VG10 stainless is one of the most trusted kitchen knife alloys in the Japanese industry - excellent edge retention, good toughness, and full corrosion resistance at HRC 60. TOJIRO uses it in san mai construction with 13-chrome stainless cladding in the CLASSIC line - formerly the TOJIRO DP - building a knife that is thinner, harder, and sharper than most Western alternatives at the same price. Made in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, since 1955.
The CLASSIC 180mm gyuto is the most compact chef knife in the line - maneuverable in smaller kitchens, light at just over 6oz for extended prep, and built around the same VG10 core and full-tang micarta handle as the larger sizes. The 180mm format suits smaller hands, smaller boards, and cooks who want a fast, nimble blade for daily home prep.
What Customers Are Saying: Sixteen reviews averaging 4.5 stars. Dino calls it plenty long for his use - cuts through tomatoes, oranges, and green onions like butter, and he would not spend more. LGrant, as an absolute beginner, found it immediately accessible and exactly as described. Multiple reviewers praise the compact size for home kitchen use where a 240mm gyuto would feel excessive. The VG10 edge and Sanjo City construction draw consistent praise across the full set.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones and hone regularly with a ceramic rod to maintain peak performance.Brand: TOJIRO
Line: CLASSIC (formerly DP)
Location: Sanjo City, Niigata, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Steel: VG10 Stainless
Cladding: 13 Chrome Stainless
HRC: 60
Edge Grind: Even, Double Bevel
Handle: Black Micarta - Full Tang
Bolster: Stainless Steel
Rivets: 3 Stainless
Weight: 6.4 oz (181 g)
Blade Length: 183 mm
Total Length: 310 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
Blade Height: 44 mm
The CLASSIC 180mm gyuto is the most compact chef knife in the line - maneuverable in smaller kitchens, light at just over 6oz for extended prep, and built around the same VG10 core and full-tang micarta handle as the larger sizes. The 180mm format suits smaller hands, smaller boards, and cooks who want a fast, nimble blade for daily home prep.
What Customers Are Saying: Sixteen reviews averaging 4.5 stars. Dino calls it plenty long for his use - cuts through tomatoes, oranges, and green onions like butter, and he would not spend more. LGrant, as an absolute beginner, found it immediately accessible and exactly as described. Multiple reviewers praise the compact size for home kitchen use where a 240mm gyuto would feel excessive. The VG10 edge and Sanjo City construction draw consistent praise across the full set.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones and hone regularly with a ceramic rod to maintain peak performance.
Reviews
15 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Great knifePosted By: Dino - verified customer
59 people found this review helpful
Fabulous knife! Considered on the short side by Japanese experts but is plenty long for me. Cuts through things like an orange or tomato or green onions like butter. I finally decided to spend the bucks for a really good knife (though many others are way more expensive) and for me this knife is amazing and who could want more? Don't spend more! This one is perfect!
59 people found this review helpful
Fabulous knife! Considered on the short side by Japanese experts but is plenty long for me. Cuts through things like an orange or tomato or green onions like butter. I finally decided to spend the bucks for a really good knife (though many others are way more expensive) and for me this knife is amazing and who could want more? Don't spend more! This one is perfect!
ImpressivePosted By: LGrant - verified customer
53 people found this review helpful
I am an absolute beginner and these knives were recommended by a friend as a great value for the quality. I took them to my first class and the instructors were very impressed. Will definitely be buying more of these to fill out my set.
53 people found this review helpful
I am an absolute beginner and these knives were recommended by a friend as a great value for the quality. I took them to my first class and the instructors were very impressed. Will definitely be buying more of these to fill out my set.
it's a gift... but had to try it ....... Posted By: Donald Ware - verified customer
63 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife for a Christmas gift. Wanted something nice. I had a budget and my friend might not know how to take care of a non stainless blade. I have 4 nice knives that I bought here and use many times per week. That I Love !!!!!! This was 1/2 what I paid for any of my beloved knives. I wanted to hone it for him. This knife is Very sharp out of the box !!!!! I just gave it 3 or 4 passes on a leather strop. ( I just had to try it ....... ) This knife is a Laser just like the video. It cut tomatoes !!! It's lightweight and nice med. size. Would be great for breaking down a chicken or doing veggies. ( I kind of want one now ..... But I already have some Great knives LOL !!!!! )
63 people found this review helpful
I bought this knife for a Christmas gift. Wanted something nice. I had a budget and my friend might not know how to take care of a non stainless blade. I have 4 nice knives that I bought here and use many times per week. That I Love !!!!!! This was 1/2 what I paid for any of my beloved knives. I wanted to hone it for him. This knife is Very sharp out of the box !!!!! I just gave it 3 or 4 passes on a leather strop. ( I just had to try it ....... ) This knife is a Laser just like the video. It cut tomatoes !!! It's lightweight and nice med. size. Would be great for breaking down a chicken or doing veggies. ( I kind of want one now ..... But I already have some Great knives LOL !!!!! )
Happy Customer !Posted By: James Heath - verified customer
33 people found this review helpful
Making this purchase was a very good choice for my first Japanese kitchen knife. The knife will arrive very sharp and you will instantly look in your pantry or fridge for something to slice. This knife looks sweet and will make quick work of any meal prep. You can't go wrong with this purchase.
