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.
Hand forged in Kashiwa City (Chiba Prefecture) by Yoshito Yamakawa of Goko Forge, the Kogetsu Mandai series is made from Korikin stainless steel. Korikin steel is a steel developed and patented by Goko Forge which is heat treated according to a precise protocol which is well kept secret.