Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku

Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku

£250.00

Light, nimble and understated, the Gekko XEOS santoku is an excellent all-rounder and a perfect fit for any kitchen.

Handle
 

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Postage and returns

Product Code: YUK-0072-##
Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku
From £250.00

First Impressions

Right out of the box the Gekko is a thin knife and that profile is just ready to cut. Kurosaki-san is perhaps better known for knives that are a bit more showy with their incredible hammer finishes but this line is pure understated class.

Beauty

In an update from the previous versions of the Gekko line, the XEOS features a light nashiji finish on the cladding and the single piece octagonal oak handle or subtly patterned dark birch wood with white spacer are both lovely ways to offset the blade.

The slightly unorthodox "Ei" shape of the spine provides more visual interest as well as additional clearance.

In Hand

Across the range, the Gekko has a thin profile bordering on a laser and on the smaller petty and longer sujihiki you'll find even with the slanted Ei shape, they feel quite familiar in hand height wise.

That shape does come into its own a little more once you use the all rounders (bunka and gyuto) and also the nakiri where there is a definite feel and benefit of the additional height and clearance.

Durability

VG XEOS is a newly developed steel from Takefu Special Steel Co. and has been designed to offer high levels of stain and corrosion resistance and durability at a high hardness.

At 61HRC it strikes a closer balance between edge retention and robustness than the significantly harder previous version so is a bit more forgiving for longer term use.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

The XEOS steel has been designed to offer high levels of stain resistance so is effectively a fully stainless knife so we'd recommend caring for them by following our normal care tips.

Our Verdict

The original HAP40 Gekko was a favourite of ours, the understated looks and unique Ei profile and impressive finish and the incredible edge retention of the HAP40 steel made them exceptional knives so it's a little unusual for a blacksmith to change out the core steel of a line rather than introduce a different "version" or range.

The difficulty of reliable heat treating HAP40 meant Kurosaki-san has decided on the switch to a steel that is a little easier to work with and has a lower failure rate during production.

XEOS steel was introduced in 2023 and will be a widely used material in many blacksmiths ranges because of its durability and corrosion resistance.

Our initial impressions are that the updated nashiji finish is of a higher standard than the previous line and that overall, the profile, shape and feel of the knives remains the same as before. No doubt this version of the Gekko will be just as successful and it's another impressive range.

Knife Measurements - Yu Kurosaki Gekko XEOS Santoku

  • Blade Edge Length: 171mm / 6.73" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Knife Length: 315mm / 12.4" (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 47.5mm / 1.87" (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 1.85mm / 0.07" (Spine width above the heel) 1.82mm / 0.07" (Measured halfway along spine) 1.55mm / 0.06" (Measured 15mm from tip)
  • Total Weight: 130 grams / 4.59 oz

Range Specifications

  • Core Steel: XEOS
  • Cladding Steel: Stainless
  • Hardness: 61 (HRC)
  • Handle Style: Japanese
  • Handle Material: Octgaonal single piece oak or dark burch with white spacer
  • Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

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

Yu Kurosaki

Yu Kurosaki is one of Japan’s most celebrated modern blacksmiths, known for combining bold design with the refined precision of traditional Echizen craftsmanship. Born in Fukui Prefecture, he began his apprenticeship in 2002 under master craftsman Hiroshi Kato at Takefu Knife Village, a collective dedicated to preserving the ancient art of Echizen Uchihamono. After years of intensive training, Kurosaki became the youngest smith in the region to be recognized as a Certified Traditional Craftsman of Echizen.

His knives are admired for their exceptional sharpness, durability, and unique hammered finishes that blend artistic expression with technical performance. From the Shizuku and R2 Senko series to the VG XEOS Gekko line and his work with other brands like Masakage, each blade reflects Kurosaki’s mastery of advanced steels, attention to balance, and commitment to creating tools that are as beautiful as they are functional.

View all Yu Kurosaki products

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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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