Overview

The Zakuri AS Kurouchi 210mm Gyuto is a classic Tosa workhorse with serious edge retention and everyday versatility. Forged by the Zakuri cooperative in Kochi, it features an Aogami Super (AS) carbon-steel core clad in soft iron with a traditional kurouchi (black) finish. Expect confident food release, long-lasting sharpness, and that crisp carbon-steel bite that makes onions, herbs, and proteins feel effortless. The 210mm length mirrors an 8" chef’s knife, making it a perfect all-rounder for both home cooks and pros.

Why it’s special: AS steel takes an ultra-fine edge and holds it, while the kurouchi cladding protects most of the blade from reactivity and adds rustic character. A gently tapered spine and a pointed gyuto tip give you precision for detail work and power for push cuts and rocking through piles of vegetables. Note this knife is carbon steel, and needs to be wiped dry before setting it down to avoid rust.

Common Questions

Q: Is this knife good for home cooks? A: Absolutely. If you want one premium Japanese knife that does almost everything—slice proteins, chop veg, mince herbs—this 210mm gyuto is the sweet spot.

Q: Is it a “laser” or a “workhorse”? A: It leans workhorse. The spine is sturdy at the heel with a steady taper, giving you a confident feel on the board while still gliding through food once the edge is set up correctly.

Q: How do I care for AS carbon steel? A: Hand wash, dry immediately, and lightly oil before storage. We recommend Tsubaki (camellia) oil. For quick touch-ups, use our Tokushu XL Buffalo Leather Strop, and pair the knife with a forgiving board like the Hasegawa Pro.

Q: Can you ship it razor ready? A: Yes—choose our in-house Knife Sharpening Service for a dialed-in edge and clean bevels out of the box.

Specifications

Brand/Blacksmith: Zakuri (Tosa cooperative; hand-forged)

Core Steel: Aogami Super (AS) high-carbon steel

Cladding Type: Soft iron cladding with kurouchi finish

Blade Length: 210mm

Overall Length: 365mm

Spine Thickness (Heel): 3.1mm

Spine Thickness (Mid): 2.0mm

Spine Thickness (1cm from Tip): 0.9mm

Weight: 147g

Handle Material: Wa handle, walnut with resin ferrule

Hardness (HRC): 63 HRC

Grind/Bevel: Double bevel (50/50)

Origin: Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, Japan