The western handle on the Kohetsu Tsuchime line makes it the accessible entry point into Kohetsu performance - a full tang handle that feels immediately familiar to cooks from any background, paired with VG5 stainless steel and a hammered tsuchime (hammered) cladding that distinguishes it from everything else in the price range. VG5 from the V Gold family has higher vanadium than VG10, no cobalt, and a tougher edge at 60 HRC that sharpens easily. Made exclusively for CKTG by the Tsukahara family in Seki City, Japan.
The gyuto at 210mm is the heart of the Tsuchime line - versatile, well-balanced, and built around the distal taper and thin geometry that make Kohetsu knives cut above their price point. Weight: 5.1 oz (146g). Blade height: 46mm. Spine: 2mm. Western handle. The western handle is full tang with a comfortable grip that suits a range of hand sizes. The hammered tsuchime finish across the cladding reduces blade-to-food contact for improved release. The 60/40 asymmetric grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. CKTG is the only source for the Kohetsu VG5 Tsuchime line.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers praise the outstanding out-of-the-box edge and the ease of sharpening. One reviewer chose VG5 specifically over VG10 for its toughness and found the steel delivered on every count - sharp, easy to maintain, and a good balance of heft and neutrality. The tsuchime finish and handle design are described as exactly right for the price.
Care Instructions: VG5 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones - VG5 sharpens more easily than VG10 and responds well to regular stropping between sessions. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only.
The gyuto at 210mm is the heart of the Tsuchime line - versatile, well-balanced, and built around the distal taper and thin geometry that make Kohetsu knives cut above their price point. Weight: 5.1 oz (146g). Blade height: 46mm. Spine: 2mm. Western handle. The western handle is full tang with a comfortable grip that suits a range of hand sizes. The hammered tsuchime finish across the cladding reduces blade-to-food contact for improved release. The 60/40 asymmetric grind works equally well for right- and left-handed cooks. CKTG is the only source for the Kohetsu VG5 Tsuchime line.
What Customers Are Saying: Reviewers praise the outstanding out-of-the-box edge and the ease of sharpening. One reviewer chose VG5 specifically over VG10 for its toughness and found the steel delivered on every count - sharp, easy to maintain, and a good balance of heft and neutrality. The tsuchime finish and handle design are described as exactly right for the price.
Care Instructions: VG5 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones - VG5 sharpens more easily than VG10 and responds well to regular stropping between sessions. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only.
- Brand: Kohetsu
- Exclusive: CKTG Exclusive - Available Only at CKTG
- Blacksmith: Tsukahara Family
- Location: Seki City, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: VG5 Stainless
- Cladding: Hammered Tsuchime Stainless
- HRC: 60
- Finish: Tsuchime (Hammered)
- Edge Grind: 60/40 Asymmetric Double Bevel
- Handle: Western - Full Tang
- Blade Length: 210mm
Reviews
3 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Well Crafted
Great knife, but minor niggles with grind and finishPosted By: Mark Kirkwood - verified customer
16 people found this review helpful
First the good. The knife is great! I was a bit wary of VG10 knives due to chipping, so figured I'd try VG5. The result is I like it! The OOB edge is amazing (7/10 easy) and is also very easy to sharpen. The design of the knife is exactly what I wanted: a bit of heft, neutral balance and a good sized handle. Also very pretty.The not so great is - finish could be better: a bit rough on the choil, 2 (minor) scratches on the cladding and the heel of the knife ground upwards in a small dog leg. Fortunately that last issue could be easily fixed with a bit of surgery on a 1000 grit stone (and then a resharpen). But some more care needed in the quality control area, as it lets this otherwise fine product down a little.
16 people found this review helpful
First the good. The knife is great! I was a bit wary of VG10 knives due to chipping, so figured I'd try VG5. The result is I like it! The OOB edge is amazing (7/10 easy) and is also very easy to sharpen. The design of the knife is exactly what I wanted: a bit of heft, neutral balance and a good sized handle. Also very pretty.The not so great is - finish could be better: a bit rough on the choil, 2 (minor) scratches on the cladding and the heel of the knife ground upwards in a small dog leg. Fortunately that last issue could be easily fixed with a bit of surgery on a 1000 grit stone (and then a resharpen). But some more care needed in the quality control area, as it lets this otherwise fine product down a little.
