OUL Sakai Super Blue Gyuto 180mm

About this range

First Impressions

A relatively thin range of knives with minimal taper until you reach the tip at which point the last 2-3cm thin out signifcantly to aid precision work. 

They're made with a flat grind with a good level of out of the box sharpness but you'll find that with minimal work using a high grit finishing stone will bring out an even higher level of performance.

Beauty

We think these knives look great, the single piece oak handles and simple combination of nashiji finish on the dark stainless kurouchi cladding running down to the super blue core is a great look on a rack or block. 

Once the core steel develops a patina, depending on the ingredients you work with - it will darken up nicely with use and it's a common but classic Japanese knife finish and look lots of customers (and us) love.

In Hand

The octagonal oak handles are comfortable and generally the finish in and around the heel of the knife is good but you might find that when you have a knife with a very competitive price point for the core steel used that a few finishing touches you'd expect on more expensive knives are left off. 

Because of the thin profile, while perhaps not quite a super "laser", the super blue nashiji is a lightweight knife so most certainly suited to those who prefer the lighter end of knife choice.

In this case, the spine and heel of the knife haven't been rounded off. It's not uncomfortable but it is something you'd potentially notice during use over longer periods and if it's an issue it's usually a relatively easy job to smooth them down should you wish. 

Durability

Edge retention on the super blue is excellent thanks to the high level of hardness in the heat treat so you can enjoy a higher level of durability although of course take with your cutting technique to avoid twisting and prying open ingredients as with all Japanese knives.

Ease of Care

Just rinse, wipe and dry after use, don't scrub the kurouchi too hard and don't go near the dreaded dishwasher!

The core steel is reactive so will develop a patina as it reacts with the acids and moisture in your foods. Other than that, our normal care instructions always apply and for day to day care. 

For longer term care and upkeep we recommend our carbon steel care kit which has everything you need to keep your carbon knives in tip top condition.

Our Verdict

A great looking knife offering impressive out of the box performance but with plenty of scope to improve the secondary bevel with a few minutes work. 

Whether you decide to do that right away or another time when you sharpen your knives there's a quality blade waiting to be used with a great level of edge retention at a very competitive price point for super blue steel and definitely one to shortlist if you're shopping for the durability it offers.