Product Description for Honyaki Gyuto 210mm (8 1/4 in)

Maker: Jyunichi Takagi (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 86472
Blade length: 8.25 in.
Total length: 14.00 in.
Blade width: 1.80 in.
Blade thickness: 0.08 in.
Item weight: 5.35 oz.
Shipment weight: 11.6 oz.
Blade: Hand forged honyaki (or "true-forged") aogami #1 carbon steel
Handle: Ho wood with a buffalo horn ferrule
Description: Bladesmith, Jyunichi Takagi, was born in 1937. He is well known as one of the last traditional adze makers and a skilled knifemaker. He began his apprenticeship in 1952, when he was 15 years old. Until recently, Jyunichi worked at the side of his brother. At 71 years old (in 2008), this skilled craftsman sadly does not have any apprentices; as he explains, though he would like to teach his skills, knifemaking is a very difficult process and takes many years to learn.
Takagi's traditional knives are highly sought after by professional chefs and show tremendous skill. This knife is in the honyaki style. His honyaki (or "true-forged") knives are forged from one piece of carbon steel. They take more skill to forge and shape than Honkasumi knives and are also more difficult to sharpen. Of all the Japanese knives, honyaki knives have the greatest kirenaga (staying sharp the longest) but they are also more fragile than other knives and can chip, crack, or break if used improperly.
The gyuto is modeled after the French pattern chef's knife. Longer and slimmer than the santoku, it is suited to preparation of meat, vegetables, and fish. It is an exceptional general purpose chef's knife. The long blade is needed for the sawing motion required to cut meat and the slim profile keeps the weight low and the balance right.
The right-handed 'D' shape handle fits comfortably and securely in the hand and is best used by a right-handed user. It is formed from ho wood, the traditional wood for Japanese handles. This wood, which is a relative of magnolia, holds up extremely well in the harsh environment of the kitchen. A buffalo horn ferrule adds nice contrast. Each knife is accompanied by a kiri wood presentation box.
Availability: Not currently available