For cooks who want Japanese knife aesthetics but prefer stainless steel for daily use, the Shizu Gen line offers something specific: a VG10 core clad in stainless Damascus with a kurouchi (black finish, as-forged surface) treatment that gives the blade a dark, handmade look without any of the reactive steel maintenance that carbon knives require. Shizu Hamono produces these from Sanjo City in Niigata Prefecture, a Japanese metalworking center better known for tools and hardware than for kitchen knives - which gives their work a slightly different character from the knife-focused production centers in Sakai or Echizen.
The 210mm gyuto is the most versatile format in the line. At 212mm blade length with 45mm height and a 2mm spine, it is thin, light at 166g, and well-suited to cooks who want a knife that moves quickly and does not fatigue the hand through extended prep sessions. VG10 at 60-61 HRC is a practical everyday steel - it holds a good working edge, sharpens back easily on quality stones, and needs nothing more than a wipe and dry after use. The Damascus cladding is described by one owner as beautiful but somewhat subdued - it is present and visible, not loud or flashy, which suits the overall restraint of the design. The D-shaped pakka wood handle and black pakka ferrule complete the knife cleanly.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer purchased this as their first Japanese knife specifically because they wanted stainless steel practicality without sacrificing the visual character of a Japanese knife. The kurouchi finish combined with the subdued Damascus pattern delivered exactly that. After a professional finish sharpening the knife is described as sharp and a genuine joy to use, with an appearance they find themselves admiring when they are not cooking with it. A useful starting point review for buyers in exactly the same position.
Care Instructions: VG10 is low maintenance stainless steel. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention and maintain with a ceramic rod or strop between full sharpenings.
The 210mm gyuto is the most versatile format in the line. At 212mm blade length with 45mm height and a 2mm spine, it is thin, light at 166g, and well-suited to cooks who want a knife that moves quickly and does not fatigue the hand through extended prep sessions. VG10 at 60-61 HRC is a practical everyday steel - it holds a good working edge, sharpens back easily on quality stones, and needs nothing more than a wipe and dry after use. The Damascus cladding is described by one owner as beautiful but somewhat subdued - it is present and visible, not loud or flashy, which suits the overall restraint of the design. The D-shaped pakka wood handle and black pakka ferrule complete the knife cleanly.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer purchased this as their first Japanese knife specifically because they wanted stainless steel practicality without sacrificing the visual character of a Japanese knife. The kurouchi finish combined with the subdued Damascus pattern delivered exactly that. After a professional finish sharpening the knife is described as sharp and a genuine joy to use, with an appearance they find themselves admiring when they are not cooking with it. A useful starting point review for buyers in exactly the same position.
Care Instructions: VG10 is low maintenance stainless steel. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention and maintain with a ceramic rod or strop between full sharpenings.
- Maker: Shizu Hamono
- Knife Line: Gen
- Location: Sanjo City, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Roll Forged
- Edge Steel: VG10 Stainless
- Cladding: Stainless Damascus
- Finish: Kurouchi (Black Finish)
- HRC: 60-61
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: D-Shape Pakka Wood
- Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
- Weight: 5.8 oz (166g)
- Blade Length: 212mm
- Total Length: 352mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 45mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Love this knife, November 3, 2025Posted By: Matt Singleton
This was my first Japanese knife purchase as well as my first purchase from CKTG. Due to my lack of experience, I thought it best to go with something stainless even though I much preferred the more rustic look of carbon steel with a kurouchi finish. This knife scratched both those itches. I don't have to worry about the VG10 rusting right away and it still has the kurouchi look. The damascus pattern is beautiful, but somewhat subdued. It's not loud. I did get the finish sharpening when I purchased it, so I can't speak to the factory edge, but the knife is defintely sharp and a real joy to use when I'm not just admiring the appearance. Shipping was quick and the service was great. Will definitely order again from CKTG.
This was my first Japanese knife purchase as well as my first purchase from CKTG. Due to my lack of experience, I thought it best to go with something stainless even though I much preferred the more rustic look of carbon steel with a kurouchi finish. This knife scratched both those itches. I don't have to worry about the VG10 rusting right away and it still has the kurouchi look. The damascus pattern is beautiful, but somewhat subdued. It's not loud. I did get the finish sharpening when I purchased it, so I can't speak to the factory edge, but the knife is defintely sharp and a real joy to use when I'm not just admiring the appearance. Shipping was quick and the service was great. Will definitely order again from CKTG.
