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Kai Japan - Shun Premier Tim Mälzer - Tanto 25.5cm Anniversary Limited Edition - TDM-1785 - kitchen knives
Kai celebrates 15 years of collaboration with chef Tim Mälzer with a truly special limited edition: the Shun Premier Tantō TDM-1785 knife, produced in only 6,666 pieces worldwide.
Inspired by the traditional Japanese Tantō (短刀) sword, this model features a straight back and a sharp edge, making it ideal for slicing large vegetables, portioning meat, filleting fish, and much more.
The blade features the characteristic hammered finish typical of the Shun Premier series and is engraved with the special “15 The Legend” commemorative logo, alongside Tim Mälzer's signature. Each knife is individually numbered on the bolster, making it a true collector's item.
The design of the TDM-1785 was awarded the prestigious German Design Award 2025 in the “Premium Design” category.
Blade: VG MAX stainless steel Damascus with a hardness of 61±1 HRC.
Handle: Pakkawood.
Blade length: 255 mm.
Handle length: 120 mm.
Blade thickness: 3 mm.
Total length: 375 mm.
Weight: 220 g.
Notes: not dishwasher safe.TDM-1785
Original Kai Japan Knives: Japanese Tradition and Absolute Precision
Kai Japan knives represent the excellence of Japanese kitchen knives. Founded in Seki (Japan) in 1908, Kai combines over a century of tradition in steel processing with modern forging and sharpening technologies. Its tools are chosen by professional chefs and advanced enthusiasts worldwide.
From the famous Damascus steel blades with VG-MAX core, to the more essential and functional series, Kai develops knives and tools designed to offer clean cutting, control, and durability over time. Every blade is sharpened according to Japanese tradition to guarantee extreme precision and respect for food.
Kai Shun – Damascus
The iconic Kai line. Super-steel VG-MAX core (61 HRC) clad with 32 layers of Damascus steel. Ergonomic Pakka wood handles. Cutting performance and aesthetic refinement at the highest levels.
Discover the Shun Series ➜
Kai Wasabi – Essential and Professional
Minimalist Japanese design. High carbon steel blades (1K6 / 6A), black synthetic handle enveloping the blade for maximum hygiene and stability. Ideal choice for professional kitchens and culinary schools.
Discover the Wasabi Series ➜
Seki Magoroku – Pure Tradition
Knives inspired by traditional Japanese shapes (Yanagiba, Deba, Santoku). Symmetrical or asymmetrical sharpening for those seeking the true oriental cut.
Discover Seki Magoroku Series ➜
Kai Beyond Knives: Scissors and Precision Tools
Kai is not just knives. The brand also develops professional scissors and cutting tools for kitchen, personal care, and technical use, with the same Japanese approach to precision and material quality.
Kai Japan – Specialized Retailer
Coltelleria Collini is an Official Kai Retailer and one of the Italian reference points for the brand, with an extensive and constantly updated catalog of original Kai knives, scissors, and accessories.
- 100% original Kai Japan products.
- Real availability on numerous models and series.
- Expert advice on choice, use, and maintenance.
- Professional sharpening services.
Kai Knives FAQ
The Shun series represents the top of the range: Damascus steel, VG-MAX core, and high hardness. The Wasabi series is more essential and robust, designed for daily professional use with an excellent quality/price ratio.
Always wash by hand and dry immediately. For sharpening, Japanese water stones with medium-fine grit (1000–6000) are recommended, avoiding dishwashers and aggressive detergents.






