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Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm
Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm

Itsuo Doi Homura Guren Blue #2 Gyuto 225mm

£350.00

Forged by master blacksmith Itsuo Doi for Sakai Takayuki it's a big, tall, bold and stylish gyuto with an excellent convex grind, intricate and detailed hand hammered finish and is a knife very much for those who like a feeling of weight!
Currently out of stock

Product Code: SAK-0002

Knife & Range Specifications

Knife Measurements
  • Blade Edge Length: 213mm / 8.39" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 377mm / 14.84" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 55.6mm / 2.19" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 3.34mm / 0.13" (Spine width above the heel) 2.83mm / 0.11" (Measured halfway along spine) 1.84mm / 0.07" (Measured 15mm from tip)
  • Total Weight: 225 grams / 7.94 oz

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.

Range Specifications
  • Core Steel: Aogami Blue #2
  • Cladding Steel: Soft Iron
  • Blade Finish: Kurouchi
  • Hardness: 62-63 (HRC)
  • Handle Style: Japanese (Wa)
  • Handle Material: Burnt Finish Octagonal Urushi Oak
  • Left or Right handed: Suitable for both (Double Bevel)

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

Sakai Takayuki - Itsuo Doi Homura Guren

Our in-depth range review

First Impressions


The Homura Guren just oozes class. The handle is stunning and when you first take the blade out of the cover you can't help but notice the size - across the range they're big, thick blades with a noticable convex grind tapering down to a spectacular edge.

Beauty


The kurouchi finish on this knife isn't just a typical scruffy blacksmith finish. This is refined and smooth with the hammer forging marks and oversized kanji on both sides of the blades creating a lovely look especially when paired with that single pieces burnt oak handle. 

In Hand


The balance point for the knives due to the thicker spine tends to be forward and somewhere around the kanji marks but they feel well balanced in hand and remain nimble despite their thicker feel. 

Durability


The blue #2 core is treated to around 62-63HRC and will offer plenty of durability and edge retention and is at a nice hardness point for being robust.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

Follow our carbon steel care tips and this is a knife designed for lifelong use.

Our Verdict


The Homura Guren is an exceptional collection of knives made by an highly skilled blacksmith and if you're a fan of thicker and weightier knives then they're a wonderful choice and combine a very high level of fit and finish with great looks and would be a standout knife in any collection.

Meet the maker

Sakai Takayuki

Sakai Takayuki is one of Japan’s most respected knife makers, with roots that trace back over 600 years to the city of Sakai - a region long celebrated for its mastery of blade-making. Originally renowned for producing samurai swords and precision tobacco-cutting tools during the Edo period, Sakai’s craftsmen evolved their skills into the world of kitchen knives as Japan modernised.

Today, Sakai Takayuki operates under Aoki Hamono Seisakusho and represents the collective expertise of dozens of traditional blacksmiths and sharpeners, each specialising in distinct techniques. Their extensive range spans from handcrafted carbon-steel blades forged using age-old methods to high-performance stainless and Damascus series designed for professional chefs.

Every knife reflects the hallmark Sakai combination of exceptional balance, keen edge retention, and refined aesthetics - a seamless blend of centuries-old craftsmanship and contemporary innovation.

View all Sakai Takayuki products
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J
Jon B.
What a knife...

Visually this knife blew my mind, comes from the Sakai Takayuki stable and this Smith is a bit of a master.
The dimensions look thick and you can see that in the web sites photos and the video. I contacted James and he sent me the actual measurements along three places down the spine. OK it is not a laser but does it perform, hell yes, the grind is pure class and could only be done by a true master Smith, it is a very mild gothic arch, I had this from a knife from Murata San many years ago and it works very well.
This knife has got some weight to it, not heavy as such but reassuring, it wants to cut stuff. fit and finish are top drawer, the glue up will let no water in and the spine and choil have been softened perfectly.
That slight forward angle on the choil makes for a very comfortable pinch grip.
Cutting-wise, it has less of a belly than most Gyuto styles but bangs through ingredients with ease and pure pleasure. A great knife.

I can't leave a knife review without a mention of the great service I get every time from Ally and James and the plasters (still not needed them). They go the extra mile for you, a great and safe place to shop.