Name: Tsunehisa SK5 Gyuto 180mm
Brand: Tsunehisa
SKU: TSU-0095
Price: 80.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

First Impressions

At this price point, the out of the box sharpness is reasonable enough but almost certainly you'll need to give it a little attention on a whetsone and strop as the edge finish isn't anywhere near as sharp as you could make it but once you've spent a little time on that, you'll have a good quality and reliable workhorse.

Beauty

It's perhaps a bit of a hard sell writing about the beauty of this knife when you put it next to some of our other knives but that would probably miss the point a little as this knife is designed to be functional and efficient so the consistent finish and simple but effective full tang riveted handle do their job.

In Hand

The heel of the knives in the collection could perhaps benefit from a bit of sanding to smooth them off for comfort but otherwise the fit of the integral bolster and handle are actually nice in hand and the knives are well balanced generally.

Durability

SK5 is a Japanese high carbon steel and is often found in hunting knives, chisels and tools where it can be hardened up to 65HRC but for kitchen knives in this steel they're typically hardened to around 60HRC which allows for plenty of edge retention and easy sharpening.

Ease of Care

The SK5 is a carbon steel so follow our normal care instructions and store safely with either a blade guard or on a rack and this knife will be a great performer.

This is a very reactive knife and a mono steel construction so you will find as a patina develops over time you also experience rusting as part of the process. It's quite normal and you can learn more about it on our carbon steel care page. It's almost certainly worth pre-empting this part of the care of this particular range by adding a rust eraser and polishing compound to your order!

We mention this now because at the price point it's obviously a tempting knife range for first time buyers but if you're not expecting a highly reactive knife it can be quite a shock!

Our Verdict

At this price point, you're obviously making some compromises compared to the much more expensive Japanese knives available so it's important to focus on what the SK5 does well.

Honestly - the out of the box sharpness isn't amazing and if you're going to try slicing through paper or a tomato balanced on a chopping board there's a real chance you'll be disappointed right away. You will need to do a little work on the edge of the SK5 when it arrives so not only is it very reactive, it also needs a little initial attention to bring the edge up to where we'd want it to be but it should be easy enough to do.

With the negative part said, lets balance it with the positive!

It's a robust and easy to sharpen knife made with the minimum of fuss and the SK5 is a durable steel that once you've got your working edge will hold it pretty well.

The handle is comfortable and the edge retention and ease with which you can bring it back to sharpness is a great benefit, particularly in busy kitchens.

Product Quick View

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Product details

Blade Length: 187mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 308mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 43.7mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 1.81mm (Spine width above the heel)
Total Weight: 147 grams
Core Steel: SK5
Care Tip – Reactive Carbon Steel

The core (and on some ranges, the cladding steel too) of this knife is made using a carbon steel which can react with moisture and acids in your food and so is not stainless or rust-proof.

Read our carbon steel care guide

View all carbon steel knives

View all non-reactive knives

RECOMMENDED Carbon steel care kit
Cladding Steel: SK5
Hardness: 60-61 (HRC)
Handle Style: Western
Handle Material: Black pakka wood
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: TSU-0095

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Meet the maker

Tsunehisa

Tsunehisa is a brand that supply knives from a range of blacksmiths and forges from around Japan including Sakai, Tosa and Seki and as such the range of knives available under the Tsunehisa name features a wide range of steels, styles and finishes but each one has a high level of quality and finish in common.

Tsunehisa SK5 Gyuto 180mm

Shopping around?

We work hard to bring you the best possible prices so if you've seen this cheaper elsewhere, get in touch and give us a chance to price match it it for you!
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First Impressions

Beauty

In Hand

Durability

Ease of Care

Our Verdict

Product Quick View

Product details

Care Tip – Reactive Carbon Steel

Tsunehisa

Helping you find the perfect knives & accessories

Tsunehisa SK5 Gyuto 180mm Shopping around? We work hard to bring you the best possible prices so if you've seen this cheaper elsewhere, get in touch and give us a chance to price match it it for you! ×

First Impressions

Beauty

In Hand

Durability

Ease of Care

Our Verdict

Product Quick View

Product details

Care Tip – Reactive Carbon Steel

Tsunehisa

Related Products

Helping you find the perfect knives & accessories

Tsunehisa SK5 Gyuto 180mm

Shopping around?

We work hard to bring you the best possible prices so if you've seen this cheaper elsewhere, get in touch and give us a chance to price match it it for you!
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