Tojiro DP Gyutou - 9.4" (24cm)

Best knife ever owned

Whether you're a pro or a serious home chef, you'll find that this knife punches above its weight. Though more a tool than a jewel, this blade performs at the level of many higher priced alternatives. Don't worry so much about losing this workhorse to theft or abuse and enjoy cooking and possessing a more-than-respectable Japanese pattern knife. The general description is given here in the listing, some geeky tech specs follow:I made very accurate measurements of the blade as follows: Tri-clad blade: The blade is has a core of very hard steel, laminated on both sides by a more flexible and stain resistant steel. The .080" blade has a .024" core of VG-10 surrounded by layers of softer stainless steel which is claimed to be "13 Chrome stainless steel". This outer cladding is probably 410 or 420 stainless.In my example, the core measures HRC 61.5 in 3 tests with a calibrated Rockwell tester. This is quite hard as steels go, and will keep an edge for a long time. The blade is welded at the bolster, which, with the tang, is non-magnetic, and claimed to be 18-8 stainless. The steel finishing is flawless. There are characteristic, though non-objectionable transversal grinding marks along the length of the blade.The blade measures 1.93 " wide at the heel. The primary bevel is 4.5 deg. inclusive, and the secondary apex bevel measures 19 deg. inclusive. 50/50 grind. The blade sharpness out-of-box was quite good - about to 2000 grit. Because of blade hardness, it is capable of achieving and maintaining laser sharpness. Good waterstones are recommended.The knife balances precisely at the heel of the blade. The handle is acetone resistant plastic and shaped well enough to be comfortable for both me and my 8-year-old.This knife (and most within the Tojiro DP line) is unique in utility and value. It will perform at the highest requirements and not break the bank. It's a rare bird in that a mass produced knife line consistently ticks all the boxes of a Japanese benchmade knife. If you are a student, a line cook, a pro or a serious home chef, you will enjoy the uniform high performance of this knife and maintain bragging rights of owning a laser .This review wouldn't be fair and complete without the negatives, few as they are. They are: the blade is not as finely finished as could be. Edges at the spine and the choil are too sharp and will benefit from softening with an India stone and/or emery cloth. This will make rocking more comfortable. This knife comes in a nice box, but has a thin plastic sheath - recommend to replace with better protection.

I've read some other reviews of this knife which claimed to have issues with fit & finish, but the one I purchased has no issues whatsoever. I've used chef's knives in a similar price range (Wusthof, Henckels, Global, etc.), and I have to say that I am very impressed with this knife. I haven't had this knife long enough to speak to it specifically, but all of my other VG-10 knives have performed excellently over time, and I expect nothing less from this; it has so far performed way better than the stainless found in its (similarly-priced) competitors. The factory edge was razor-sharp, and the handle is simple, but comfortable. The bolster fits well in my hand; it's smaller than that of the Wusthof or the Henckels, which go all the way to the heel, but larger than that of the Global G-2/G-16, which is nice for people with larger hands. I personally prefer the blade shape of a kiritsuke, but the gyutou is a nice compromise for people more used to a Western-style chef's knife. Also, I have very nearly cut myself on the heel of a Global G-2 more than once, since its heel actually forms an acute angle. The Tojiro has a nice, safe (but still sharp) ninety degree heel. It rocks better than a Global and (unsurprisingly) not as well as a Wusthof/Henckels, but it slices much more smoothly than the German knives. It's much easier to make thin slices with this knife than the Wusthof/Henckels because of its narrower bevel. I'd say it most closely compares to the Global, but the handle is more comfortable for people with larger hands, and the heel is less dangerous. I would also give it a slight edge over a Global based on the blade shape. While there is a clear difference between this and knives that are $300+, especially expensive high-carbon steel knives, it's perfect for someone looking for an upgrade from a Victorinox, or their first real chef's knife. Highly recommend for people looking to get a serious chef's knife on a budget

I bought this knife work as I am a sushi chef, I’m I did like the knife when I first got it, it came sharp and everything but after using it now for 3 months it isn’t what it seemed to be. I’m highly disappointed in the knife as it cannot keep an edge at all. I have to sharpen it every 3 days which is too much work for how light use it is really being used for. I don’t recommend this knife to anyone!

Been using it for last few years. Stay sharp between each sharpening period. Look, quality & hand feel top notch.

This thing makes me actually WANT to prepare chicken. I used to hate cooking chicken because my knives couldn't cut through it easily and I was always afraid my placement hand would slip and get cut.This thing slices through chicken with minimal effort. You really don't even need a placement hand if you slice fast.It's also excellent at rock chopping broccoli and mincing fresh garlic. Oh and you can slice apples almost paper thin which tastes so much better in desserts than those nasty apple cubes some people use.My history... I'm no chef, and this is my first proper knife purchase. I'm coming from miracle blades, and that other kitchen aid type crap you buy at Bed bath.I also purchased a petty and love it.I did chip the tip... but I was washing it and let it go tip first into the sink. The chip was tiny, ended up going away with only a honing rod, and who needs a tip on a gyuto anyway? It's for general prep not stabbing.No issues with blade rolls or chips along the cutting edge.An excellent knife for the money. I will buy more for my collection. This is an awesome brand and a great value for the home cook.... also I was talking to an old buddy who had gone to culinary school... he has the same knives!I knew I made the right purchase. Buy one.