A San Mai blade designed for precision
The Yuzo Shinju BS2 Japanese kiritsuke gyuto knifefeatures a 21-cm blade suitable for a wide variety of cutting tasks in the kitchen. This length provides ample reach for slicing vegetables, chopping herbs, cutting up fruit, and preparing meat or fish with fluid movements.
Its traditional San Mai constructionconsists of three layers of steel stacked on top of one another. The blade’s core is made of Japanese Aogami #2 steel, also known as Blue Steel #2, with a carbon content of approximately 1.2%. It is encased by two outer layers of soft iron. This design protects the hard core while maintaining good rigidity throughout the entire blade.
With a hardness of 62 HRC on the Rockwell scale, the cutting edge retains its effectiveness over time. Carbon steel provides a particularly clean cut and is easy to maintain with the right whetstone. Its flat grind ensures even contact with food and allows for clean cuts.
The rough forged finish gives the blade an authentic texture. This textured surface also limits constant contact between the steel and food during cutting. The kiritsuke tip enhances precision for delicate maneuvers, incisions, and finishing cuts.
An elegant octagonal ebony handle
The handle is crafted from ebony, a dense and durable wood prized in Japanese cutlery. Its dark hue creates an elegant contrast with the blade’s rough-forged finish. The natural feel of the wood makes it comfortable to hold.
Its octagonal shape follows the traditional geometry of Japanese knives. It makes it easier to determine the blade’s orientation during use and provides a stable grip. The symmetrical profile is suitable for both right- and left-handed cooks.
The octagonal handle also promotes precise finger placement. It supports cutting motions by minimizing the need for repeated changes in grip. This ergonomic design is ideal for tasks requiring consistency and precision, such as slicing, julienning, or cutting medium-sized pieces.
The combination of ebony, the octagonal shape, and the kiritsuke tip gives this gyuto kiritsuke knife a balance between traditional character and versatility. The grip remains firm, while the blade retains great freedom of movement on the cutting board.
Key Points to Remember
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- 21 cm San Mai blade: length suitable for a variety of cuts
- Aogami #2 steel with 1.2% carbon: a fine, long-lasting edge
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- Soft iron layers: protect the carbon steel core
- Hardness of 62 HRC: maintains the edge’s effectiveness longer
- Raw forged finish: traditional texture
- Kiritsuke tip: precise movements and cuts
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- Flat grind: consistent cut
- Ebony handle: density, durability, and comfort
- Octagonal shape: stable, ambidextrous grip
- Handcrafted in Japan: masterful blacksmithing
Usage and Care Tips
This carbon steel kiritsuke gyuto knife should be hand-washed with a soft sponge and mild soap. Dry the blade immediately after each use, especially after cutting acidic or moist foods. Do not let the knife soak, and do not put it in the dishwasher.
Store it in a dry place, on a suitable magnetic strip, or in a sheath. A gray patina may develop over time; this natural phenomenon does not affect the knife’s cutting performance. To maintain a sharp edge, use a whetstone designed for hard steels.
The entire Yuzo Shinju BS2 line is available on Knifeleader.eu!