33 people found this review helpful
Making this purchase was a very good choice for my first Japanese kitchen knife. The knife will arrive very sharp and you will instantly look in your pantry or fridge for something to slice. This knife looks sweet and will make quick work of any meal prep. You can't go wrong with this purchase.
Tojiro VG-10 Wonderful My favourite knife for 10 yearsPosted By: Max - verified customer
40 people found this review helpful
I got this knife 10 years ago and it is by far the best and sharpest knife I have. Sharpen it regularly (it is easier to keep an edge then to build it back up) and don't give it to people who use it to crush chicken bones. I forgot the name (the old model only has it in Japanese) and I am soo happy to find it here. Extremely good value!
40 people found this review helpful
I got this knife 10 years ago and it is by far the best and sharpest knife I have. Sharpen it regularly (it is easier to keep an edge then to build it back up) and don't give it to people who use it to crush chicken bones. I forgot the name (the old model only has it in Japanese) and I am soo happy to find it here. Extremely good value!
ExcellentPosted By: Alex - verified customer
45 people found this review helpful
This knife is great! Was looking for Japanese steel that I could use during service instead of my (Tojiro) carbon steel. This knife is even sharper, well balanced and came verrry sharp out of the box. The packaging was great, and the knife came in a very timely fashion. Very very satisfied with this purchase, and the price is on point. Tojiro is a stellar brand, and with this value and consistency, I will keep purchasing their products.
45 people found this review helpful
This knife is great! Was looking for Japanese steel that I could use during service instead of my (Tojiro) carbon steel. This knife is even sharper, well balanced and came verrry sharp out of the box. The packaging was great, and the knife came in a very timely fashion. Very very satisfied with this purchase, and the price is on point. Tojiro is a stellar brand, and with this value and consistency, I will keep purchasing their products.
Product Review
For the price, goodPosted By: Bill - verified customer
62 people found this review helpful
I think for the price this knife is alright. I needed a quick sturdy replacement of a German knife. I don't like the edge retention so you need to sharpen often. Doesn't measure up to some of the other knives available on this site. Good for a quick replacement but it may be worth saving a little more money and getting a higher quality steel and blade design.
62 people found this review helpful
I think for the price this knife is alright. I needed a quick sturdy replacement of a German knife. I don't like the edge retention so you need to sharpen often. Doesn't measure up to some of the other knives available on this site. Good for a quick replacement but it may be worth saving a little more money and getting a higher quality steel and blade design.
Product ReviewPosted By: michael v. - verified customer
62 people found this review helpful
I admit to being somewhat skeptical because of the price, as we have some very expensive top of the line knives in our kitchen. This equals the others' performance, and I mean solidly equals. It sharpens easily, and holds an edge. We have budgeted for replacing about 15 knives next year. We're going with Tojiro. Sometimes there are real values in this world. Thank you Tojiro. I do feel it's unfair to call this entry level or a good introduction because this is the real deal--what I've come to expect from the fin Japanese artisans.
62 people found this review helpful
I admit to being somewhat skeptical because of the price, as we have some very expensive top of the line knives in our kitchen. This equals the others' performance, and I mean solidly equals. It sharpens easily, and holds an edge. We have budgeted for replacing about 15 knives next year. We're going with Tojiro. Sometimes there are real values in this world. Thank you Tojiro. I do feel it's unfair to call this entry level or a good introduction because this is the real deal--what I've come to expect from the fin Japanese artisans.
Product ReviewPosted By: Dale - verified customer
54 people found this review helpful
F&F is just ok but it's also not the most expensive knife. After reading reviews I expected a little more sharpness ootb but after I opened it up there was no problem with getting a nice edge on it. A little lighter than expected but will make for a good little line knife where space is limited.
54 people found this review helpful
F&F is just ok but it's also not the most expensive knife. After reading reviews I expected a little more sharpness ootb but after I opened it up there was no problem with getting a nice edge on it. A little lighter than expected but will make for a good little line knife where space is limited.
Product ReviewPosted By: Dean - verified customer
66 people found this review helpful
Great out of the box but needs to be sharpened. It has a weight to it at first which turns into being helpful with the heavier prep which it is sometimes meant for(pumpkin.) Handle is comfortable but not amazing. Its great for working in small spaces.
66 people found this review helpful
Great out of the box but needs to be sharpened. It has a weight to it at first which turns into being helpful with the heavier prep which it is sometimes meant for(pumpkin.) Handle is comfortable but not amazing. Its great for working in small spaces.
Product Review Product ReviewPosted By: Andre - verified customer
61 people found this review helpful
Good knife overall. I bought it for a gift, and although it's too small for me, it came sharp and does the job for the person intended. I was thinking about the Santoku, but I feel this shape is more useful.
61 people found this review helpful
Good knife overall. I bought it for a gift, and although it's too small for me, it came sharp and does the job for the person intended. I was thinking about the Santoku, but I feel this shape is more useful.
