Gihei has been forging knives in Sanjo City, Japan, since 1928 - nearly a century of production in one of Japan's dedicated knife-making centers. The shop is run today by Atsushi Hosokawa and his son, a father-and-son team who have built Gihei into one of the most interesting small producers in the CKTG catalog. Their signature material is HAP40 - a powdered high-speed semi-stainless steel that CKTG has been calling Voodoo Steel for years. At 65-66 HRC, it holds an edge three to five times longer than traditional carbon or stainless alternatives. Semi-stainless means it is highly corrosion resistant under normal kitchen conditions without sacrificing the edge behavior of a serious carbon blade.
The gyuto is the all-purpose chef knife in the HAP40 line - light at 5.0 oz, nimble with a 41mm blade height, and a 2mm spine that tapers toward the tip for precise cutting. The geometry is notably thin, with reviewers describing edge retention as exceptional and thinness approaching laser levels. The oak octagonal handle is fitted with urushi lacquer finish and mounted with a traditional Japanese tang - not a full Western tang. This is the construction method used across traditional Japanese kitchen knives and is strong and durable with normal use. The oak octagonal handle pairs naturally with the serious character of the steel.
What Customers Are Saying: Matthew Kreider calls the HAP40 gyuto a 5-star knife in every performance category - it holds an edge, gets wicked sharp, and looks excellent. He notes the traditional Japanese tang construction and recommends using it for normal kitchen tasks as intended. The edge retention and sharpness are the qualities that define this knife for everyone who works with it.
Care Instructions: HAP40 is a semi-stainless steel - highly stain-resistant under normal kitchen conditions. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones - HAP40 at 65-66 HRC sharpens more readily than its hardness suggests and responds well to stropping between sessions. The extraordinary edge retention means sharpening sessions are less frequent than with any other steel in the lineup.Blacksmith: Atsushi Hosokawa
Workshop: Gihei
Location: Sanjo City, Japan
Founded: 1928
Construction: San Mai
Edge Steel: HAP40 PM Semi-Stainless (Hagane)
Cladding: Stainless Steel (Jigane)
HRC: 65-66
Edge Grind: Even (50/50), Double Bevel
Handle: Octagonal Oak, Burnt Urushi Finish
Weight: 5.0 oz (142 g)
Blade Length: 203 mm
Spine Thickness: 2 mm
Blade Height: 41 mm
The gyuto is the all-purpose chef knife in the HAP40 line - light at 5.0 oz, nimble with a 41mm blade height, and a 2mm spine that tapers toward the tip for precise cutting. The geometry is notably thin, with reviewers describing edge retention as exceptional and thinness approaching laser levels. The oak octagonal handle is fitted with urushi lacquer finish and mounted with a traditional Japanese tang - not a full Western tang. This is the construction method used across traditional Japanese kitchen knives and is strong and durable with normal use. The oak octagonal handle pairs naturally with the serious character of the steel.
What Customers Are Saying: Matthew Kreider calls the HAP40 gyuto a 5-star knife in every performance category - it holds an edge, gets wicked sharp, and looks excellent. He notes the traditional Japanese tang construction and recommends using it for normal kitchen tasks as intended. The edge retention and sharpness are the qualities that define this knife for everyone who works with it.
Care Instructions: HAP40 is a semi-stainless steel - highly stain-resistant under normal kitchen conditions. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones - HAP40 at 65-66 HRC sharpens more readily than its hardness suggests and responds well to stropping between sessions. The extraordinary edge retention means sharpening sessions are less frequent than with any other steel in the lineup.
Reviews
13 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Solid blade, fit and finish could be improvedPosted By: Brandon Nelson - verified customer
11 people found this review helpful
I bought this when I went on a knife buying spree recently along with another dozen or so handmade knives. I picked this in particular due to the HAP40 steel. The knife isn't a laser but stays sharp. HAP40 is probably my favorite steel for the qualities it has.
The handle fitment to the blade was sloppy with adhesive drippings on the blade.
11 people found this review helpful
I bought this when I went on a knife buying spree recently along with another dozen or so handmade knives. I picked this in particular due to the HAP40 steel. The knife isn't a laser but stays sharp. HAP40 is probably my favorite steel for the qualities it has.
