Kyocera Corporation has launched InnovationWhite, a new line of ceramic knives designed by Japanese designer Yohei Kuwano. The line features five colors and is available exclusively on Indiegogo for a limited time.
Made from the Kyocera’s patented blend of zirconia and alumina nanoscale particles fused into ceramic, the InnovationWhite knives are the latest evolution of material technology introduced by Kyocera, following the InnovationBlack line, and were designed to yield double the long-lasting sharpness of Kyocera’s earlier ceramic blades, said the company. The knives are available with white, black, red, blue or green handles and are shipped in sustainable, plastic-free retail packaging.
The design collaboration with Tokyo-based designer Yohei Kuwano is a first for Kyocera. Kuwano has received 16 design awards during the last two decades. Kuwano focused on enhancing the handle design of the InnovationWhite collection to provide better grip for different cutting techniques, including slicing, dicing, julienne and chiffonade. The handle tapers as it connects with the blade, which allows for smoother grip changes while the handle’s rounded underside and thicker ends are made to reduce the risk of dropping the knife when hands are wet, according to Kyocera. The ceramic knives are designed to be lighter than metal counterparts for ease of use and control, the company added.
“Our ceramic knives combine technological innovation for top performance and ergonomic, intuitive handle design for ease of use,” said Hiroki Fujii, planning and development deputy manager, Kyocera Corporation. “They are beautiful in their simplicity and usability, making them ideal for any cooking enthusiast. We want to provide tools to help inspire whole food cooking with effortless preparation of vegetables, fruits, and proteins for healthier recipes.”
“The increased durability and sharpness of InnovationWhite has reduced the need for users to exert excessive force while cutting,” said Mr. Yohei Kuwano, founder of Yohei Kuwano Design Studio. “As a result, it has led to a minimalist design that allows more freedom in how it is held, making the knives more comfortable for each individual, versus other designs that limit finger placement.”
The InnovationWhite knives will be available for preorder in the U.S. exclusively through Indiegogo and will feature several knife shapes including a santoku, a bread knife and a nakiri vegetable knife. The line has eight knife sizes with retail prices ranging from $40 for a paring knife to $90 for the serrated bread knife.
