Cangshan Cutlery Knife Buying Guide & Series Overview

Cangshan Cutlery Knife Buying Guide & Series Overview

With a passion for quality craftsmanship and unique design, Cangshan Cutlery boasts 9 Red Dot Design Awards, 8 German Design Awards, 5 Housewares Design Awards, and many other recognitions. Specializing in both Western-style and Asian-style blades, Cangshan has proven itself as a top cutlery innovator. Each collection utilizes high-quality materials and meticulous design, but key differences reflect specific needs and personal style preferences. We’ve created this helpful guide to easily compare Cangshan Cutlery’s collections to help you decide which will be best for your kitchen. 

But first, here’s some helpful vocabulary to help you as you read through this guide:

 

 

• Edge Retention (TCC): A knife’s Total Card Cut score (or TCC) will determine the edge retention of the blade. The TCC will give a better understanding of how sharp the blade will stay through use. A score of over 550 is excellent, while a score under 100 is a poor rating. 
• Initial Cutting Performance (ICP): ICP is a measurement that reflects how sharp a knife is immediately after sharpening. Scores over 110 are excellent, while a score of 30 and below is considered poor. 
• Rockwell Hardness: Rockwell Hardness determines an object's resistance to penetration. There are several scales within the Rockwell Hardness scale, and cutting knives are often given a score on the Rockwell C Scale (HRC). HRC is determined by testing the blades’ resistance to penetration by pressing a diamond-pointed cone into the metal. An average HRC for kitchen knives is anywhere from 50-65 ±

 

 

Thomas Keller Signature Collection

Invite a Michelin-starred chef’s expertise and uncompromising excellence into your home kitchen with the Thomas Keller Signature Collection. Designed by the renowned Chef Keller himself, this collection features durable polymer handles and angled steel end caps for an elegant and modern look. A single rivet in the handles features the chef's initials. The blades are forged from Swedish Damasteel powdered steel, a fine-grained, high-alloy variety that retains excellent edge strength and corrosion resistance. After undergoing an ultra-precise 6-stage heat treatment, the resulting blades have a Rockwell hardness rating of 61 +/-2. Each knife blade is hand-polished & hand-sharpened by expert bladesmiths - evidence of the detailed commitment to the design’s quality. Perfectly balanced contoured handles and a 16° Asian-style cutting edge ensure that each use of these knives is a professional-quality experience with perfect, precise results. The true pinnacle of tried-and-tested professional cutlery design, the Cangshan Cutlery Thomas Keller Signature Collection allows the home chef to follow the example of the professionals in the never-ending pursuit of culinary excellence. 

 

• Blade Steel Type: Swedish Damasteel RWL34 Powdered Steel
• Handle Material: Plastic Polymer Composite
• Edge Retention: 1400 TCC
• Initial Cutting Performance: 172 ICP
• Steel Hardness: HRC 61 ±2

 

Haku Collection

With the distinguished ripple pattern of a Damascus steel blade and the elegant warmth of an African blackwood handle, the Cangshan Cutlery Haku Series brings beauty and craftsmanship to the everyday tasks of slicing, chopping, cutting, and more. The hardened Damascus blades are hand-forged from stain-resistant Japanese steel and precision-sharpened to deliver the ideal balance of durability and performance. Damascus steel offers exceptional performance and an attractive look due to the unique patterned finish on the blades’ surface. The rounded handles are crafted from dense African blackwood, offering a tactile grip and precise balance to withstand everyday use. With a blend of innovative design choices and high-quality materials, the Haku Collection is ideal for the adventurous chef. 

 

• Blade Steel Type: 67 Layer Damascus X-7 Steel
• Handle Material: African Blackwood
• Edge Retention: 900 TCC
• Initial Cutting Performance: 140 ICP
• Steel Hardness: HRC 61 ±2

 

Oliv Collection

Enhance your food prep experience by slicing your way through tasks with the Cangshan Cutlery Oliv Series! The Oliv Series raises the bar for your cutlery collection by combining high-quality Swedish steel blades with solid olive wood handles, which creates ultra-durable and ultra-elegant blades that can easily maneuver any slicing task. The full-tang knives perfectly balance with the handles to ensure comfort & safety when chopping. Handcrafted and hand-sharpened by expert bladesmiths, the Oliv Series makes executing expert slices easier. NSF-Certified, the Oliv Series is suited to any level chef, from home cooks to professionals. Make way in your kitchen for a new first-choice food-prep companion with the Cangshan Cutlery Oliv Series! 

 

• Blade Steel Type: Swedish Sandvik 14C28N Steel
• Handle Material: Olive Wood
• Edge Retention: 850 TCC
• Initial Cutting Performance: 151 ICP
• Steel Hardness: HRC 60 ±2

 

TC Series

Uncompromising quality combines with cutting-edge design in the TC Series from Cangshan Cutlery. The full tang blades are forged from high alloy Swedish Sandvik Steel for unflinchingly sharp edges that maintain their sharpness up to 5 times longer than German Steel. With sleek lines and blunted ends, the handles' contemporary aesthetic and single mosaic-style rivet allows for a subtle flair of artful sophistication. The patent-pending design focuses on the uniquely tapered tang, which ensures comfortable, precise cutting. The TC Series is NSF-Certified, making it a good fit in your home or professional cutlery arsenal. The true pinnacle of classic taste and innovative function, the Cangshan TC Series Is ideal for those willing to settle for nothing less than excellence.

