Xinzuo 5.9" Ji Honesuki Knife
A triangular boning-style knife from the Ji line — 150 mm of Damascus-clad 7Cr17MoV for poultry, joints, and precision butchery.
Pros
- +Triangular profile excels at breaking down chicken and trimming silver skin
- +Stiff spine gives confidence when cutting around bones
- +Damascus cladding and ebony handle bring flagship looks to a specialty blade
- +Pointed tip reaches into tight joints better than a chef knife
Cons
- −7Cr17MoV is softer than the 12Cr18MoV used in other Ji knives
- −Not a general-purpose knife — it sits in the block most days
- −$81 is high if you only break down poultry occasionally
Full review
Design
The Honesuki follows the classic Japanese triangular-boning profile: a stiff spine, a straight edge, and a sharp point. Xinzuo wraps a 7Cr17MoV core in 67 layers of Damascus and fits the same ebony-wood handle used on the rest of the Ji series. The result looks more refined than most poultry knives at this price.
Edge retention
7Cr17MoV is a slightly lower-carbon stainless than the 12Cr18MoV found in the chef and bunka knives, so expect a touch less edge retention. On a knife that sees bones and connective tissue, that trade-off is acceptable — the steel is tough and easy to resharpen when needed.
Ergonomics
At 150 mm the blade is long enough for whole chickens yet short enough for detailed work. The handle is comfortable in a pinch grip and the balance sits just behind the bolster, so the tip feels precise without being twitchy.
Value
$81.60 buys a good-looking, well-made poultry knife. It is worth it if you break down birds or trim meat regularly and want a matching Ji-series blade. For occasional use, a cheaper boning knife will do the same job.
Specifications
| Brand | Xinzuo |
|---|---|
| Series | Ji |
| Type | Honesuki |
| Blade Material | 67-layer Damascus |
| Core Steel | 7Cr17MoV |
| Core Hardness | HRC 58±2 |
| Blade Length | 5.9 in / 150 mm |
| Handle Material | Ebony wood + stainless steel |
| Certification | CE/EU, CIQ, LFGB |
| Origin | Mainland China |
| Price | $81.60 |
A specialized but capable addition to the Ji series — best for cooks who regularly break down poultry or trim meat.
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