Aki Fujiwara runs the Okeya blacksmith shop in Miki City, Japan, a family operation that started with kogatana blades and expanded into kitchen knives. CKTG is their first U.S. distributor, a relationship Mark established after discovering the knives in a display case at a steel mill that supplies clad steel to several industries. The Hairline sub-line uses a stainless cladding with a hairline, or sandblasted, finish rather than the kurouchi finish found on other Okeya lines.
This gyuto is hammer forged in a san mai construction with a White #2, or Shirogami #2, carbon steel core and stainless cladding finished in a hairline, or sandblasted, texture. The hairline finish is subtler than a mirror polish and more refined than a kurouchi surface, sitting between the two aesthetically. At 211mm blade length and 45mm tall it is a practical everyday gyuto that covers the full range of kitchen tasks. The oval ho wood handle with black plastic ferrule keeps the look traditional.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers, both positive. One calls it a very nice knife with a sleek, thin blade that excels at fine cuts. They had the CKTG sharpening service work on it and the result was described as surgically sharp. The fair note: the handle is basic and they swapped it for a custom handle, calling the result excellent overall. The other reviewer found it very pleasing with great finish and is very pleased with the purchase.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for any length of time, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only.
This gyuto is hammer forged in a san mai construction with a White #2, or Shirogami #2, carbon steel core and stainless cladding finished in a hairline, or sandblasted, texture. The hairline finish is subtler than a mirror polish and more refined than a kurouchi surface, sitting between the two aesthetically. At 211mm blade length and 45mm tall it is a practical everyday gyuto that covers the full range of kitchen tasks. The oval ho wood handle with black plastic ferrule keeps the look traditional.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers, both positive. One calls it a very nice knife with a sleek, thin blade that excels at fine cuts. They had the CKTG sharpening service work on it and the result was described as surgically sharp. The fair note: the handle is basic and they swapped it for a custom handle, calling the result excellent overall. The other reviewer found it very pleasing with great finish and is very pleased with the purchase.
Care Instructions: White #2 is a reactive carbon steel, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for any length of time, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only.
- Blacksmith: Aki Fujiwara
- Brand: Okeya
- Location: Miki City, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: White #2 (Shirogami #2) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Stainless
- Finish: Hairline/Sand Blast
- Handle: Oval Ho Wood
- Ferrule: Black Plastic
- Weight: 4.2 oz (120 g)
- Blade Length: 211 mm
- Total Length: 352 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 45 mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Nice Thin Blade, March 23, 2026Posted By: Michael Wilson
Very nice knife . Very sleek with a thin blade. Great for making thin cuts. Finish is great. I purchased the sharpening service and Mark turned it into a surgically sharp blade. The handle is not impressive and I swapped it out for a custom handle. Overall I’m very pleased with it. Thx to CKTG for the fast service.
Very nice knife . Very sleek with a thin blade. Great for making thin cuts. Finish is great. I purchased the sharpening service and Mark turned it into a surgically sharp blade. The handle is not impressive and I swapped it out for a custom handle. Overall I’m very pleased with it. Thx to CKTG for the fast service.
My go to knifePosted By: Matthew Harrison
35 people found this review helpful
This has turned into my go-to kitchen knife. The legth is perfect for 90% of my kitchen tasks and the thin width makes it nimble and a pleasure to use. Takes a geat egde and is easy to maintain. Fit and finish out of the box was as expected, plastic ferrule and a bit of time spent sanding the handle to be flush. The hairline finish is very well done; this knife is a joy to use in the kitchen
35 people found this review helpful
This has turned into my go-to kitchen knife. The legth is perfect for 90% of my kitchen tasks and the thin width makes it nimble and a pleasure to use. Takes a geat egde and is easy to maintain. Fit and finish out of the box was as expected, plastic ferrule and a bit of time spent sanding the handle to be flush. The hairline finish is very well done; this knife is a joy to use in the kitchen
