We only started working with blacksmith Shindo san quite recently and after receiving a couple of shipments of his knives we are impressed. So, we have asked him to start making some longer gyutos for our customers. This 240mm is the first of these new offerings.
Shindo san uses a relatively new (to us) steel called SRK8. This high carbon alloy is made by Hitachi and it has been reported to be a similar steel to the ubiquitous White Paper #2, but with some added elements for extra toughness and edge retention. He hardens the core steel to HRC 63+. The inner core steel is clad in a soft iron that retains the blacksmith scale, or kurouchi, on the upper blade road. This adds a bit of corrosion protection while enhancing food release properties. This is still a reactive blade and will require care with cleaning and drying between uses.
Enjin is a name derived from two Japanese words: “en” means flame, and “jin” means blade. We really like the connotation and to emphasize it we asked for a burnt handle finish for these blades!
The Enjin SRK8 Gyuto 240mm is an all-around great knife at a very competitive price. It is perfect for users looking for a chef-type knife that will hold its edge and look good for an incredibly long time.Blacksmith: Shindo San
Location: Tosa, Japan
Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
Steel: SRK8
Finish: Kurouchi
HRC: 63 +-
Handle: Oak Urushi Burnt
Grind: Even
Weight: 7 oz (200 g)
Edge Length: 246 mm
Total Length: 395 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 4.4 mm
Blade Height at Heel: 54 mm
Shindo san uses a relatively new (to us) steel called SRK8. This high carbon alloy is made by Hitachi and it has been reported to be a similar steel to the ubiquitous White Paper #2, but with some added elements for extra toughness and edge retention. He hardens the core steel to HRC 63+. The inner core steel is clad in a soft iron that retains the blacksmith scale, or kurouchi, on the upper blade road. This adds a bit of corrosion protection while enhancing food release properties. This is still a reactive blade and will require care with cleaning and drying between uses.
Enjin is a name derived from two Japanese words: “en” means flame, and “jin” means blade. We really like the connotation and to emphasize it we asked for a burnt handle finish for these blades!
The Enjin SRK8 Gyuto 240mm is an all-around great knife at a very competitive price. It is perfect for users looking for a chef-type knife that will hold its edge and look good for an incredibly long time.
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Workhorse Posted By: Larry Johnson
3 people found this review helpful
I knew what to expect with the SRK8 steel as I have a Kiri made by Shindo. It’s sharp, gets very sharp, and stays sharp forever. Its Shirogami #2 sharp but a little tougher. And there is a lot of the core steel exposed too, which makes it look extremely ominous.
I’m sure it will patina. My Kiri is tiger-stripe brown. Just gorgeous.
It is thick at the heel and tapers a bit, but it’s not dainty. However it is incredibly thin towards the edge, so I’m expecting it to perform very well. I have never used a gyuto this long; I have small hands and I like the 180-210mm range if I use one. So this is a bit of a luxury. Besides slicing it will be great for plating quesadillas and cutting sandwiches.
Nice handle install. Could use a little polishing around the choil I’m okay with that as it is such an incredible value.
3 people found this review helpful
I knew what to expect with the SRK8 steel as I have a Kiri made by Shindo. It’s sharp, gets very sharp, and stays sharp forever. Its Shirogami #2 sharp but a little tougher. And there is a lot of the core steel exposed too, which makes it look extremely ominous.
I’m sure it will patina. My Kiri is tiger-stripe brown. Just gorgeous.
It is thick at the heel and tapers a bit, but it’s not dainty. However it is incredibly thin towards the edge, so I’m expecting it to perform very well. I have never used a gyuto this long; I have small hands and I like the 180-210mm range if I use one. So this is a bit of a luxury. Besides slicing it will be great for plating quesadillas and cutting sandwiches.
Nice handle install. Could use a little polishing around the choil I’m okay with that as it is such an incredible value.
