Masutani Hamono VG1 Usuba

The usuba is a vegetable prep knife traditionally sharpened with a single bevel and this version is designed for primarily for right handed use although we generally find the profile is still close enough to double bevel that it can be used by left handers too.

For a taller double bevel vegetable knife, please use a nakiri.

 

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Postage and returns

Product Code: MASU-006
Masutani Hamono VG1 Usuba
£90.00

First Impressions

Out of the box, the knife benefits from Masutani-san's 30+ years of skill and experience as a sharpener andand it's clear from the second you look at them that there's an extraordinarily good value knife in every box and they're hard to beat for quality at this price point.

Beauty

The hammer finish combined with the half-tang Western style handle mix Japanese blade style with the Western handle nicely and would look great on your knife rack and in the kitchen.

Each knife has a unique pattern so there's plenty of variety and you'll know nobody else has one quite the same as yours! 

In Hand

There's some crossover between East and West with the handles on the Masutani knives - most feature a Western shape and style handle but instead of a more typical full tang and three rivets, they're designed to use a more typically Japanese half tang and only two rivets which helps to lower the weight of the knife and make it more responsive with a balance point further along the blade. 

The fit and shape of the handle is very comfortable and smoothly polished so it feels great in hand.

Durability

You definitely won't have any issues with durability, the V1 is a solidly constructed and finished knife and the use of stainless cladding around the VG1 core means it will be easy to maintain and hone as you use it.

This knife will be a true workhorse in your kitchen for years to come. 

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

Quick rinse and dry after use and this knife will last you a lifetime, just follow our Japanese knife care tips.

Our Verdict

Absolutely incredible value for money.

At this price, you're getting a lot of skill and experience going into the making of the knife and the fit and finish are good. Out of the box it's already sharp but if you like, you could hone it further and you'd have a great knife for your collection or as a great present for a keen chef. 

We're already wondering why you've not added this to your basket! 

Masutani Hamono VG1 Usuba - Product quick view

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

Knife Measurements - Masutani Hamono VG1 Usuba

  • Blade Edge Length: 162mm / 6.38" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 295mm / 11.61" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 45.2mm / 1.78" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 1.6mm / 0.06" (Spine width above the heel)
  • Total Weight: 152 grams / 5.36 oz

Range Specifications

  • Core Steel: VG1
  • Cladding Steel: Stainless
  • Hardness: 60 (HRC)
  • Handle Style:
  • Handle Material: Various
  • Left or Right handed: Right Handed Only (Single Bevel)
  • ℹ️ Although the other knives in this range are double bevel, this particular knife is single bevel and designed for right handed use only .

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 finishes.

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

Meet the maker

Masutani Hamono

Masutani Hamono is a family-run workshop based in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, a region with more than 700 years of knife-making heritage. Founded by Takayuki Masutani, who learned his craft under his father, master blacksmith Katsuto Tanaka of Ryusen Hamono, the workshop produces high-quality and affordable kitchen knives that combine tradition with modern techniques.

Masutani blends hand-finishing skills with advanced steel technology to create blades that are exceptionally sharp, easy to maintain, and perfectly balanced for daily use. Working primarily with VG10 and other stainless steels, the workshop offers a wide selection of gyuto, petty, santoku, and nakiri knives for both professional chefs and home cooks.

Masutani Hamono’s precise craftsmanship and approachable design reflect the Echizen spirit of creating practical and beautiful knives for every kitchen.

View all Masutani Hamono products

Helping you find the perfect knives & accessories

Cutting Edge Knives is a proudly independent family run small business established in 2011 and based in the picturesque town of Holmfirth, West Yorkshire in the UK.

We love the history and craftsmanship that goes into making Japanese chef knives and accessories and the excitement and enjoyment you experience when using a truly sharp knife in the kitchen. Over many years we've helped thousands of happy customers find their dream knife and look forward to helping you too.

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