Kurokage means dark shadow in Japanese - and the name fits. The combination of a tsuchime (hammered) finish and a smooth black Teflon coating over the stainless cladding gives this line a visual identity unlike anything else in the Sakai Takayuki catalog. The Teflon coating does real work beyond aesthetics: food releases from the blade surface with minimal resistance, and cleaning requires almost no effort. With VG10 stainless steel at the core, san mai construction, and an octagonal wenge handle, these knives are made in Sakai - one of Japan's great knife-making cities with over 600 years of blade production behind it.
The 240mm gyuto is the professional standard length, and this model has the presence and reach that high-volume prep demands. The Teflon coating over the hammered tsuchime cladding gives it a visual weight that matches the physical one. At 60-61 HRC, the VG10 edge holds well through sustained kitchen use and resharpens quickly on a ceramic rod between services.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. The Teflon coating provides excellent food release and is durable under normal kitchen use, but avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, which can damage the coating over time. Sharpen only on the polished VG10 edge - not on the Teflon-coated cladding. Use quality water stones or a ceramic rod. Avoid bones and frozen foods.Maker: Sakai Takayuki
Location: Sakai, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Edge Steel: VG10 Stainless Steel
Cladding: Stainless Hammered Tsuchime
Coating: Black Teflon
HRC: 60-61
Finish: Hammered Tsuchime with Teflon Coating
Edge Grind: Even (50/50), Double Bevel
Handle: Octagonal Wenge Wood
Handle Installation: Tokyo-Style Machi Gap
Weight: 6.8 oz (194 g)
Blade Length: 241 mm
Total Length: 397 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
Blade Height: 52 mm
The 240mm gyuto is the professional standard length, and this model has the presence and reach that high-volume prep demands. The Teflon coating over the hammered tsuchime cladding gives it a visual weight that matches the physical one. At 60-61 HRC, the VG10 edge holds well through sustained kitchen use and resharpens quickly on a ceramic rod between services.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. The Teflon coating provides excellent food release and is durable under normal kitchen use, but avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, which can damage the coating over time. Sharpen only on the polished VG10 edge - not on the Teflon-coated cladding. Use quality water stones or a ceramic rod. Avoid bones and frozen foods.
