Makoto VG7 Tsuchime Gyuto 210mm

Makoto Kurosaki uses his first name as his brand because his brother Yu Kurosaki claimed the Kurosaki name for his own blacksmith shop after they trained together. Makoto learned the craft under the legendary Hiroshi Kato, and has also trained with the great sharpener Mr. Morihiro. He works out of Echizen, Japan, making knives for some of the most respected names in the Japanese knife business while continuing to develop his own line.

This 210mm gyuto is hammer forged in a san mai construction with a VG7 stainless steel core at 61.5+ HRC and a stainless Damascus cladding finished in a hairline polish. VG7 is a stainless steel known for good edge retention and ease of sharpening, and the blade geometry here is one of the highlights: thin from spine to edge, with a grind that produces a satisfying, efficient cut through a wide range of produce and proteins. The rosewood oval handle with black pakka wood ferrule is the traditional complement.

What Customers Are Saying: Thirteen reviewers, consistently enthusiastic. Multiple reviewers call it excellent quality, beautiful, very light and sharp. One who has been using it for five years still finds it one of the best in their collection, noting the edge geometry, thin spine, and overall balance make it a pleasure to use. Cooks who receive these as gifts come back for more. A recurring observation: the thin tip is impressive and capable but requires some care during heavier tasks.

Care Instructions: VG7 is a stainless steel, so day to day care is straightforward. Hand wash and dry the blade rather than running it through a dishwasher, avoid cutting through bones or frozen foods, and use a quality water stone when it is time to sharpen.

• Brand: Makoto
• Blacksmith: Makoto Kurosaki
• Location: Echizen, Japan
• Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
• Edge Steel: VG7 Stainless Steel
• Cladding: Stainless Steel
• Finish: Hairline
• HRC: 61.5+
• Handle: Oval Rosewood
• Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
• Edge Grind: Even (See Choil Photo)
• Weight: 5.2 oz (150 g)
• Blade Length: 214 mm
• Total Length: 354 mm
• Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
• Blade Height: 47 mm