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The Takamura Chromax Gyuto is a knife we have yearned after for several years. We first got a taste for this knife when we received a shipment of santokus made from a relatively new steel called Chromax. Chromax is composed of 5% chromium, 1% carbon, 0.9% manganese, 1.2% molybdenum and 0.5% vanadium. The steel is much less reactive than true carbon steel but gives many of the same sharpening and performance characteristics of some of the better carbon steels like blue #2. It is often likened to R2 but in our opinion it has a more solid and tough feel (as compared to the slightly more delicate feel of R2). It is also harder (HRC: 65) and exhibits better edge retention compared to standard stain-resistant steels.
It was love at first slice! So we began begging them to do a gyuto in a 210mm size. After many requests they finally relented and offered us these on the condition that we buy 500 per order. We swallowed hard and decided to do it.
This gyuto is a knife that will appeal to both pro and home chefs. It is tough yet easy to maintain. Holds a fine edge for ages and is a beast when sharpened. This laser of a knife is mated to a really well made stainless bolster and a nicely finished western wooden handle. The value quotient of the Takamura Chromax Gyuto 210mm is undeniable. As a keeper or a gift, this is a great knife at a great price.Maker: Takamura
Construction: San Mai, Laser Cut
Engraving: Hand Engraved and Stamped Logo
Edge Steel: Chromax
Cladding: Stainless
Finish: Tsuchime (Hammered)
HRC: 64-65
Weight: 5.8 ounces
Blade Length: 212 mm
Total Length: 335 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 1.8 mm
Blade Height: 45.4 mm
It was love at first slice! So we began begging them to do a gyuto in a 210mm size. After many requests they finally relented and offered us these on the condition that we buy 500 per order. We swallowed hard and decided to do it.
This gyuto is a knife that will appeal to both pro and home chefs. It is tough yet easy to maintain. Holds a fine edge for ages and is a beast when sharpened. This laser of a knife is mated to a really well made stainless bolster and a nicely finished western wooden handle. The value quotient of the Takamura Chromax Gyuto 210mm is undeniable. As a keeper or a gift, this is a great knife at a great price.
Product Reviews
Pleasure to Use, December 12, 2019
Great knife at a decent price, October 18, 2019Posted By: Adam Yarbough
1 people found this review helpful
First things is first, the knife arrived with a slight chip in the tip of the blade. It wasn't big enough to warrant sending it back and waiting for a new one, but it was big enough so it was annoying to look at. This thing is thin, thin, thin behind the edge. i tested it out on some onions first and it glides right through. I noticed it had a few rough spots on the edge that were catching when slicing paper. I cleaned it up on a 3k Shapton stone and after that it was even more amazing. It has more heft to it than I thought it would considering it is only a 210, but I kind of like that it has a weighty and stiff feeling to it. Without a doubt, worth the 140 you spend on it.
1 people found this review helpful
First things is first, the knife arrived with a slight chip in the tip of the blade. It wasn't big enough to warrant sending it back and waiting for a new one, but it was big enough so it was annoying to look at. This thing is thin, thin, thin behind the edge. i tested it out on some onions first and it glides right through. I noticed it had a few rough spots on the edge that were catching when slicing paper. I cleaned it up on a 3k Shapton stone and after that it was even more amazing. It has more heft to it than I thought it would considering it is only a 210, but I kind of like that it has a weighty and stiff feeling to it. Without a doubt, worth the 140 you spend on it.
Perfect Gift, July 30, 2019 Wow!, July 26, 2019 Great Value, July 15, 2019 Very good , May 1, 2019 excellent performer, small handle though, April 28, 2019 New Fave, April 5, 2019Posted By: Edward
2 people found this review helpful
This is my third Takamura and second Chromax knife and my new favorite. I have owned the Chromax Santoku for several months now (the 210 Gyuto came just as sharp) and have never had an issue with rusting or spotting as others have stated. The 210 is a pleasure to use as it is thin and shaving sharp. Balance and handling are superb, food release is good but not excellent in my opinion. Between the Santoku and the Gyuto one can do just about anything needed. I also own the Takamura R2 180 Gyuto.
2 people found this review helpful
This is my third Takamura and second Chromax knife and my new favorite. I have owned the Chromax Santoku for several months now (the 210 Gyuto came just as sharp) and have never had an issue with rusting or spotting as others have stated. The 210 is a pleasure to use as it is thin and shaving sharp. Balance and handling are superb, food release is good but not excellent in my opinion. Between the Santoku and the Gyuto one can do just about anything needed. I also own the Takamura R2 180 Gyuto.
