The most essential knife for the kitchen which no chef can be without. The gyutos meaning is “Cow sword” in Japan as gyu means “Beef” and to means “Sword” this is also known as a Chef’s knife or French knife. It is the one and first knife all chef’s/cooks needs in their kitchen. When buying your first gyuto you have to consider how and what will be built around your first knife as it will do the majority of the work in your kitchen.
The Senko EI (“sharp flash”) collection is a striking modern take on traditional Japanese knives, forged from ultra hard SG2 (R2) powder steel and finished with a signature “Senko” triangular tsuchime hammer texture that reflects light and reduces food sticking. Featuring a slightly more tapered, sharp “Ei” profile with pointed tips, these knives blend razor sharp edges, thin geometry for effortless cuts, Designed by rising blacksmith Yu Kurosaki of Takefu, the series delivers elegant aesthetics an interplay of polished steel and artisanal handles alongside professional performance: balanced, versatile blades ideal for slicing, rocking herbs, and chopping, with long-lasting rust resistance.
The maple wood handles are not only visually stunning but also thoughtfully engineered for balance, durability, and tactile comfort. Crafted from high quality western or stabilised maple adorned with decorative mosaic rings the handles feature a classic octagonal or ergonomic western profile that softens the grip, resists moisture due to its tight grain, and beautifully complements the blade’s hammered aesthetic. The natural warmth and light tone of maple create an elegant contrast against the dark tsuchime clad stainless steel, while its stability and fine texture ensure lasting resilience even under heavy use. Combined with a secure full-tang construction, these handles balance the blade’s weight precisely at the pinch point, resulting in a nimble chef’s tool that feels instantly intuitive a hallmark of Kurosaki’s craft.
Weight: 278g
Handle Material: Western style full tang stabilised maplewood, mosaic copper rivets, gold ferrule
Handle Length: 133mm (5.2")
Blade Length: 275mm (10.8")
Blade Depth: 61mm
Thickness at spine: 1.8mm
Thickness at tip: 0.3mm
Cutting Edge: Double 50/50
Blade Material: R2/SG2 core, stainless steel cladding, tsuchime finish
Hardness (Rockwell scale): 62 - 63