The Okada White #2 Kurouchi Gyuto 180mm is a hand-forged kitchen knife made in Echizen, Japan at the Takefu Knife Village. Okada-san began his career as a blacksmith producing gardening tools like sickles and hedge shears, and he brings that same durability and forged character into his kitchen knives. This 180mm gyuto is a compact chef’s knife that offers excellent control while still providing enough length for most prep tasks.
The core steel is Shirogami #2 (White #2), a very pure carbon steel known for taking an extremely sharp edge and being easy to sharpen. The kurouchi finish helps protect the upper portion of the blade while giving it a rustic, traditional look. This knife has a sturdy spine and a workhorse feel, with an even (50/50) grind that makes it suitable for both right- and left-handed users. The edge is thin enough for clean cutting but retains enough strength for everyday use. Like all carbon steel knives, it is fully reactive and will develop a patina over time.
What Customers Are Saying: Customers appreciate the balance of toughness and sharpness, noting that the thicker spine gives it a confident, workhorse feel while the White #2 steel takes a razor edge with minimal effort. The kurouchi finish and hand-forged character add to its appeal as a practical, no-nonsense daily driver.
Care Instructions: This knife has a reactive carbon steel blade. Wash and dry it thoroughly after each use to prevent rust and discoloration. Avoid cutting frozen foods or bones. Store it in a dry place and consider using a blade guard for protection.
Maker: Okada-san
Location: Echizen, Japan
Edge Steel: White #2 Carbon Steel
Cladding: Kurouchi Finish
Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
Hardness: ~61 HRC
Blade Length: 180 mm
Total Length: 322 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 4 mm
Blade Height: 49 mm
Weight: 5.3 oz (150 g)
Handle: Octagonal Keyaki Wood
Ferrule: Brown Pakka Wood
The core steel is Shirogami #2 (White #2), a very pure carbon steel known for taking an extremely sharp edge and being easy to sharpen. The kurouchi finish helps protect the upper portion of the blade while giving it a rustic, traditional look. This knife has a sturdy spine and a workhorse feel, with an even (50/50) grind that makes it suitable for both right- and left-handed users. The edge is thin enough for clean cutting but retains enough strength for everyday use. Like all carbon steel knives, it is fully reactive and will develop a patina over time.
What Customers Are Saying: Customers appreciate the balance of toughness and sharpness, noting that the thicker spine gives it a confident, workhorse feel while the White #2 steel takes a razor edge with minimal effort. The kurouchi finish and hand-forged character add to its appeal as a practical, no-nonsense daily driver.
Care Instructions: This knife has a reactive carbon steel blade. Wash and dry it thoroughly after each use to prevent rust and discoloration. Avoid cutting frozen foods or bones. Store it in a dry place and consider using a blade guard for protection.
