For cooks who prefer a traditional Japanese grip, this 210mm gyuto from Yoshimi Kato comes with a round oval wa handle rather than the western style option also available in this line. The VG-10 core gives it the same excellent edge retention found across the rest of the Suminagashi lineup.
The blade has a nicely rounded belly that works for both push cutters and rockers, with a blade height around average for this size and a symmetrical 50/50 edge ground into the steel. The outer layer is a softer stainless steel finished in the suminagashi style, an acid etched Damascus pattern with real depth to it.
What Customers Are Saying:More than one first time Japanese knife buyer picked this gyuto specifically for the wa handle, with one reviewer saying they were glad they chose it over the western option and found the round grip comfortable from the start. The dramatic Damascus pattern is a recurring highlight, with one buyer planning to build a display case for it when not in use, and another noting the black coating near the edge wore into a gradient look with use that they felt only added to the appearance.
Care Instructions:VG-10 is a low maintenance stainless steel, so hand wash and dry the blade after use rather than running it through a dishwasher. Avoid cutting through bones or frozen foods, and sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention. The etched finish scratches more easily than a plain polished blade, so a saya or knife block is a better storage choice than a magnetic strip.
The blade has a nicely rounded belly that works for both push cutters and rockers, with a blade height around average for this size and a symmetrical 50/50 edge ground into the steel. The outer layer is a softer stainless steel finished in the suminagashi style, an acid etched Damascus pattern with real depth to it.
What Customers Are Saying:More than one first time Japanese knife buyer picked this gyuto specifically for the wa handle, with one reviewer saying they were glad they chose it over the western option and found the round grip comfortable from the start. The dramatic Damascus pattern is a recurring highlight, with one buyer planning to build a display case for it when not in use, and another noting the black coating near the edge wore into a gradient look with use that they felt only added to the appearance.
Care Instructions:VG-10 is a low maintenance stainless steel, so hand wash and dry the blade after use rather than running it through a dishwasher. Avoid cutting through bones or frozen foods, and sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention. The etched finish scratches more easily than a plain polished blade, so a saya or knife block is a better storage choice than a magnetic strip.
- Blacksmith: Yoshimi Kato
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Workshop: Takefu Knife Village
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: VG-10 Stainless Steel
- Cladding: Stainless Damascus (Suminagashi)
- HRC: 61-62
- Edge Grind: 50/50
- Handle: Rosewood Oval (Wa)
- Weight: 5.4 oz (153 g)
- Blade Length: 216 mm
- Total Length: 362 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 53 mm
Reviews
4 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Good First KnifePosted By: Francis
5 people found this review helpful
Got this knife as my first ever Gyuto, so I'm not speaking with much experience. Really pleased with the fit and finish on this knife. I got someone to touch up the edge. The "black" coating on the knife kind of got remove near the edge in a nice gradient, which, in my opinion, make it look even better than what it looked out of the box.
The round handle is smooth and fit comfortably in my hand, even if I wish it was a bit bigger (but since it was my first knife, I didn't know what to aim for, so that one is on me).
Overall very happy with the knife, and very happy with the shipping and handling. It came fast, it was secure in the box and i'm very happy to say that I am now a knife geek.
5 people found this review helpful
Got this knife as my first ever Gyuto, so I'm not speaking with much experience. Really pleased with the fit and finish on this knife. I got someone to touch up the edge. The "black" coating on the knife kind of got remove near the edge in a nice gradient, which, in my opinion, make it look even better than what it looked out of the box.
The round handle is smooth and fit comfortably in my hand, even if I wish it was a bit bigger (but since it was my first knife, I didn't know what to aim for, so that one is on me).
Overall very happy with the knife, and very happy with the shipping and handling. It came fast, it was secure in the box and i'm very happy to say that I am now a knife geek.
Gorgeous! Exactly what I was hoping for.Posted By: Bill
5 people found this review helpful
I wanted a knife with dramatic damascus pattern. This knife has plenty of that. I want to make a shadow box to display it in when I'm not using it. It's not just looks. Everything about this knife is an improvement over what I have been using my whole life.
This is my first Japanese knife. I can't believe how light it is! I'm glad I chose the Wa handle style. Not only did I have zero trouble getting used to it, I like it better. I find the curved choil a huge improvement over the typical heavy western bolster. When I grip this knife my middle finger nestles perfectly in front of the handle. I think I ended up with the perfect knife for me. My next knife (I have to get more now) will have the same design. By the way, it came with the corners of the choil already eased a bit and comfortable to hold and use.
Oh yeah, it cuts too - very well. Nice edge right out of the box. I will sharpen it but it is not an immediate need, probably after the holidays when I have time to stop and take a breath.
If there is one thing I would like different it would be a little more visual pop to the handle. Not too much, I don't want to draw attention from that beautiful blade. I think I'll give it a high-gloss finish and see how that looks.
I can't leave out the customer service. I ordered it late at night, it was in FedEx's hands and on it's way to me the next day.
5 people found this review helpful
I wanted a knife with dramatic damascus pattern. This knife has plenty of that. I want to make a shadow box to display it in when I'm not using it. It's not just looks. Everything about this knife is an improvement over what I have been using my whole life.
This is my first Japanese knife. I can't believe how light it is! I'm glad I chose the Wa handle style. Not only did I have zero trouble getting used to it, I like it better. I find the curved choil a huge improvement over the typical heavy western bolster. When I grip this knife my middle finger nestles perfectly in front of the handle. I think I ended up with the perfect knife for me. My next knife (I have to get more now) will have the same design. By the way, it came with the corners of the choil already eased a bit and comfortable to hold and use.
Oh yeah, it cuts too - very well. Nice edge right out of the box. I will sharpen it but it is not an immediate need, probably after the holidays when I have time to stop and take a breath.
If there is one thing I would like different it would be a little more visual pop to the handle. Not too much, I don't want to draw attention from that beautiful blade. I think I'll give it a high-gloss finish and see how that looks.
I can't leave out the customer service. I ordered it late at night, it was in FedEx's hands and on it's way to me the next day.
Fantastic Knife
