Kohetsu HAP40 Western Gyuto 240mm

HAP40 is what CKTG has been calling Voodoo Steel for years - a powdered high-speed semi-stainless alloy from Hitachi Metals that holds its edge three to five times longer than traditional carbon or stainless steels. At 65-66 HRC, it is harder than Aogami Super and SG2, fine-grained enough to take a razor-sharp edge, and semi-stainless enough to handle daily kitchen use without the reactive surface care that carbon demands. The Kohetsu HAP40 Western line brings that steel into a familiar western handle format - full tang mahogany with stainless bolster and three rivets - made exclusively for CKTG by the Tsukahara family in Seki City, Japan.

The gyuto at 240mm is the standard professional length - more reach on the pull stroke, more surface for slicing, and the extra blade height that makes large produce and proteins easier to work through efficiently. The HAP40 edge retention makes this the go-to knife for high-volume pro kitchen use. At just over 7 ounces, it is well-balanced for extended prep sessions. The thin grind lets the blade pass through food with minimal resistance, and the 60/40 asymmetric edge works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. Stainless san-mai cladding over the HAP40 core keeps daily maintenance simple. The mahogany western handle with stainless bolster and three rivets is well executed - full tang construction, comfortable across grip styles, and finished to a professional standard. CKTG is the only source for the Kohetsu HAP40 line.

What Customers Are Saying: Seasoned professionals describe this as their go-to high-volume prep knife. Reviewers call it awesome for both commercial and home kitchens, with edge retention that outlasts any traditional steel knife in the collection. The 240mm length and western handle make it an immediately productive knife for cooks of any background.

Care Instructions: HAP40 is a semi-stainless steel - hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only and avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials that could chip the edge. Sharpen on quality water stones; HAP40 sharpens more readily than most powdered steels but rewards a consistent angle and light pressure. Strop regularly between sharpenings to maintain peak performance. The extraordinary edge retention means sharpening sessions are less frequent than with any other steel in the Kohetsu lineup.

Brand: Kohetsu

CKTG Exclusive - Available Only at CKTG

Blacksmith: Tsukahara Family

Location: Seki City, Japan

Construction: Laser Cut, San Mai

Edge Steel: HAP40 Semi Stainless (Powdered High Speed Steel)

Cladding: Stainless Steel

HRC: 65-66

Edge Grind: 60/40 Asymmetric Double Bevel

Engraving: Acid Etched Kanji

Handle: Mahogany Western - Full Tang

Bolster: Stainless Steel

Rivets: 3 Stainless

Weight: 7.2 oz (204 g)

Blade Length: 235 mm

Total Length: 360 mm

Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm

Blade Height: 50 mm