Masakage Koishi are handmade knives by Yoshimi Kato san. He has decades of blacksmithing experience and shows that here in these beautifully balanced blades. Because they are handmade, the dimensions of each knife can vary just a little bit. But all are made from Aogami Super Steel that has been hardened to 63-65 Rockwell, making these the longest-lasting edges of any of the Masakage line.
The Honesuki (hoh-NESS-kee) is a Japanese-style boning knife. Its triangular taper down to a thin, surgical tip allows the knife to gain easy entry between bone joints, or to slip effortlessly beneath unwanted skin or tendons. The otherworldly edge retention of the hardened Aogami Super Steel helps this knife stay sharp longer so that meat fabrication is a breeze.Brand: Masakage
Line: Koishi
Location: Echizen, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Finish: Kurouchi
Edge Steel: Aogami Super
Handle: Cherry Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Engraving: Hand Engraved
Edge Grind: Even
Weight: 3.7 oz (106 g)
Edge Length: 153 mm
Total Length: 293 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm
Blade Height: 40 mm
Edge Grind: Double-beveled, 50/50
The Honesuki (hoh-NESS-kee) is a Japanese-style boning knife. Its triangular taper down to a thin, surgical tip allows the knife to gain easy entry between bone joints, or to slip effortlessly beneath unwanted skin or tendons. The otherworldly edge retention of the hardened Aogami Super Steel helps this knife stay sharp longer so that meat fabrication is a breeze.
Reviews
7 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) For poultry and smaller fish, this one excels. Masakage is my #1 preference., December 31, 2025Posted By: Marc
The only Japanese knives I carry to work are Masakage. I've learned that the Koishi line is what I prefer for not only the ease of quickly finding a laser edge but for weight, balance, performance and value. So far, I appreciate this style octagonal handle but am trying oval next.
This is my first honesuki and it glides through duck and chicken fab. The knife effortlessly finds it's own way while using the fine tip for detail around skin, bones and knuckles and thicker heel for separating joints.
After picking this one up (elsewhere regrettably at higher cost,) I confirmed my full appreciation for Masakage workmanship and steel... so much that I just continued with buying one bunka from the Yuki options....not the same steel or handle design but well worth a try.
I highly recommend for detailing duck legs for cleanest confit presentation, wing bone-on (airline-style) breasts and boning wing flats for stuffing. I doubt I'll ever look for an alternate honesuki because I've found what I feel is perfect in every way.
The only Japanese knives I carry to work are Masakage. I've learned that the Koishi line is what I prefer for not only the ease of quickly finding a laser edge but for weight, balance, performance and value. So far, I appreciate this style octagonal handle but am trying oval next.
This is my first honesuki and it glides through duck and chicken fab. The knife effortlessly finds it's own way while using the fine tip for detail around skin, bones and knuckles and thicker heel for separating joints.
After picking this one up (elsewhere regrettably at higher cost,) I confirmed my full appreciation for Masakage workmanship and steel... so much that I just continued with buying one bunka from the Yuki options....not the same steel or handle design but well worth a try.
I highly recommend for detailing duck legs for cleanest confit presentation, wing bone-on (airline-style) breasts and boning wing flats for stuffing. I doubt I'll ever look for an alternate honesuki because I've found what I feel is perfect in every way.
What A Beast!, March 14, 2025Posted By: Mike V
16 people found this review helpful
I wanted a double bevel honesuki for splitting chicken breasts into thin cutlets and petty work, that was tricky to do with my TOJIRO honesuki. I was afraid due to comments of a thin hollow edge. WOW! Was I surprised, this thing is a beast, it doesn't hesitate. I cut through 4 leg quarters (drum & thigh) in about 25 seconds and on the last piece had missed the joint, the blade went 3/4 through the Knuckle bone without issue, I realigned and finished the cut. the only effect on the blade was a slight edge roll ( which I was able to fix on a strop with 0.5u diamond ). On the next day I sliced jalapenos and scallion paper thin. I am extremely impressed with the quality, f&f, and blade of this knife. I'm sure there are more " bang for buck" knives out there, but I am NOT sorry for this purchase one bit!
