AUS-8A is the right steel for a line cook knife. Excellent rust resistance, easy to sharpen on a ceramic rod mid-service, and forgiving enough at 59-60 HRC that it does not punish the hard use that professional kitchens deliver. Kanetsugu Cutlery has been making knives in Seki City, Japan, since 1918, and this line reflects what a century of production for working kitchens looks like: san mai roll-forged construction, thin grind, walnut western handle, and a price point that makes owning a good Japanese knife accessible to cooks at any stage.
At 180mm, this gyuto is the most compact chef knife in the line - maneuverable in tighter kitchens, light at 3.2 oz, and built around the same AUS-8A core and walnut western handle as the larger sizes. The 1.5mm spine at the heel makes this the thinnest-spined knife in the line - the grind is notably responsive for the price point. A good choice for cooks with smaller hands, smaller boards, or those who want a fast, nimble blade for daily home prep without committing to a longer length. AUS-8A at 59-60 HRC resharpens quickly on a ceramic rod or quality water stones. Even double-bevel grind for right- and left-handed cooks.
Care Instructions: AUS-8A is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones or a ceramic honing rod - AUS-8A at 59-60 HRC sharpens quickly and responds well to regular maintenance.Brand: Kanetsugu
Line: AUS-8A
Location: Seki City, Japan
Founded: 1918
Construction: San Mai, Roll Forged
Edge Steel: AUS-8A Stainless Steel
Cladding: Stainless
HRC: 59-60
Edge Grind: Even, Double Bevel
Handle: Walnut Western
Weight: 3.2 oz (92 g)
Blade Length: 180 mm
Total Length: 304 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 1.5 mm
Blade Height: 42 mm
At 180mm, this gyuto is the most compact chef knife in the line - maneuverable in tighter kitchens, light at 3.2 oz, and built around the same AUS-8A core and walnut western handle as the larger sizes. The 1.5mm spine at the heel makes this the thinnest-spined knife in the line - the grind is notably responsive for the price point. A good choice for cooks with smaller hands, smaller boards, or those who want a fast, nimble blade for daily home prep without committing to a longer length. AUS-8A at 59-60 HRC resharpens quickly on a ceramic rod or quality water stones. Even double-bevel grind for right- and left-handed cooks.
Care Instructions: AUS-8A is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones or a ceramic honing rod - AUS-8A at 59-60 HRC sharpens quickly and responds well to regular maintenance.
