Overview

The Masuda Yoshihide Blue #1 Kurozome Damascus Gyuto 210mm with Prisma Knife Custom Handle is a high-end Sanjo-made Japanese chef knife with serious visual presence and strong cutting performance. Forged by Yoshihide Masuda, this gyuto features a Blue #1 carbon steel core, iron damascus cladding, and a dramatic kurozome finish that creates a dark, smoky contrast across the upper blade. It is a premium handmade knife for cooks who want edge retention, food release, and collector-level character in one piece.

The measured 222mm blade length gives this knife more reach than many standard 210mm gyutos, while the 54.5mm heel height provides excellent knuckle clearance and a confident feel on the board. The spine starts thick at 3.82mm near the heel, then tapers down to 0.5mm near the tip, creating a powerful-but-refined grind that can handle larger prep while still offering good precision at the front of the blade.

The custom Prisma Knife handle gives this piece a unique Tokushu Knife upgrade, pairing warm stabilized wood tones with resin accents for a one-of-a-kind look. This is the kind of knife that works hard in the kitchen but still feels special every time you pick it up.

Common Questions

Q: Is the Masuda Yoshihide Blue #1 Kurozome Damascus Gyuto good for serious home cooks?

A: Yes. This knife is an excellent choice for serious home cooks and professionals who want a taller gyuto with strong edge retention, excellent board presence, and handmade Sanjo character. It is best for users who are comfortable caring for carbon steel.

Q: What is Blue #1 steel best known for?

A: Blue #1, also called Aogami #1, is known for excellent edge retention, a very sharp edge, and good sharpening response. It is a carbon steel, so it should be washed and dried carefully after use to prevent rust.

Q: What does kurozome damascus mean?

A: Kurozome refers to a darkened or black-dyed finish that brings out contrast in the blade surface. On this knife, it gives the damascus cladding a darker, more dramatic look while highlighting the layered steel pattern.

Q: How should I care for this carbon steel gyuto?

A: Wash by hand, dry immediately, and never put it in the dishwasher. Use a knife-friendly surface such as a Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board, and maintain the edge with careful sharpening or a Tokushu Knife leather strop. For added carbon steel protection during longer storage, apply a thin layer of pure tsubaki oil.

Specifications

Brand / Blacksmith: Masuda Yoshihide

Knife Type: Gyuto

Core Steel: Blue #1 / Aogami #1 Carbon Steel

Cladding Type: Iron Damascus Clad

Blade Finish: Kurozome Damascus

Total Length: 369mm

Blade Length: 222mm

Blade Height at Heel: 54.5mm

Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.82mm

Spine Thickness at Mid: 2.6mm

Spine Thickness Near Tip: 0.5mm

Weight: 205g

Handle Material: Custom Prisma Knife Handle with stabilized wood and resin accents

Bevel: Double Bevel

Hardness: Approximately 63–64 HRC

Origin: Sanjo, Japan