Amazing, true laser, extremely beautiful , April 4, 2019 Top flight!, March 23, 2019Posted By: Teo
2 people found this review helpful
According to Steve Garmashe’s video, this is a top flight knife and in my opinion a full blown laser. All it’s attributes check out; astetically beautiful, very thin and it cuts like a dream. I don’t have it’s twin sister, the Takamura R2 for comparison so it would be difficult for me to coment. Although good, I have already experienced the R2 flavor on another knife, so the Chromax was a welcome choice. I would compare this knife to its more expensive counterparts and I would say it stacks up with the best. It’s looks attracts you, it’s handling puts a smile on your face. Out of box sharpness is in the upper echelons so there would be no need for sharpening at least for a while.
2 people found this review helpful
According to Steve Garmashe’s video, this is a top flight knife and in my opinion a full blown laser. All it’s attributes check out; astetically beautiful, very thin and it cuts like a dream. I don’t have it’s twin sister, the Takamura R2 for comparison so it would be difficult for me to coment. Although good, I have already experienced the R2 flavor on another knife, so the Chromax was a welcome choice. I would compare this knife to its more expensive counterparts and I would say it stacks up with the best. It’s looks attracts you, it’s handling puts a smile on your face. Out of box sharpness is in the upper echelons so there would be no need for sharpening at least for a while.
Love It, February 28, 2019Posted By: DCB - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
I'm a novice to quality knives, but this one blows away all of the "perfectly functional" knives I've used previously. It's a pleasure to use on vegetables, and a whole new level of sharp from what I'm used to.
2 people found this review helpful
I'm a novice to quality knives, but this one blows away all of the "perfectly functional" knives I've used previously. It's a pleasure to use on vegetables, and a whole new level of sharp from what I'm used to.
great, February 6, 2019 Brown spots on Knife, January 9, 2019Posted By: Jane Riboni - verified customer
6 people found this review helpful
The blade is very sharp but following one hand washing - small brown, rust-like spots appeared and remain visible on the blade, even after wiping it well. I have a similar quality Japanese made knife that is several years old and I have never had this issue.
I may want to return the knife. I will let you know.
Thank you.
6 people found this review helpful
The blade is very sharp but following one hand washing - small brown, rust-like spots appeared and remain visible on the blade, even after wiping it well. I have a similar quality Japanese made knife that is several years old and I have never had this issue.
I may want to return the knife. I will let you know.
Thank you.
No better place to buy a knife, December 31, 2018 Great knife, December 16, 2018Posted By: Mike9
9 people found this review helpful
Unreal value - best knife since the PS60. Super sharp out of the box, light, nimble and good balance. The handle shrank in shipping, but tell you what this blade is worthy of a rehandle. When can we get a 240mm version???
9 people found this review helpful
Unreal value - best knife since the PS60. Super sharp out of the box, light, nimble and good balance. The handle shrank in shipping, but tell you what this blade is worthy of a rehandle. When can we get a 240mm version???
Great knife at a great price, December 15, 2018Posted By: Gary Tripp - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife based on all the other reviews. They were not wrong., This is a great knife and it comes at a great price. While it came sharp out of the box, the other reviews stated it sharpened great, and that is the first thing I did, I hit it with a 5000 and 8000 ceramic and then stropped it with some diamond spray. Wow, it is a fabulous knife. My main knife for slicing through fruits, veggies, and even meat. I bought 2 more to give away as gifts.
5 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife based on all the other reviews. They were not wrong., This is a great knife and it comes at a great price. While it came sharp out of the box, the other reviews stated it sharpened great, and that is the first thing I did, I hit it with a 5000 and 8000 ceramic and then stropped it with some diamond spray. Wow, it is a fabulous knife. My main knife for slicing through fruits, veggies, and even meat. I bought 2 more to give away as gifts.
Terrific knife and great value, December 15, 2018Posted By: Lionel Joyce - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
My first exposure to Chromax and I am duly impressed. Terrific edge, as delivered, and all I have been giving it is a quick strop between uses to keep it super sharp. It also happens to be a 'looker' with its beautiful tsuchime finish, which is practical as well as pretty, since it sheds potato slices much better than a straight polished stainless cladding. I found that the edge will react if I don't dry it out within minutes, but the spot was easy to polish out, so no harm done. Terrific knife - now if CKTG would just offer a 90mm petty....I'd love the 130mm but it's a bit longer than I need.
