show 2009 – Shun Higo Nokami, or Higo, is the ultimate gentlemen’s personal knife. From Kai, this beautifully crafted, folding knife, is small in size but is exceedingly strong. Whether it is used as a tastefully handsome pocketknife or a personal steak knife, Higo is luxurious and graceful. Higo is considered the first Japanese pocketknife, yet its design dates back over 150 years.
Higo begs to be taken to the finest of restaurants. It slices steak with ease and can provoke envy from dining companions. Higo features a razor sharp blade that tenaciously holds an edge.
The 6inch long knife smoothly folds into a 3.5inch slender size that fits nicely into a suit pocket. Higo is packaged with a sumptuous leather sheath and a black lacquered presentation case. It is the gift of understated elegance.
Higo made by Kai features an inlaid Japanese family crest and the simple elegant lines one would expect from a fine Japanese knife. It retails for $99.95. KAI Corporation, a family-owned company located in Seki City, Japan, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008. It is privately held and is run by Mr. Koji Endo, the third generation to run the company. KAI is the major manufacturer and distributor of disposable razors, surgical tools, personal care products and housewares in Japan
In the US market, Kai has established several brand names all controlled by the KAI USA, Ltd. division run by Jack Igarashi. Mr. Igarashi changed a once struggling division into one of the most successful competitors in the market today by building a strong management team and developing brand awareness. The brands managed by KAI USA, Ltd. are Kershaw sporting knives, Shun cutlery and housewares, and Zero Tolerance military knives.Contact Kurt Zanner, Housewares Div. - Kai USA Ltd., 18600 SW Teton Ave., Tualatin, OR 97062, Phone: 800-325-2891 x1145, kurt@kai-usa.com, www.shuncutlery.com |
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Tualatin, OR-In a time when true connoisseurs are often seen toting their own steak knives into high-end restaurants, it has become increasingly apparent that just cooking a good steak is not enough to maximize the diner’s pleasure. In the past, steak knives have been serrated in order to maintain their sharpness, which tore the meat and turned what was once a juicy, delicious meal into something dry and stringy. Switching to a fine-edge blade meant the knife would dull quickly on the ceramic plate. Always an innovator in the cutlery market, Shun has created the Ultimate answer to the steak knife quandary.
By designing a knife with both a 16-degree blade angle and a low frequency serration, Shun has created a product that will slice a steak cleanly and beautifully, without dulling when it touches the plate. The result is both a delicious, juicy bite of steak, and amazing edge retention. Similar to the top-selling Ultimate Utility, the knife’s serration has a wavy profile, so there is more cutting edge per inch of blade than with a straight edge knife. The U-Steak Knife boasts the VG-10 cutting core which has made Shun Classic cutlery renowned among knife enthusiasts. The stainless steel clad-Damascus technology provides durability and corrosion resistance, as well as a beautiful woodgrain pattern on the blade. Restaurants such as the SW Steak House at the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas have already chosen the Ultimate as their steak knife of choice.
The Ultimate Steak knife can be purchased in a 4-piece set with a beautiful bamboo presentation box and is available at Crate and Barrel, as well as gourmet retailers nationwide. The suggested retail price is $450. Like all Shun cutlery, this knife is protected by a limited lifetime warranty.
ABOUT KAI USA, MAKERS OF SHUN KNIVES:
KAI Corporation, a family-owned company located in Seki City, Japan, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008. It is privately held and is run by Mr. Koji Endo, the third generation to run the company. KAI is the major manufacturer and distributor of disposable razors, surgical tools, personal care products and housewares in Japan.
In the US market, Kai has established several brand names all controlled by the KAI USA, Ltd. division run by Jack Igarashi. Mr. Igarashi changed a once struggling division into one of the most successful competitors in the market today by building a strong management team and developing brand awareness. The brands managed by KAI USA, Ltd. are Kershaw sporting knives, Shun cutlery and housewares, and Zero Tolerance military knives.
The Shun Housewares division was started in December of 2002. Today, the Housewares team has built the division to be the premium innovative brand in the cutlery category at accounts like Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, Sur la Table, and Bed Bath & Beyond as well as gourmet retailers nationwide.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Dominique Dobson
National Demonstrator Coordinator, Housewares Division--KAI USA, Ltd.
