Tojiro Zen 9" Chef (Gyuto)

Gyūtō (牛刀), meaning "beef knife," is the Japanese term for a French-pattern chef’s knife. Also known as the yo-boucho (洋包丁), “Western chef’s knife,” the gyuto was developed in Japan after the Meiji Restoration of 1868. The fusion of European form with Japanese steel and construction makes the gyuto a highly versatile, effortlessly handled knife and an invaluable complement to any kitchen.

Function

Originally designed to process large cuts of beef, this blade shape is now the most popular general-purpose knife in the Western kitchen. In addition to slicing meat, the gyuto is also particularly suited for chopping produce near the heel and for making finer cuts with the narrow tip.

Chef’s knives are available in a range of sizes. Smaller sizes offer better agility and larger sizes allow longer, more powerful cuts, but each user will develop their own preference based on hand size and technique. The 240 mm (9.4”) gyuto is a larger knife that is best suited for taller users. While less nimble than a 180 mm or 210 mm knife, it can, with practice, be used as an agile and versatile tool.

Form

The blade is made using the centuries-old san mai (“three-layer”) construction technique, in which a hardened steel core is forge welded to a jacket of softer steel for strength. Tojiro Zen and Zen Black blades are forged with a core of VG-10 cobalt alloy steel, a high-carbon stainless steel developed in Japan. Hardened to a Rockwell hardness of 60, it accommodates a long-lasting, razor-sharp edge. The core is clad in 13 chrome stainless steel, which strengthens the blade and guards against corrosion.

The handle is crafted from lightweight chestnut wood, which provides a secure grip without upsetting the knife’s balance. The wood is fire-blackened, enhancing its durability and water resistance, and secured with a ferrule (collar) of polypropylene resin. Its D-shaped shinogi profile maximizes comfort and ease of control.