At 210 mm, this gyuto ('beef sword', a name inherited from the arrival of Western cuisine in Japan) sits in the compact range of everyday chef's knives, suited to smaller kitchens and boards. Its curved profile allows rocking cuts as well as push cuts, lifting the blade between each cut. Double bevel, it is used for vegetables, meat and fish. Keep the blade straight at the board to protect the edge.
The handle is lacquered with urushi, the traditional Japanese lacquer made from the sap of the tree of the same name. The lacquer forms a hardened layer on the surface of the wood, which sets it apart from a simple varnish. Paired with a reactive carbon steel blade, this handle calls for the same habit in the kitchen: wipe the blade and the handle after use, and do not let water sit at the joint.
Shirogami #2 (White Steel #2) is a non-stainless carbon steel produced by Hitachi (Proterial), with 1.05 to 1.15% carbon and a hardness of 60 to 63 HRC. It contains no chromium or tungsten, so a patina develops quickly and is normal. Sharpening on a whetstone brings the edge to a very acute angle. This steel is less brittle than Shirogami #1, but it reacts to moisture and needs to be dried immediately.
Care
Wipe the blade immediately after each use, especially after contact with acidic foods. A grey patina will form over time. Apply camellia oil for extended storage and never put the knife in the dishwasher.