The 240mm gyuto (Japanese all-purpose chef knife) is the largest knife in the burnt urushi Damascus sub-line from Nigara Hamono, and the one where this custom Damascus pattern, 25 layers of folded stainless steel that Nigara Hamono developed exclusively for CKTG several years ago, has the most blade surface to develop across. At 244mm blade length and 50mm height, this is a knife with genuine presence and reach. The 3mm spine - one millimeter thicker than the rest of the line - gives it a solid, confident feel on the board while the blade geometry still produces a thin, clean cutting action through produce and proteins. SG2 at 62+ HRC delivers excellent edge retention and a fine possible edge, fully stainless with no reactive surface to manage.
Nigara Hamono traces its history to the Edo period, when Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture was a castle town with over one hundred active blacksmith shops. Nigara is one of those original Tsugaru forging shops, and the level of craft visible in the hand-finished Damascus pattern on each blade reflects that depth of tradition. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle is lacquer-finished for durability and water resistance, and the warm tone of the oak pairs well with the movement in the Damascus blade face. At 190g this is a substantial knife with the authority its dimensions suggest. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and chip-prone at this HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Strop regularly and use quality water stones for full sharpenings.
Nigara Hamono traces its history to the Edo period, when Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture was a castle town with over one hundred active blacksmith shops. Nigara is one of those original Tsugaru forging shops, and the level of craft visible in the hand-finished Damascus pattern on each blade reflects that depth of tradition. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle is lacquer-finished for durability and water resistance, and the warm tone of the oak pairs well with the movement in the Damascus blade face. At 190g this is a substantial knife with the authority its dimensions suggest. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and chip-prone at this HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Strop regularly and use quality water stones for full sharpenings.
- Maker: Nigara Hamono
- Location: Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: SG2 Stainless Steel
- Cladding: 25-Layer Stainless Damascus (Custom CKTG Pattern)
- HRC: 62+
- Edge Grind: Double Bevel, Even
- Handle: Burnt Urushi Oak Octagonal
- Weight: 6.7 oz (190g)
- Blade Length: 244mm
- Total Length: 396mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 50mm
