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Hitohira Togashi Shirogami #1 Gyuto 210mm Makassar Ebony Tahei

Sold out
Original price $640.00 - Original price $640.00
Original price
$640.00
$640.00 - $640.00
Current price $640.00
Description

The Japanese word Gyuto (牛刀) literally translates to beef sword. The gyuto is the equivalent of the Western chef's knife, and is designed to cut everything: vegetables, meats and fishes. It is made to be used with the push-cut method, lifting the blade between each cutting motion, or with the rocking motion method. It is important that the blade is straight upon impact with the cutting board to avoid damage to the knife edge.

Kenji Togashi was born in 1948 and began his career in 1966-67. Since then, he has received numerous awards over the years. In 1990, he was awarded the Dentō-Kugeishi by Japan's Ministry of Economy and Trade. This distinction is reserved for Japanese craftsmen who are masters in their field, having accumulated at least 12 years' experience and proven their mastery of their art, both theoretically and practically. In 2007, the city of Sakai, in Osaka prefecture, awarded him certification as a "master of traditional craftsmanship" for his excellent tempering technique and exceptional mastery of kitchen knife making, honoring the traditions of ancestral Japanese forges.

Today, Kenji Togashi makes his knives from start to finish in his workshop in Sakai. He works with his three sons and a handful of apprentices to offer top-quality blades that meet the standards of Master Togashi himself. When you buy a Togashi blade, you're assured of a level of forging, grinding and finishing quality that rivals that of Sakai's finest forge houses.

Shirogami #1 by Hitachi steel co translates to white steel #1 and is an improved version of Shirogami #2 as it contains a higher carbon content.  It is named after the color of the paper in which it is packaged once produced. It is considered one of the purest steels, after Tamahagane, which allows for a sharper edge than most other steels. However, it will generally be more brittle and can break more easily due to misuse. Mastering the forging of shirogami #1 to exploit its full potential is not simple and requires an expertise that few blacksmiths have. It is in the process of making a Mizu Honyaki type knife that you will find the shirogami #1 in its most difficult to forge version, but also the sharpest.

Tips for best results

Make sure your knife will deliver its absolute best by having it professionally sharpened at least once a year. Please note that our meticulously handcrafted Japanese knives are – unless otherwise noted – carbon steel and not stainless steel. To prevent rust, make sure the blades are patted dry – especially when cutting acidic items. Never cut frozen foods, hard products, bone, or twist the blade when using. Never soak in water after use or put in the dishwasher. After use, store in a cool, dry place and avoid high temperature fluctuations. 

Our commitment to you – our customers
Warranty

Every knife we carry has a lifetime warranty from manufacturing defects and errors. For example, if the handle becomes detached or cracks appear after a few weeks of proper use. Or if there are any blade cracks from the edge to the spine. While such defects are indeed rare, they can occur. In such cases, we will exchange the knife in question or give you a refund. Each warranty case is different depending on the criteria, and we reserve the right in each and every case to evaluate the applicability of our lifetime warranty in the event of any manufacturing defects and errors.

After-Sales service

Do you get the feeling that your knife just can’t “cut it”?

Each knife we carry is supplied with a so-called “factory edge”. Our chef knife range comprises more than 200 different products. While all our handcrafted Japanese knives ship with a “factory edge”, ultimate blade sharpness can vary. If you feel that your knife’s blade edge is not performing to its full potential, feel free to contact us and we will provide you with professional sharpening for free!

Oops! What about the truly Unthinkable?

Was it just through a slight slip of the hand that your knife accidentally fell on the floor and damaged its tip and blade, or it was used to cut a hard, frozen product and chipped? Don’t despair, get in touch with us and we will solve the problem through our in-house, professional sharpening and repair service.

Simply contact us or visit our store to get a free estimate.

Customer Ratings

Dimensions

Size

210mm

Weight

186g

Total lenght

360mm

Handle length at tip

214mm

Edge lenght

200mm

Blade height

48mm

Blade thickness

2.5mm

Handle size

146mm

Blade

Steel

Shirogami #1 with stainless steel cladding

Steel type

Semi-stainless

Handle

Handle material

Makassar ebony and buffalo horn

Handle maker

Tahei

Details

Profile

Gyuto

Usage

Chef knife

Hand orientation

Ambidextrous

Making

Production area

Osaka/Sakai

Blacksmith

Togashi

Sharpener

Kenya Togashi

What are the different types of Japanese knives?

What are the different types of Japanese knives?

Each Japanese knife is made with a specific purpose in mind. There are types of multi-purpose knives such as the Gyuto which is the equivalent of a chef's knife or the Santoku which translates into: three virtues, a name that well represents its multiplicity. The Sujihiki and the Yanagiba are made for slicing while the Nakiri and the Usuba are specialized for cutting vegetables. Without forgetting the Petty for precision tasks. The list goes on and the possibilities are diverse.

Why buy a Japanese knife?

Why buy a Japanese knife?

Japanese blades are lighter, very balanced, higher hardness, sharper and retain their sharpness longer. This allows the user greater control of his work tool and a clean cut to alter the texture and flavor of the food as little as possible.