Kershaw Knives, Zero Tolerance Knives, and Shun
18600 SW Teton Ave
Tualatin, OR 97062
Phone: 800-325-2891
Mobile: 503-720-0223
Fax: 503-682-7168 |
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August 1, 2008, Tualatin, OR – Amid the influx of new and innovative blade designs which have bombarded the market in the last few years, there has been one Master Bladesmith who has stood out in terms of the beauty and performance of his product. As well, there has been one company dedicated to the idea of changing knives to meet changing needs. Now these two innovators, Shun knives and Bob Kramer, have joined forces to produce a line of knives which will reflect the essence of Bob’s custom knives, the Shun Bob Kramer line.
Bob Kramer came to the art of bladesmithing from the profession who would most understand its necessity – the culinary arts. Having worked as a second cook at the Olympic Four Seasons hotel in Seattle, he wanted to find ways to design knives that would meet the exacting standards in the kitchen, while holding up to the abuse those knives often receive. What started out as a hobby quickly became a passion, then a profession. Bob has been making knives since 1992. Aside from being one of only 67 Master Bladesmiths in the United States, he and his work have been featured in Saveur, The Seattle P-I, The Oregonian, Seattle Weekly, and Best Life, to name a few.
Christopher Kimball, founder and editor of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and host of “America’s Test Kitchen,” is a fan of Kramer’s knives. “I’m not just a Bob Kramer knife user, I’m a Kramer knife lover. The blade is substantially thinner than other chef’s knives I’ve used, making it really a precision instrument…though there’s plenty of power when you want to go through something more substantial…it’s clearly an indulgence, but what’s wrong with indulgence?”*
Shun’s Bob Kramer line features the amazing technology of SG-2 powdered steel, clad with the beautiful Pattern Damascus which is the hallmark of Bob’s knives. SG-2 steel provides a sharper, more durable edge than traditional metals, while the nickel Damascus cladding provides toughness and corrosion resistance. Ambidextrous Pakkawood handles have beautiful red highlights throughout, making this knife a piece of kitchen artwork, even in the block. The pattern on the blade and the comfortable egg-shaped handle are the essence of Bob’s craftsmanship. These knives will be available exclusively at Sur la Table in September. Suggested retail for the Bob Kramer line will be from $188.00 to $425.00. |
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TUALATIN, OR – In another pioneering twist, Shun knives has released their take on the classic Chef’s knife. The Shun Ultimate Cook’s knife (or U-Cook) has been designed to provide the maximum versatility from what is widely considered the “go to” kitchen tool. This knife, a part of the Shun Classic line, features a combination cutting edge with a low-frequency serration at the tip, followed by a smooth edge blade. It is this combination which makes the knife ideal for slicing delicate thin-skinned fruits and vegetables, as well as chopping, mincing, slicing and dicing. The 8” Ultimate Cook’s knife has a broad blade and a curved belly, allowing the chef to rock the knife on the cutting board. This knife serves as an all-purpose blade for the widest variety of cutting tasks.
“The Ultimate Cook’s knife is the latest in a line which challenges tradition by drawing inspiration for its shape from the way people actually work in their kitchen.” Said Dennis Epstein, Senior Manager, New Products. “We won’t continue to make ‘traditional’ shapes strictly for the sake of tradition. To Shun, designing a better performing tool is more important than adhering to conventional ideas about how a knife should look.”
The U-Cook knife is made with the same phenomenal cutting core, 33-layer blade material and comfortable Pakkawood handles used in premium Shun Classic cutlery. The extreme sharpness of Shun blades is preferred by many professional chefs for producing the cleanest, most precise cuts possible.
The 8” Ultimate Cook’s knife will be available for purchase in September at Sur La Table stores nationwide. The U-Cook’s suggested retail price is $175. Like all Shun cutlery, this knife is protected by a limited lifetime warranty. |
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March 1, 2008, Tualatin, OR – It’s the ideal tool for swiftly slicing firm fruits and vegetables, as well as producing shoestring, julienne, French fry, and plank fry cuts. It’s the only product on the market that can cut a two-pound potato without prior prep work. And with a safety-minded food carriage that keeps fingers away from the blade, the only thing cut is your food. It’s the new Shun Pro Mandolin, a food slicer that has been painstakingly tested to meet the rigors of daily use in local restaurants, but designed for the home gourmet.