The handle fitment to the blade was sloppy with adhesive drippings on the blade.
Fine Knife My First Japanese KnifePosted By: Alex - verified customer
9 people found this review helpful
I bought this coming from a JA Henkels International block set. Was not prepared for just how sharp this blade is with the sharpening service, and was shocked at how effortlessly is cut through my morning grapefruit. Even a month on without sharpening, this thing will go clean through, including the seeds, and it's like they're not even there. I've cut through pounds and pounds of Ribeye, and it's still as sharp as when I got it.
I bought this because tool steel just sounded better than some proprietary knife blend (ZDP189) that is difficult to sharpen. Turns out, that is correct. Really lives up to the voodoo steel designation. I like the Gihei horse on the blade too, because somehow it always feels like an event to use, even though I use the thing every day. I bought the matching Nakiri, and will say, if you have to money, just do it. You'll be amazed you tolerated anything else before.
9 people found this review helpful
I bought this coming from a JA Henkels International block set. Was not prepared for just how sharp this blade is with the sharpening service, and was shocked at how effortlessly is cut through my morning grapefruit. Even a month on without sharpening, this thing will go clean through, including the seeds, and it's like they're not even there. I've cut through pounds and pounds of Ribeye, and it's still as sharp as when I got it.
I bought this because tool steel just sounded better than some proprietary knife blend (ZDP189) that is difficult to sharpen. Turns out, that is correct. Really lives up to the voodoo steel designation. I like the Gihei horse on the blade too, because somehow it always feels like an event to use, even though I use the thing every day. I bought the matching Nakiri, and will say, if you have to money, just do it. You'll be amazed you tolerated anything else before.
Amazing craftsmanshipPosted By: David Flint - verified customer
8 people found this review helpful
The steel, edge profile, retention, and great grind with a thin tip put this blade on the top tier of my knife roll. I was weary of the unusually short blade height, but my relatively small hands have done fine with knuckle clearance. Now the negatives. The handle came unfinished. I have the sandoku of the same series, and the handle has a glossy, smooth finish. It is the same as what is pictured on the site, and what is show in the video review. The epoxy job was done poorly. There were cavities on both sides of the blade. There was also a scratch and ding along the spine. Overall, wonderfully crafted steel, but poor handle execution.
8 people found this review helpful
The steel, edge profile, retention, and great grind with a thin tip put this blade on the top tier of my knife roll. I was weary of the unusually short blade height, but my relatively small hands have done fine with knuckle clearance. Now the negatives. The handle came unfinished. I have the sandoku of the same series, and the handle has a glossy, smooth finish. It is the same as what is pictured on the site, and what is show in the video review. The epoxy job was done poorly. There were cavities on both sides of the blade. There was also a scratch and ding along the spine. Overall, wonderfully crafted steel, but poor handle execution.
not a featherweight but still a laserPosted By: kniferton - verified customer
8 people found this review helpful
i expected this gyuto to be a little lighter than it is. the weight listed on the website is a little under 4oz. the weiggt stated in their video is 4.6oz. Mine weighs in at 4.8oz. Still, it feels perfectly balanced in my pinch grip. the spine has very little flex, and the edge grind is super nice. I put it to my stones when i got it before even testing its sharpness. This is the second sharpest knife i own, right behind my 150mm hap40 petty by the same maker. Would buy this knife again if i had to, hands down.
8 people found this review helpful
i expected this gyuto to be a little lighter than it is. the weight listed on the website is a little under 4oz. the weiggt stated in their video is 4.6oz. Mine weighs in at 4.8oz. Still, it feels perfectly balanced in my pinch grip. the spine has very little flex, and the edge grind is super nice. I put it to my stones when i got it before even testing its sharpness. This is the second sharpest knife i own, right behind my 150mm hap40 petty by the same maker. Would buy this knife again if i had to, hands down.