5 people found this review helpful
My first exposure to Chromax and I am duly impressed. Terrific edge, as delivered, and all I have been giving it is a quick strop between uses to keep it super sharp. It also happens to be a 'looker' with its beautiful tsuchime finish, which is practical as well as pretty, since it sheds potato slices much better than a straight polished stainless cladding. I found that the edge will react if I don't dry it out within minutes, but the spot was easy to polish out, so no harm done. Terrific knife - now if CKTG would just offer a 90mm petty....I'd love the 130mm but it's a bit longer than I need.
Now this is a great knife, November 28, 2018Posted By: Gary Tripp
5 people found this review helpful
With the Black Friday sale, I bought 3 of these for presents based off the previous reviews. The reviews are correct. This is a great knife. In many of the reviews they recommended sharpening. Since I don't need much of an excuse to sharpen a knife, I did exactly that. I used a 5000, then 8000 ceramic stone followed by stropping with Mark's diamond spray. Wow! This knife comes as close as you can get to a laser. When I showed my wife, she asked which 1 of the 3 wasn't getting a knife for Christmas!
5 people found this review helpful
With the Black Friday sale, I bought 3 of these for presents based off the previous reviews. The reviews are correct. This is a great knife. In many of the reviews they recommended sharpening. Since I don't need much of an excuse to sharpen a knife, I did exactly that. I used a 5000, then 8000 ceramic stone followed by stropping with Mark's diamond spray. Wow! This knife comes as close as you can get to a laser. When I showed my wife, she asked which 1 of the 3 wasn't getting a knife for Christmas!
Excellent value, November 27, 2018Posted By: Colleen - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
These Chromax knives are no brainers. Great fit and finish and just an unbelievable value at this price. Sharp, well balanced, perfect starter or everyday knife. Grab them while you still can!
5 people found this review helpful
These Chromax knives are no brainers. Great fit and finish and just an unbelievable value at this price. Sharp, well balanced, perfect starter or everyday knife. Grab them while you still can!
Great Deal , November 9, 2018Posted By: FJM
5 people found this review helpful
This knife is clearly a great great deal at this price, It looks fantastic especially if you're a tsuchime adept. It isn't that reactive, a light patina may appear if you're neclecting it, but i think it would take a total lack of care to make it rust. (I'm a cook, i can't always wash it straight away after using it, and i might have even left it half an hour or more approximatively cleaned but never had any issues). Concerning the edge, it becomes a total beast after sharpening.
5 people found this review helpful
This knife is clearly a great great deal at this price, It looks fantastic especially if you're a tsuchime adept. It isn't that reactive, a light patina may appear if you're neclecting it, but i think it would take a total lack of care to make it rust. (I'm a cook, i can't always wash it straight away after using it, and i might have even left it half an hour or more approximatively cleaned but never had any issues). Concerning the edge, it becomes a total beast after sharpening.
Absolute beast , October 22, 2018Posted By: Josh
7 people found this review helpful
I'll start this off by saying that I have previously owned a takamura r2.. But the comparison really ends at the cosmetics. The fit and finish is absolute top notch, but the steel is no real comparison. The r2 is fantastic steel, but this chromax is unbelievable. It has a steep angle ootb, and is already very sharp. After some strops with diamond compound this thing becomes stupidly sharp, almost sharper than my straight razor. It is a true laser and falls through whatever product it meets As a bonus the hammered effect just looks stunning on the blade, a real unique special knife. Can't believe that is such good value & cheaper than the r2.
7 people found this review helpful
I'll start this off by saying that I have previously owned a takamura r2.. But the comparison really ends at the cosmetics. The fit and finish is absolute top notch, but the steel is no real comparison. The r2 is fantastic steel, but this chromax is unbelievable. It has a steep angle ootb, and is already very sharp. After some strops with diamond compound this thing becomes stupidly sharp, almost sharper than my straight razor. It is a true laser and falls through whatever product it meets As a bonus the hammered effect just looks stunning on the blade, a real unique special knife. Can't believe that is such good value & cheaper than the r2.
Broken tip, October 6, 2018Posted By: Lucas - verified customer
4 people found this review helpful
I ordered a 210mm chromax gyuto. When it came the tip was broken off. I kept because I was able to take it out on my stone, and there where some shipping issues as well. I have used cktg to go before with better results so I am hoping this is an isolated incident as I would like to keep using your service.
4 people found this review helpful
I ordered a 210mm chromax gyuto. When it came the tip was broken off. I kept because I was able to take it out on my stone, and there where some shipping issues as well. I have used cktg to go before with better results so I am hoping this is an isolated incident as I would like to keep using your service.
Chromax 210mm, September 19, 2018Posted By: HPHH
7 people found this review helpful
Good knife after you put some work into it, especially for the price. But be aware of certain things....