16 people found this review helpful
I wanted a double bevel honesuki for splitting chicken breasts into thin cutlets and petty work, that was tricky to do with my TOJIRO honesuki. I was afraid due to comments of a thin hollow edge. WOW! Was I surprised, this thing is a beast, it doesn't hesitate. I cut through 4 leg quarters (drum & thigh) in about 25 seconds and on the last piece had missed the joint, the blade went 3/4 through the Knuckle bone without issue, I realigned and finished the cut. the only effect on the blade was a slight edge roll ( which I was able to fix on a strop with 0.5u diamond ). On the next day I sliced jalapenos and scallion paper thin. I am extremely impressed with the quality, f&f, and blade of this knife. I'm sure there are more " bang for buck" knives out there, but I am NOT sorry for this purchase one bit!
Fine AdditionPosted By: Cre - verified customer
20 people found this review helpful
Mark suggested this knife just before Thanksgiving, after I explained that I had plans to breakdown several large birds for the feast. The Honesuki was perfect for the task and made short work of the 22-lb Turkeys as well as the smaller fowl. The knife is sturdy, but nimble, and makes bird prep a breeze.
20 people found this review helpful
Mark suggested this knife just before Thanksgiving, after I explained that I had plans to breakdown several large birds for the feast. The Honesuki was perfect for the task and made short work of the 22-lb Turkeys as well as the smaller fowl. The knife is sturdy, but nimble, and makes bird prep a breeze.
Fine AdditionPosted By: Cre - verified customer
17 people found this review helpful
Mark suggested this knife just before Thanksgiving, after I explained that I had plans to breakdown several large birds for the feast. The Honesuki was perfect for the task and made short work of the 22-lb Turkeys as well as the smaller fowl. The knife is sturdy, but nimble, and makes bird prep a breeze.
17 people found this review helpful
Mark suggested this knife just before Thanksgiving, after I explained that I had plans to breakdown several large birds for the feast. The Honesuki was perfect for the task and made short work of the 22-lb Turkeys as well as the smaller fowl. The knife is sturdy, but nimble, and makes bird prep a breeze.
Good service Posted By: Aby - verified customer
19 people found this review helpful
The delivery was prompt, got the knife in two days. I bought several knives from chefsknivestogo, and was always met the specifications said or shown in video, but somehow this time, the knife wasnt close to the specifications. I totally understand these are hand made and are unique, but this time I am not happy as I usually is with chefknivestogo.
19 people found this review helpful
The delivery was prompt, got the knife in two days. I bought several knives from chefsknivestogo, and was always met the specifications said or shown in video, but somehow this time, the knife wasnt close to the specifications. I totally understand these are hand made and are unique, but this time I am not happy as I usually is with chefknivestogo.
Great knifePosted By: Jesper Gth - verified customer
14 people found this review helpful
Placed an order on this beauty five days ago and got it today-always great service from CKTG !!What a fantastic piece of cutlery, great performance and great looks-pictures dosent do this knife justice !! Thanks alot CKTG !!
14 people found this review helpful
Placed an order on this beauty five days ago and got it today-always great service from CKTG !!What a fantastic piece of cutlery, great performance and great looks-pictures dosent do this knife justice !! Thanks alot CKTG !!
Great knifePosted By: Jesper Gth - verified customer
33 people found this review helpful
Placed an order on this beauty five days ago and got it today-always great service from CKTG !!What a fantastic piece of cutlery, great performance and great looks-pictures dosent do this knife justice !! Thanks alot CKTG !!
33 people found this review helpful
Placed an order on this beauty five days ago and got it today-always great service from CKTG !!What a fantastic piece of cutlery, great performance and great looks-pictures dosent do this knife justice !! Thanks alot CKTG !!
