Dorre Asama Knife Series - Benefits of 5Cr15MoV Steel

Knives are the heart of the kitchen. The right knife makes everything from chopping to fine work easier, faster, and safer. That's why it's important to choose both the right steel type and the right knife series when investing in new knives.

In this guide, we go through the Dorre Asama series and why 5Cr15MoV steel has become one of the most popular, affordable, and easy-to-use choices in Swedish homes.

The Asama series is built on a clear idea:Easy to sharpen. Easy to maintain. Easy to use.Unlike knives made from hard steels like AUS-8 or VG10, where sharpening often requires expensive equipment or professional help, Asama knives are designed so you can easily keep them sharp yourself. Scroll down and read about the benefits yourself!

What is 5Cr15MoV steel?

5Cr15MoV is a stainless knife steel developed for European and Asian kitchens that prioritize:

• Easy sharpening

• Minimal maintenance

• Good rust resistance

• Stable performance in everyday cooking

Chemical composition. The steel contains:

• 0.5% carbon

• 15% chromium

• Molybdenum and small amounts of vanadium

This makes the steel hard enough for sharp edges, but soft enough to easily sharpen at home.

4 advantages of 5Cr15MoV steel

There are many different types of steel in the knife world, but few are as well-balanced as 5Cr15MoV. That's exactly why we've chosen it for the Dorre Asama series. Here are the first four advantages of these knives.

1. Easy to sharpen, even for beginners

Sharpening 5Cr12MoV steel doesn't require expensive sharpening equipment. It's easy to sharpen and keep the knives sharp yourself. The knives can easily be sharpened on:

• Regular whetstone

• Ceramic honing rod

• Handheld pull-through sharpener

This makes the Asama series perfect for home cooks.

2. Optimal hardness: 56–58 HRC

Dorre's Asama knives are at 56–58 HRC, which provides:

• Less risk of chipping the edge

• Better resistance to cracks

• Easier to restore sharpness

• More forgiving in use

VG10 is around 60–62 HRC and is significantly more brittle.

3. Excellent rust resistance

Thanks to high chromium levels in the steel, 5Cr15MoV doesn't require the same care as carbon steel. The material is known for:

• Withstands everyday use

• Less risk of discoloration

• Perfect for kitchens with lots of moisture (vegetables, meat, citrus)

4. Good balance between sharpness and durability

5Cr15MoV provides a sharp edge without sacrificing:

• Wear resistance

• Robustness

• Easy maintenance

That's why many European professional kitchens use similar steel types.

Comparison: 5Cr15MoV vs. AUS-8 vs. VG10 vs. 3Cr13

In short:

• VG10 and AUS-8 are harder, but much more difficult to sharpen.

• 3Cr13 is cheaper, but holds its edge worse.

• 5Cr15MoV lands in the middle, making it the most user-friendly.

Dorre Asama knife series – Guide to choosing the right knife

Dorre has combined 5Cr15MoV steel with ergonomics, design, and function, making Asama knives both comfortable and effective. Here are all the models:

Chef's knife 20 cm - the kitchen workhorse

For larger tasks like meat, root vegetables, and bigger vegetables.

Chef's knife 15 cm - handy all-rounder

Perfect for smaller hands or for more precise chopping.

Santoku 18 cm - Japanese all-purpose knife

Wide blade, easy rocking motion, ideal for vegetables.

Santoku 13 cm - compact and quick

Perfect for small cuts, garlic, herbs.

Chinese chef's knife - perfect for meat and vegetables

Wide blade for large amounts of vegetables – despite its size, it's light and balanced.

Utility knife

The most versatile knife for everyday use.

Paring knife

For precision: fruit, peeling, fine work.

Bread knife

Serrated edge that lasts long thanks to the steel's toughness.

Design and ergonomics in the Asama series

Balance and weight

Asama knives are weighted to sit comfortably in the hand and provide control without fatigue.

Ergonomic handles

The Asama series handles are designed for stability and long durability. They are made of modern ABS plastic which provides a comfortable grip and good control during use. The handle is also reinforced with SS430 steel at the joint, making the construction extra robust and safe – even during intensive daily use.

Blade sharpening

All knives are sharpened with an optimal angle for 5Cr15MoV steel, which makes them:

• Sharp straight out of the box

• Easy to maintain

• Forgiving if the angle is wrong

Why the Asama series works better than knives made from harder steel

1. Less risk of chipping

Hard steel + wrong hit = cracked edge.
Softer steel = bending instead of breaking.

2. Easier to keep super sharp

The knives are easy to sharpen and hone at home.

3. Perfect for everyday cooks

Asama maintains high quality without hassle.

There are many advantages that show why this steel and knife series have become so popular. They combine easy use, high performance, good sharpness, and are easy to maintain.

If you want a knife series that works year after year, without complicated care, Asama from Dorre is one of the best choices in its class!

Care instructions for knives in 5Cr15MoV steel

1. Sharpen every 2-4 weeks with regular use

2. Hone every day or every other day

3. Hand wash only, no dishwasher!

4. Store in a knife block or on a magnetic strip

 

Frequently asked questions about 5Cr15MoV steel

1. Is 5Cr15MoV a good steel?

Yes, it is a very good steel for home cooks thanks to its ease of sharpening and high rust resistance.

2. Are Asama knives good for professionals?

Yes, they work well both at home and in professional environments where easy maintenance is important.

3. Is harder steel always better in knives?

No. Harder steel stays sharp longer but is much harder to maintain.

4. Is 5Cr15MoV better than 3Cr13?

Yes, it holds its edge significantly better and is more durable.

5. Can you sharpen Asama knives yourself?

Yes, and that's one of the series' biggest advantages.

6. Are Asama knives stainless?

Yes, 5Cr15MoV is a stainless steel with very good resistance.