Great knife sad handlePosted By: Matthew Kreider
17 people found this review helpful
This knife would be 5 stars. Holds an edge gets wicked sharp looks sexy. But does not have a full tang and my handle came off. I've tried rehandling but the 3 inch tang doesn't hold up. I don't abuse it I just use it every day as you should. It I did until it broke on me
17 people found this review helpful
This knife would be 5 stars. Holds an edge gets wicked sharp looks sexy. But does not have a full tang and my handle came off. I've tried rehandling but the 3 inch tang doesn't hold up. I don't abuse it I just use it every day as you should. It I did until it broke on me
See Review Below One of the Best!Posted By: Edward Roth - verified customer
8 people found this review helpful
I must reiterate everything Dan Gilles and Jordan Ross have said...it is the most I have paid for a knife and certainly very close to the best knife I own. It took me a while to get this knife stupid sharp but when I did it is awesome, cutting beautifully anything thrown at it. Holds a remarkable edge even after chopping on a Maple board. I love the the lower profile and laser-like look of this gyuto. The handle is beautifully finished and a nice contrast to the stainless cladding. It is very light in hand making precise cuts easy,agile enough to steer round produce and has enough rocker profile for herbs and small and leafy produce alike. Everything about the Gihei HAP 40 210 Gyuto draws me in to wanting to use it more and more. Like Mr. Ross has said...if it is in stock and you need an eight inch chef...buy it, you will not be disappointed.
8 people found this review helpful
I must reiterate everything Dan Gilles and Jordan Ross have said...it is the most I have paid for a knife and certainly very close to the best knife I own. It took me a while to get this knife stupid sharp but when I did it is awesome, cutting beautifully anything thrown at it. Holds a remarkable edge even after chopping on a Maple board. I love the the lower profile and laser-like look of this gyuto. The handle is beautifully finished and a nice contrast to the stainless cladding. It is very light in hand making precise cuts easy,agile enough to steer round produce and has enough rocker profile for herbs and small and leafy produce alike. Everything about the Gihei HAP 40 210 Gyuto draws me in to wanting to use it more and more. Like Mr. Ross has said...if it is in stock and you need an eight inch chef...buy it, you will not be disappointed.
Excellent Great knife for the pricePosted By: Alain - verified customer
10 people found this review helpful
Recently purchased this knife and have been using it for several days now and I must admit it is an impressive knife for the price. As the video stated, the edge out of the box is not that great, however it definitely sharpens quickly (doesn't feel like a 65-66 HRC knife) and has currently held it's edge very nicely. The handle finish is very nice and has a thorough lacquer over it, however it could use a tad more on fit and finish (amazing for the price though). I definitely recommend this knife.
10 people found this review helpful
Recently purchased this knife and have been using it for several days now and I must admit it is an impressive knife for the price. As the video stated, the edge out of the box is not that great, however it definitely sharpens quickly (doesn't feel like a 65-66 HRC knife) and has currently held it's edge very nicely. The handle finish is very nice and has a thorough lacquer over it, however it could use a tad more on fit and finish (amazing for the price though). I definitely recommend this knife.
perfect steelPosted By: Dan Gilles - verified customer
12 people found this review helpful
This is the most i have ever spent for a knife...that being said..after sharpening it to a razor edge the performance is quite remarkable..very light and agile....very subtle, and it's hold on the edge is remarkable.This knife is worth the price...
12 people found this review helpful
This is the most i have ever spent for a knife...that being said..after sharpening it to a razor edge the performance is quite remarkable..very light and agile....very subtle, and it's hold on the edge is remarkable.This knife is worth the price...
gyuto hap40 Best Knife I've Ever OwnedPosted By: Jordan Ross - verified customer
13 people found this review helpful
I'm not one to review, but this is truly the best knife I've ever owned. Everything about it is perfect. It's profile, width, grind, weight, feel, truly everything about it is phenomenal. The best thing about it is the steel. The HAP40 holds an edge longer than any AS knife I've ever owned. Not only does it hold an edge but it sharpens with ease and gets spooky sharp. Literally flies through prep. If you're considering this knife and it's not out of stock, I'd recommend you go for it.
13 people found this review helpful
I'm not one to review, but this is truly the best knife I've ever owned. Everything about it is perfect. It's profile, width, grind, weight, feel, truly everything about it is phenomenal. The best thing about it is the steel. The HAP40 holds an edge longer than any AS knife I've ever owned. Not only does it hold an edge but it sharpens with ease and gets spooky sharp. Literally flies through prep. If you're considering this knife and it's not out of stock, I'd recommend you go for it.
