This Hitohira Tanaka Izo 240 mm Japanese gyuto knife is designed for versatile use in the kitchen, both at home and in a professional environment. Its long, slender blade allows you to work efficiently with vegetables, meat, and fish, with excellent stability on the cutting board.
The blade is forged from Aogami #1 carbon steel, renowned for its ability to achieve a very fine edge and its responsiveness to sharpening. It features a sanmai construction, with a hard Aogami #1 core wrapped in soft stainless steel, providing a good compromise between cutting performance and control. The kasumi finish highlights the contrast between the steels.
The Japanese handle is made of ziricote, a dense and stable wood, combined with a natural horn bolster. This combination provides a comfortable and balanced grip, while maintaining a sober and elegant aesthetic.
In use, this Japanese knife provides a direct and fluid cutting sensation. Aogami #1 achieves a high level of sharpness, but requires special care: this knife is not stainless. Regular wiping during use and thorough drying after washing are recommended. Over time, a natural patina will appear on the blade, which is a normal sign of carbon steel.