 

• Blade Steel Type: Swedish Sandvik 14C28N Steel
• Handle Material: Plastic Polymer Composite
• Edge Retention: 850 TCC
• Initial Cutting Performance: 151 ICP
• Steel Hardness: HRC 60 ±2

 

TS Series

Settle for nothing less than exemplary performance with the TS Series from Cangshan Cutlery. Forged from high-alloy Swedish Sandvik Steel, this knife series provides a variety of blade shapes and sizes that will retain their strength and edge up to 5 times longer than German Steel. The full-tang blades are perfectly balanced with the patented, ergonomic handles that allow a comfortable, secure grip when preparing meals. Each knife undergoes an extensive multi-step Ultra6 heat treatment process and is ice-hardened for added durability - resulting in blades that score a hardness rating of 59±2 on the Rockwell Hardness Rating Scale. This knife series carries an NSF certification, making a choice fit for both home and commercial kitchens. Add the Cangshan Cutlery TS Series to your cutlery collection for blades that embody the highest quality and most innovative design. 

 

• Blade Steel Type: Swedish Sandvik 14C28N Steel
• Handle Material: Plastic Polymer Composite 
• Edge Retention: 850 TCC
• Initial Cutting Performance: 151 ICP
• Steel Hardness: HRC 60 ±2

 

Helena Series

Outfit your kitchen with cutlery that matches your minimalist aesthetic using the Cangshan Helena Series. The Helena Series combines high-alloy German X50CrMoV15 steel with slim, demi-bolster handles that allow efficient slicing and a more comfortable grip. Meticulously heat-treated with a 6-stage heat treatment process, the stain-resistant blades score 58 ±2 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale - ensuring exceptional and long-lasting durability. Each handle is dual-riveted to the knife blade, featuring smooth lines and a subtle design that accentuates the modern minimalist kitchen with effortless style. To highlight your kitchen with muted style and exceptional performance, use the Cangshan Cutlery Helena Series.

 

• Blade Steel Type: German High Alloy X50CrMoV15 Steel
• Handle Material: Plastic Polymer Composite 
• Edge Retention: 601 TCC
• Initial Cutting Performance: 130 ICP 
• Steel Hardness: HRC 58 ±2

 

A Series

Bring your A-Game to the chopping board by slicing foods with the Cangshan Cutlery A Series. These full tang knives are forged from high alloy Swedish Sandvik Steel, allowing unflinchingly sharp edges that maintain their sharpness up to 5 times longer than German Steel. Crafted from rich, luxurious African Blackwood, one of the hardest woods in the world, the handles contribute uncompromising durability with a curved, ergonomic shape. The patent-pending design focuses on the uniquely tapered tang, which ensures comfortable, precise cutting. NSF-Certified, this series is ideal for both home and professional kitchens. The true pinnacle of bold, sophisticated taste and innovative function, the Cangshan A Series is perfect for those willing to settle for nothing less than excellence.

 

• Blade Steel Type: Swedish Sandvik 14C28N Steel
• Handle Material: African Blackwood 
• Edge Retention: 151 ICP
• Initial Cutting Performance: 601 TCC
• Steel Hardness: HRC 59 ±2 

 

L1 Series

Welcome the purity of minimalism to your kitchen by tackling food prep tasks with the L1 Series by Cangshan Cutlery. The L1 Series blends forward-thinking aesthetics with practical functionality to create a modern knife collection that performs as beautifully as it looks. The full tang blades are forged from tight-grained German Steel for incredible durability and edge retention. The patent-pending design focuses on the uniquely tapered tang, which ensures comfortable, precise cutting.  A single mosaic-style rivet fixes the blade to the handle, creating a subtle, stylish statement across the solid white handles. Boasting an NSF certification, the L1  Series will stand out in any kitchen - home to professional. For a design that masterfully blends functionality with sophistication, welcome the Cangshan Cutlery L1 Series to your kitchen. 

 

• Blade Steel Type: German X50CrMoV15 Steel
• Handle Material: Plastic Polymer Composite 
• Edge Retention: 130 ICP
• Initial Cutting Performance: 601 TCC
• Steel Hardness: HRC 58 ±2

 

S1 Series

With quality design and materials, the Cangshan Cutlery S1 Series is ideal for those motivated by contemporary style. The full tang blades are forged from tight-grained German Steel for incredible durability and edge retention. With sleek lines and a minimalist white color, the handles are perfectly balanced and ergonomically shaped. The patent-pending design focuses on the uniquely tapered tang, which ensures comfortable, precise cutting. NSF-Certified, the S1 Series is prepared to handle any level of kitchen activity - from simple daily meal prep tasks to maneuvering a bustling commercial kitchen. 

 

• Blade Steel Type: German X50CrMoV15 Steel
• Handle Material: Plastic Polymer Composite 
• Edge Retention: 130 ICP
• Initial Cutting Performance: 601 TCC
• Steel Hardness:  HRC 58 ±2

 

Sanford Series

Equip your kitchen for all essential slicing, dicing, and chopping tasks with the Sanford Series from Cangshan Cutlery. These blades are durable and stain-resistant with long-lasting edge retention thanks to their high-alloy German Steel construction. The razor-sharp edges allow for effective cutting, while the angled bolster and well-balanced ergonomic handles provide a natural and secure grip. With a stainless matte finish and a powerfully sleek, NSF-Certified design, these knives make a sophisticated statement in any kitchen. For a knife collection that imparts efficiency and style to your meal prep routine, add the Cangshan Cutlery Sanford Series to your kitchen today. 

 

• Blade Steel Type: German X50CrMoV15 Steel
• Handle Material: Steel 
• Edge Retention: 130 ICP
• Initial Cutting Performance: 601 TCC
• Steel Hardness:  HRC 58 ±2

 

While each of Cangshan’s Series varies in design and material, their quality is apparent across each collection. Perhaps your style is more eccentric and unique, or maybe you are more of a classic minimalist. Either way, Canghshan has a series that will allow you to complete food tasks easier while embodying your sense of style. Are you interested in expanding your knowledge of knives? Check out our Knife Education article here!!