“The Shun Pro Mandolin stays true to Shun’s vision of blending tradition with innovation,” said Dennis Epstein, Senior New Products Development and Sales and Marketing Manager. “It’s the only mandolin on the market with a single bevel sashimi-style main blade to create the cleanest cut possible. The main blade is removable so it can be easily resharpened using a whetstone. After use, all accessories can be stored in an attractive metal case. While many mandolins have a variety of pre-set thicknesses at which the user can cut, the Shun Pro Mandolin has an infinitely adjustable deck that lets you custom-adjust the thickness of your slice.”
The mandolin cutting blade is made of the same blade material used in premium Shun Pro cutlery. The 16-degree, single-bevel blade design is inspired by the 700-year-old Yanagiba blade preferred by Japanese chefs for producing the cleanest, most precise slices possible. Further, the hollow-ground back creates an air pocket between the blade and the food being cut. The result is less friction damage to the food.
This mandolin is now available for purchase at gourmet kitchen stores nationwide. The mandolin’s suggested retail price is $507 MSRP, with a sale price of $399.95. Like all Shun cutlery, the Shun Pro Mandolin is protected by a limited lifetime warranty. The main deck is dishwasher safe; all other parts, handwash recommended. |
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February 20, 2007, Tualatin, OR – Kai USA, the Japanese-owned company that has produced award-winning knives through its Shun brand, announces the release of four innovative knives. The Ultimate Utility Knife and the Gokujo Boning and Fillet Knife offer revolutionary design changes, while the 4 ¼-inch Wide Chef’s Knife and Hollow Ground Professional Slicing Knife are based on traditional designs but solve many of the common cutting problems associated with these types of knives.
All of the knives belong to the Shun Classic line, which features their unique Damascus-look clad metal technology, layers of steel and an ergonomic grip that has made Shun a rapidly growing chef-favorite over the last four years. Because they are made with Shun’s VG-10 super steel, which boasts a higher density and a higher Rockwell Hardness rating, they are sharper out of the box and retain their edge for a longer time period than their European competitors.
The Ultimate Utility, or “U2,” serves a multitude of purposes in the kitchen. The new “Wavation” reverse-scalloped edge slices rather than tearing the food, which means this knife is ideal for use in every cutting activity, from slicing delicate pastry doughs and cakes without crumbing to cutting smooth-skinned vegetables and delicate fillet work. Its blunt-nosed, extra-wide blade is perfect for spreading icings and jams, meaning the chef doesn’t have to change tools in the middle of preparation. The blade has also been measured and designed to fit to the bottom of a mayonnaise jar, which makes it the ultimate sandwich knife.
Gokujo means “supreme” in Japanese and the new Shun Gokujo is designed to be the ultimate boning and fillet knife. The Gokujo features a naturally arcing six-inch blade, reminiscent of the traditional samurai sword, which allows for a single smooth pull when slicing, eliminating the need for a sawing motion. This equates to a cleaner cut, especially when filleting a delicate fish or slicing neatly through rack of lamb. The wider blade offers the user the ability to choke up for more control when working with a recessed joint, such as removing a fin or a chicken wing.
The 4 ¼-inch Wide Chef’s Knife has been designed as the ideal mini-prep knife for smaller-handed chefs. The blade, which is shorter than traditional chef’s knives, can also be less daunting for newer cooks aiming to branch out into the premium knife category. This knife is essential in fine chopping tasks and detailed prep work.
The Hollow Ground Professional Slicing knife has a 12-inch blade, longer than traditional slicers, allowing for for a single pass cut which keeps the juices in the meat rather than swimming on the plate, resulting in a more flavorful, juicier dish. The hollow ground indentations assist in reducing friction and the blunt nose makes quick work of scooping and serving pieces of meat after slicing, once again allowing the chef to complete a task without switching tools.
“As is our tradition, Shun has once again created unique shapes that truly push the boundary of conventional thought in the knife market, addressing the needs of professionals, home cooks, and kitchen samurais around the world,” said Dennis Epstein, Senior National Sales Manager for Shun Knives. Jack Igarashi, executive vice president of Kai USA and senior board member of the board of directors for Kai Japan confirmed, “We pride ourselves in making knives that are the best cutting tools for daily use in the kitchen, but will also become an heirloom piece in the same tradition of Japanese swordmaking. Our new knives absolutely meet this standard.”
MSRP on the Ultimate Utility, Gokujo, and 4 ¼” Wide Chef’s knife is $125.00. MSRP on the Hollow Ground Professional Slicing Knife is $250.00. Shun knives are carried at Williams-Sonoma, Sur la Table, and gourmet stores everywhere.
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