Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

A superb range for those exploring Japanese knives or looking to add a great value carbon steel knife to their collection without breaking the bank. The SLD from Tsunehisa is well finished with a keen edge and great looks thanks to the burnt oak handle and nashiji blade patterns - every one is unique!

Beauty

Eye catching without a doubt, the burnt oak handles really offset the subtle nashiji finish on the blade to make a great looking knife.

In Hand

The slightly hollow grind and good balance of this range suit extended use in the kitchen and you'll enjoy cooking with this knife for many years. 

Durability

SLD is an excellent modern steel, at around 61-62HRC the Tsunehisa offers a great balance between edge retention and easy sharpening. Despite their relatively thin profile they're durable and robust when used correctly. 

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

Unlike some more reactive carbon steels, SLD (clad with stainless) is one of the easier steels to care for as it's not hugely reactive so while you should expect a patina to develop over time on the core steel, it's not usually very extreme and quite light so while we would still recommend following our carbon steel care guide for good practice, this is a great intro into carbon steel knives.

Our Verdict

Fantastic value for money at a very competitive price point. The SLD has all the benefits of carbon steel but with the relatively low maintenance requirements of it being minimally reactive. 

Combined with their good quality fit, finish and edge out of the box and those fantastic good looks with the burnt oak handle this is a range we're always happy to recommend.

Meet the maker

Tsunehisa

Tsunehisa is a respected Japanese knife brand that represents the skill and consistency of Sakai and Tosa’s regional blacksmithing traditions rather than a single maker. Working with a network of experienced craftsmen across Japan, Tsunehisa produces high-quality kitchen knives that balance performance, value, and practicality for both professional and home chefs.

Tsunehisa’s product range covers a wide variety of steels and styles - from carbon steel gyuto and petty knives to stainless and Damascus series using VG10, AUS10, and Ginsan - all designed to deliver excellent edge retention and a comfortable, well-finished feel.

Each Tsunehisa knife reflects a blend of traditional Japanese handcraft and modern manufacturing precision, offering reliable sharpness and performance that embody the enduring quality of regional Japanese knife-making.

View all Tsunehisa products