Tim Mälzer Kamagata – Kitsch impossible
The prominent German “Küchenbulle” stands behind this professional collection from KAI: Kamagata, a series of cooking knives that are as honest and authentic as Tim Mälzer himself. In this collection, Mälzer's expertise and demand for high-quality cooking tools perfectly combine with the skill of Japanese knife makers.
Kamagata knives impress with their high functionality, exceptionally solid quality, and minimalist design. Tim Mälzer was inspired by a typical blade shape during the development process. The name “Kamagata” (Japanese for “sickle-shaped”) is derived from this. The knives' characteristic, distinctive contour is achieved through a significant curvature of the blade.
The archaic shape, together with the polished finish of the stainless steel blade and the black handle, gives the Kamagata knife an absolutely masculine look. However, this should not deter women from using it as well.
The Blade
The blades are made of rust-free DIN 4116 stainless steel, sharpened on both sides, and have a hardness of 57 (±1) HRC. While this may sound like a sobering number, it feels much higher in practice. Additionally, the edges have a high durability and are easy to sharpen. An eyecatcher is added to each blade, featuring Tim Mälzer's logo and personal signature, so you won't forget who gave you these great knives.
The Handle
The polished handle is ergonomically shaped and suitable for both left and right-handed users due to its symmetrical alignment. It feels comfortable in your hand and provides a secure and non-slip grip while cutting. The balanced ratio between handle and blade makes it easy to work with these knives for extended periods of time. The handle is made of polished POM plastic, which is robust, hygienic, and easy to maintain. A nice detail is the small metal emblem with Tim Mälzer's kitchen bull icon at the end of the handle. The use of POM plastic also meets the hygiene requirements for professional kitchens.
The Collection
The Kamagata collection consists of seven types of knives. The focus is on the essential processes in the kitchen - uncomplicated and without frills, in line with Tim Mälzer's style and cooking methods. The series includes a paring knife, an all-purpose knife, a Santoku (the traditional Japanese form for a universal knife), a ham knife, a bread knife, a classic chef's knife, and a hybrid chef's knife (a combination of Santoku and chef's knife). With this collection, you can easily cut anything that comes your way in the kitchen.
Our Conclusion
The KAI Kamagata series shows that an experienced gastronomist like Tim Mälzer was involved in its development: the knives are well adapted to the needs of professional chefs and gastronomic kitchens. The blade shapes allow for various applications and cutting techniques. An important criterion for Tim Mälzer was also met: high quality at a reasonable price. Butch thanks KAI and Tim Mälzer for these knives!