The edge OOB was quite sharp. I carved up some steaks but noticed several visible chips along the edge!
The factory edge seems weak. You will have to sharpen it yourself to bring out its true potential as well as to fortify the edge. After one or two sharpenings, the edge should be stronger. I recommend a microbevel as well, since this thing's edge angle is STEEP STEEP STEEP. If you want an OOB cutter, this is not for you. But if you want a knife than can probably cut your heart out of your body without you even feeling it after some sharpening, get it. A great deal for below $150.
7 people found this review helpful
Good knife after you put some work into it, especially for the price. But be aware of certain things....
The edge OOB was quite sharp. I carved up some steaks but noticed several visible chips along the edge!
The factory edge seems weak. You will have to sharpen it yourself to bring out its true potential as well as to fortify the edge. After one or two sharpenings, the edge should be stronger. I recommend a microbevel as well, since this thing's edge angle is STEEP STEEP STEEP. If you want an OOB cutter, this is not for you. But if you want a knife than can probably cut your heart out of your body without you even feeling it after some sharpening, get it. A great deal for below $150.
The best knife under $200, September 12, 2018Posted By: Raditya Iskandar - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
This Takamura is probably the starter knife for you want to start in Japanese Knife game. Fit and Finish is nice, the grind and the geometry is excellent. Edge retention is good and not too reactive like real carbon steel. I would recommend this if the R2 version is too pricey for you. Also that Tsuchime finish is a nice touch.
5 people found this review helpful
This Takamura is probably the starter knife for you want to start in Japanese Knife game. Fit and Finish is nice, the grind and the geometry is excellent. Edge retention is good and not too reactive like real carbon steel. I would recommend this if the R2 version is too pricey for you. Also that Tsuchime finish is a nice touch.
Takamura chromaxgyuto, August 22, 2018 Takamura Chroma 210 Gyuto, August 13, 2018Posted By: S Huber - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
Fantastically sharp and holds an edge well. I've used it a few times and it is still razor sharp. The handle is comfortable after extended use. I don't think you can find a better knife for the price.
5 people found this review helpful
Fantastically sharp and holds an edge well. I've used it a few times and it is still razor sharp. The handle is comfortable after extended use. I don't think you can find a better knife for the price.
Takamura Chromax Gyuto, June 26, 2018Posted By: Nick
6 people found this review helpful
It is a very well made beautiful knife. Fit and finish are top
notch. Well balanced. Sharpens out of the box is excellent, better than
anything I saw so far (it is my third knife I bought here). At the price
point they are selling it now it is no brainer, I bought it immediately.
Well, all this said I'd like to qualify some points. It is a light knife
and if you have large hands you might find its handle a little bit too
slim for your convenience.
Anyways, I use it for soft vegetables. I do not know what is an official
definition of a laser is, but for me this knife comes as close as it gets to
it. I feel almost no resistance when it goes through produce.
It holds its edge for a decent amount of time and is easy to sharpen. All in all
this is an excellent knife. I am very satisfied with the purchase.
6 people found this review helpful
It is a very well made beautiful knife. Fit and finish are top
notch. Well balanced. Sharpens out of the box is excellent, better than
anything I saw so far (it is my third knife I bought here). At the price
point they are selling it now it is no brainer, I bought it immediately.
Well, all this said I'd like to qualify some points. It is a light knife
and if you have large hands you might find its handle a little bit too
slim for your convenience.
Anyways, I use it for soft vegetables. I do not know what is an official
definition of a laser is, but for me this knife comes as close as it gets to
it. I feel almost no resistance when it goes through produce.
It holds its edge for a decent amount of time and is easy to sharpen. All in all
this is an excellent knife. I am very satisfied with the purchase.
Really nice edge, June 15, 2018Posted By: Mark Kirkwood
7 people found this review helpful
This is a follow up review. After using the knife for 10 days - every day for food prep, the edge is still very sharp (possibly just as sharp). However, being a keen knife sharpener myself I was studying the edge under strong sunlight and I was seeing diverse reflections suggesting micro serations, or perhaps just a toothy edge from 6000 or lower grit stone. So I decided to gently strop the knife on leather with some Dialux green compound (stainless steel polishing). After about 20 strops on each side the visual change in the edge was obvious. Cutting performance thereafter is simply stunning - really flies through soft product and also stringy meat...it was good before but is amazing now. So this strongly suggests sharpening this knife will yield excellent results!
