Aggressive Precision: The Kengata Damascus Gyuto

The Sakai Takayuki 33-Layer Damascus 190mm Kengata Gyuto is a specialized evolution of the traditional chef's knife. "Kengata" means sword-shaped, referring to the aggressive "clipped" tip (often called a Kiritsuke tip). This design provides a lower, more precise point of contact, making it exceptional for intricate tasks like scoring proteins, fine-dicing shallots, or detailed decorative work.

Forged with a VG-10 Stainless Steel core and clad in 33 layers of hammered (Tsuchime) Damascus, this knife offers elite edge retention and superior food release. At 190mm (7.5"), it sits in the "sweet spot" of length, while its 218g weight provides a satisfying heft that empowers the user through high-volume vegetable prep and larger proteins.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Details
Blade Steel	VG-10 Stainless Steel Core (33-Layer Damascus)
Blade Shape	Kengata (Sword-tip / Kiritsuke-style)
Hardness (HRC)	60-61 Rockwell Scale
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous (Symmetrical 50/50 Double Bevel)
Handle Material	Water-Resistant Mahogany (Western-style)
Blade Length	190 mm (7.5")
Blade Width	48 mm (Tall profile for knuckle clearance)
Weight	218 g (Substantial & Balanced)

Universal Handling: Left & Right-Handed Friendly

Despite its aggressive profile, this Kengata Gyuto is ground with a symmetrical 50/50 double-bevel edge. This makes it perfectly balanced for both right-handed and left-handed users. The Western-style Mahogany handle is ergonomically shaped to provide a secure, comfortable grip that feels familiar and stable during heavy use.

What’s in the Box?

Authentic Japanese Paper Box: Traditional gift-ready presentation box.
Protective Plastic Sheath: A temporary sleeve to protect the edge during initial transport.

Authorized Aoki Hamono Dealer Since 2019

When you purchase from Hasu-Seizo, you are guaranteed an authentic product sourced directly from the makers in Sakai, Japan. Every knife is quality-checked and backed by our Seattle-based team, providing you with genuine Japanese craftsmanship and reliable US support.

Maintenance & Long-Term Care

Pro Tip for Longevity: While the included plastic sleeve is useful for shipping, we recommend upgrading to a Magnolia Wood Saya or a felt-lined Knife Protector for long-term storage. A dedicated protector prevents the fine 60 HRC edge from chipping and protects the beautiful 33-layer Damascus finish from scratches when stored in a drawer or knife roll.

Sharpening Maintenance: The VG-10 core is designed for professional edge retention. To maintain this blade's surgical sharpness, we recommend a Double-Sided 800/6000 Grit Whetstone. The 800 grit side restores the edge, while the 6000 grit side produces a mirror-polished finish that glides through ingredients.

Performance & Care

Best For: Chopping, dicing, and precision slicing with an emphasis on tip-work.
Care: Hand-wash only with mild soap and dry immediately. Never use a dishwasher.
Safety: Avoid cutting bone, frozen foods, or hard pits, as the high-hardness core is designed for precision, not high-impact prying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of the Kengata tip? The Kengata (or Kiritsuke) tip brings the point of the knife lower toward the cutting board. This allows for more precise "tip-work," such as scoring fat caps on meat or making fine vertical slices in vegetables, which can be more difficult with the upward curve of a standard Gyuto.

Is VG-10 steel easy to maintain? Yes. VG-10 is one of the most popular Japanese steels because it is highly resistant to rust while still being hard enough to stay sharp for a very long time. It is an excellent choice for those who want professional performance without the maintenance requirements of carbon steel.

Where is this knife shipped from? All our inventory is stocked and inspected at our US-based warehouse in Seattle, WA. We offer fast domestic delivery and local customer support you can trust.

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