Okeya Blue #2 Gyuto 210mm

Okeya kitchen knives are a newer venture from the Okeya father-and-son team, building on a family tradition that began with grandfather Okeya-san forging kogatana blades—small knives used for woodworking and detailed cutting tasks. Expanding into kitchen knives, they’ve brought that same craftsmanship to a broader audience. We’re pleased to have discovered them and to be their first U.S. distributor, now offering several of their newest styles.

The Okeya Blue #2 Gyuto 210mm is an excellent example of their work. It features Aogami #2 carbon steel, a favorite among enthusiasts for its ability to take a very sharp edge and hold it well, clad in stainless steel for easier maintenance. The blade has a lightly hammered tsuchime finish with a subtle nashiji-like character that helps with food release and adds visual appeal. Hand-chiseled kanji on the front and stamped markings on the back give the knife a traditional touch. The edge is ground evenly for right- or left-handed use and hardened to around 60 HRC for a good balance of performance and durability.

A simple oak octagonal handle complements the rustic look while offering a comfortable, lightweight feel in hand. This is a well-priced, highly capable gyuto that works beautifully as a daily driver for a wide range of kitchen tasks. As with all carbon steel knives, the exposed core will develop a patina over time and should be kept clean and dry. Avoid bones and frozen foods to prevent chipping.

Care Instructions: Hand wash and dry promptly after use. Do not put in the dishwasher. Carbon steel will patina with use—this is normal. Avoid cutting hard materials like bones or frozen foods. Use a quality water stone for sharpening and store the knife dry.

Blacksmith: Aki Fujiwara

Brand: Okeya

Location: Miki, Japan

Edge Steel: Blue #2 Carbon Steel

Cladding: Stainless

Finish: Tsuchime

Handle: Oak Octagonal, Burnt Urushi Finish

Weight: 4.7 oz (134 g)

Blade Length: 212 mm

Total Length: 355 mm

Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm

Blade Height: 45 mm

Review Synopsis: Customers consistently praise this knife for its excellent performance and value, with many using it as a daily workhorse. It’s noted for being very sharp, lightweight, and versatile across a wide range of kitchen tasks. Some mention minor fit and finish details, such as handle sealing, but these are easily addressed and don’t detract from overall satisfaction. The stainless cladding means only the exposed edge will develop patina, which may differ from expectations of a fully reactive blade, but most users find the tradeoff worthwhile for easier maintenance.