7 people found this review helpful
This is a follow up review. After using the knife for 10 days - every day for food prep, the edge is still very sharp (possibly just as sharp). However, being a keen knife sharpener myself I was studying the edge under strong sunlight and I was seeing diverse reflections suggesting micro serations, or perhaps just a toothy edge from 6000 or lower grit stone. So I decided to gently strop the knife on leather with some Dialux green compound (stainless steel polishing). After about 20 strops on each side the visual change in the edge was obvious. Cutting performance thereafter is simply stunning - really flies through soft product and also stringy meat...it was good before but is amazing now. So this strongly suggests sharpening this knife will yield excellent results!
Great knife, June 12, 2018Posted By: Christopher Willett
5 people found this review helpful
I picked up this knife as a thank you present for my mothers-in-law for everything they have done for our family over the past few years. They are confirmed home cooks with nice German knives in the drawer. I wanted to get them something with better performance, yet not be too large or intimidating that they'd shy away from using it. I used the Chromax for a few days before sending it off to them and was very impressed by the performance of the knife. There was no wedging, only smooth slicing. The out of the box edge was impressive and I don't think I could improve upon it. It blew through the usual suspects from the vegetable kingdom and made ultra thin slices of raw meat stupidly easy. The profile of the knife is neutral, with a nice flat spot but enough belly to making rocking possible if that is your thing. The knife looks great and the handle is tight and confidence inspiring. The knife handles with agility and ease and I was impressed by how easy it was to use the knife. I'm not a big fan of western handles and this one didn't change my mind at all. But, if the knife had a Japanese wa handle I'd have gotten one for myself as well. The knife feels like a scalpel and it is an easy one to recommend to others who would like a western handled, high performance knife. As a last perk, the price is awesome.
5 people found this review helpful
I picked up this knife as a thank you present for my mothers-in-law for everything they have done for our family over the past few years. They are confirmed home cooks with nice German knives in the drawer. I wanted to get them something with better performance, yet not be too large or intimidating that they'd shy away from using it. I used the Chromax for a few days before sending it off to them and was very impressed by the performance of the knife. There was no wedging, only smooth slicing. The out of the box edge was impressive and I don't think I could improve upon it. It blew through the usual suspects from the vegetable kingdom and made ultra thin slices of raw meat stupidly easy. The profile of the knife is neutral, with a nice flat spot but enough belly to making rocking possible if that is your thing. The knife looks great and the handle is tight and confidence inspiring. The knife handles with agility and ease and I was impressed by how easy it was to use the knife. I'm not a big fan of western handles and this one didn't change my mind at all. But, if the knife had a Japanese wa handle I'd have gotten one for myself as well. The knife feels like a scalpel and it is an easy one to recommend to others who would like a western handled, high performance knife. As a last perk, the price is awesome.
Awesome knife for its price, June 7, 2018Posted By: Ben
5 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this knife. I received it last week and start using it right away. Slices the vegetables and meats like butter and it's so pleasant to use. Knife is smaller than it looks but it cuts all my prep vegetables and meats so easily. It's not a knife to bang on the cutting board and chop. When you slice the vegetables it just glides. I am recommending this knife to my friends and I hope they take advantage of this great knife that is so reasonably priced.
5 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this knife. I received it last week and start using it right away. Slices the vegetables and meats like butter and it's so pleasant to use. Knife is smaller than it looks but it cuts all my prep vegetables and meats so easily. It's not a knife to bang on the cutting board and chop. When you slice the vegetables it just glides. I am recommending this knife to my friends and I hope they take advantage of this great knife that is so reasonably priced.
Excellent knife!, June 5, 2018Posted By: Mark Kirkwood
11 people found this review helpful
Just received the knife today, and of course, had to put it to work. Just amazingly sharp factory edge! Dicing garlic I nicked my fingernail - took a decent chuck out! So obviously care is required, but this just highlights the keenness of the edge. The blade is stiff, I have a comparable SG2 blade and it is more flexible. They feel very similar in use, however. The SG2 is way more expensive but the Chromax cuts just as well. Quite an achievement.
The fit and finish on the knife are just outstanding for the price point. Now clearly I have not tried to sharpen the knife at the time - but overall, I'm thinking this is an outstandingly good buy!
11 people found this review helpful
Just received the knife today, and of course, had to put it to work. Just amazingly sharp factory edge! Dicing garlic I nicked my fingernail - took a decent chuck out! So obviously care is required, but this just highlights the keenness of the edge. The blade is stiff, I have a comparable SG2 blade and it is more flexible. They feel very similar in use, however. The SG2 is way more expensive but the Chromax cuts just as well. Quite an achievement.
The fit and finish on the knife are just outstanding for the price point. Now clearly I have not tried to sharpen the knife at the time - but overall, I'm thinking this is an outstandingly good buy!
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