Name: Masakage Shimo Gyuto 210mm
Brand: Masakage
SKU: 1855
Price: 246.0 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Well balanced and just the right length for an all round chef knife, the light and thin blade stays sharp and is a joy to look at as well as use.

The gyuto is the Japanese equivalent of a chef's knife and there's not a lot it cannot do. Longer than a santoku the extra blade length means cutting meat is easier as it can be done in one pass. This shorter version of the gyuto is also at home chopping veg and performing precise work using the pointed tip. You could get away with having this as your only knife!

First Impressions

Top notch performance as you'd expect from a knife of this level, the Shirogami #2 steel keeps its edge very well and the thin blade runs through various food types very easily and consistently.

Beauty

There's no doubt this is a lovely knife. "Shimo" represents a design of frost on a window and indeed the blacksmith Kurosaki san even created a custom X shaped hammer to create the unique shape on the blade.

The overall matt finish matched with the very light octagonal magnolia handle and black pakka wood collar combine nicely overall.

In Hand

Light, thin and comfortable with a range of jobs, we had no concerns about using this for a range of tasks.

Durability

The hard blade will keep its edge for a long time and last longer between sharpening than many other knives although as it's a thin cutting edge there's a compromise to be struck between that sharpness and cutting with care and attention.

Ease of Care

The Shimo is not a stainless knife and if not kept dry between uses it will develop a yellow patina across the blade. This doesn't affect the use of the knife but it is a consideration, if this concerns you then maybe look for a knife that is clad in stainless steel.

Our Verdict

In our opinion the Shimo represents a great balance between quality, looks and price so is a great investment if it's your first Japanese knife but is also perfectly at home in experienced hands that want something that stands out in a collection.

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: 220mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 360mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 47mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 3mm (Spine width above the heel)
Total Weight: 147 grams
Core Steel: White #2
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: Stainless
Hardness: 61-63 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Octagonal white magnolia with black pakka wood bolster
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: 1855

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.

Protection & care for this knife

We recommend the 210mm magnolia saya (wide fit) for this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Yu Kurosaki

The youngest blacksmith to be granted the title of Master Nokaji and senior teacher at Takefu Knife Village, the skill and craft put into each of his knives is clear to see.

Masakage Shimo Gyuto 210mm