Aichi Dobby to Launch VERMICULAR’s First Kitchen Knife, the VERMICULAR KITCHEN KNIFE

Aichi Dobby Co., Ltd. announced that it will launch the VERMICULAR brand’s first knife, the VERMICULAR KITCHEN KNIFE, on June 3, 2026. The product was developed with the goal of combining the sharpness of carbon steel, the rust resistance of stainless steel, and the ability to preserve the natural flavor of ingredients. Pre-orders will begin at 10:00 a.m. on May 15 through the official VERMICULAR online shop, VERMICULAR flagship shops, and selected retailers across Japan. The blade was jointly developed by Aichi Dobby and Nagoya Special Steel Co., Ltd., based in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture. The project began after leading Japanese chefs asked whether it would be possible to create a knife that cuts like carbon steel but is as easy to maintain as stainless steel. Through repeated prototyping and testing across material selection, heat treatment, and sharpening, the two companies developed a special blade material called VPS, a powdered corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant alloy. VPS offers excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Instead of using a conventional melting process, the metal is first turned into fine powder, then compacted and sintered to create a uniform structure. Special heat treatment is then applied to achieve a high-level balance of hardness, resistance to chipping, and rust resistance. As a result, the VERMICULAR KITCHEN KNIFE delivers steel-like sharpness together with stainless-like ease of care. The handle is made from enameled cast iron using VERMICULAR’s proprietary thin-wall casting technology. Its cast texture and moderate weight fit naturally in the hand, resist slipping even when wet, and reduce fatigue during extended use. The enameled cast iron handle is also resistant to odors and stains, highly durable, and designed with a balance that places the center of gravity near the hand for stable cutting. The knife comes in three colors: matte linen beige, ocean navy, and matte black. The knife is also compatible with dishwashers and dryers, making it suitable for everyday use. According to Aichi Dobby, tests using the Leo taste sensor and AI technology showed that the VERMICULAR KITCHEN KNIFE made all compared ingredients taste richer and better. Its sharpness cuts without crushing ingredients, helping retain moisture, while the blade material reduces bitterness and off-flavors and helps preserve freshness. The VERMICULAR KITCHEN KNIFE is priced at 34,980 yen including tax. Aichi Dobby is a long-established casting manufacturer founded in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture in 1936. The company launched the made-in-Japan enameled cast iron cookware brand VERMICULAR in 2010 under the brand slogan “Live with home cooking.”