Konosuke-Sakai is a knife company based in the heart of the Japanese knife industry, Sakai City. They have been in business for over 80 years, and have earned an enviable reputation for quality and superb performance among chefs, knife lovers, and collectors. The company employs many different blacksmiths and sharpeners to create the huge variety of products they offer, each being a master of both the materials they use and their required skill sets.
The GS line of lasers has been in production for several years and has recently seen an upgrade to the current “plus” status. The GS+ line focuses on details we feel make a difference not only in the day-to-day use and performance of the knife, but also in the life of the blade. Improvements include a raised HRC to 61-62, smoother grinds, and even better fit and finish.
Togatta means pointed in Japanese and this name is aptly used in conjunction with this classic French profile blade. The knife is almost a cross between a sujihiki and a gyuto, and as such can perform many cutting and slicing tasks around the kitchen. It is, of course, a true laser, boasting a thin 2.2mm spine at the heel and a behind-the-edge grind that is quite extraordinary.
The handle we have chosen for this particular variety echoes the basics of this blade perfectly. It is beautifully made of ebony and laurel in a slim, octagonal shape—a fitting addition to an already great item. The felt protector fits better than a saya on this model.Weight: 5.0 ounces
Blade Length: 235 mm
Total Length: 395 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2.2 mm
Blade Height: 48 mm
The GS line of lasers has been in production for several years and has recently seen an upgrade to the current “plus” status. The GS+ line focuses on details we feel make a difference not only in the day-to-day use and performance of the knife, but also in the life of the blade. Improvements include a raised HRC to 61-62, smoother grinds, and even better fit and finish.
Togatta means pointed in Japanese and this name is aptly used in conjunction with this classic French profile blade. The knife is almost a cross between a sujihiki and a gyuto, and as such can perform many cutting and slicing tasks around the kitchen. It is, of course, a true laser, boasting a thin 2.2mm spine at the heel and a behind-the-edge grind that is quite extraordinary.
The handle we have chosen for this particular variety echoes the basics of this blade perfectly. It is beautifully made of ebony and laurel in a slim, octagonal shape—a fitting addition to an already great item. The felt protector fits better than a saya on this model.
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Konosuke excellencePosted By: James
2 people found this review helpful
This Ginsan knife arrived at warp speed considering the Corona issues we all face. I am a fan of the steel and the craft of the maker. Therefore, when I ordered this knife I had high expectations. The knife hasn't seen any serious use so keep that in mind, but, it had a decent plus edge when new and still has most of it now. The blade has a good distal (I'm a fan of Sabbatier style) and very good grinds including some impressive thinning behind the edge. Fit and Finish is very good and I only wish I had sprung for a custom handle. If togatta blades are your thing don't miss out on this thing...
2 people found this review helpful
This Ginsan knife arrived at warp speed considering the Corona issues we all face. I am a fan of the steel and the craft of the maker. Therefore, when I ordered this knife I had high expectations. The knife hasn't seen any serious use so keep that in mind, but, it had a decent plus edge when new and still has most of it now. The blade has a good distal (I'm a fan of Sabbatier style) and very good grinds including some impressive thinning behind the edge. Fit and Finish is very good and I only wish I had sprung for a custom handle. If togatta blades are your thing don't miss out on this thing...
Konosuke GS+ TG245EbonyPosted By: Jon - verified customer
7 people found this review helpful
For background, I bought the Konosuke GS+ with the ebony handle and a Konosuke saya for home use. I cannot provide much comparison information as I only own one other Japanese knife (a Sakai Takayuki which is very nice) and a german knife than has been annoying to try to keep sharp.
Fit and finish of the Konosuke were almost flawless. Literally the only tiny flaw I could find is that if you look at it at just the right angle, the back side of the knife has a slight rippling where the engraving was done on the other side. The engraving itself is perfect aesthetically and very nicely done. The only functional annoyance here is that the engraving slightly catches as you slice through certain vegetables. The steel is Ginsan which is a Japanese stainless purportedly very similar to Swedish stainless. I was under the impression that the whole thing is Ginsan, but interestingly the edge seems to very slightly patina while the rest seems completely stainless. I got the 240mm version and in retrospect I think I may have liked the 210mm version better for home use as I was used to a really short santoku though I may like the length more when I get used to it. The Konosuke saya also has perfect fit and finish and I am glad I got it. On the other hand I would probably skip the sharpening service next time as I had to further sharpen it after I received it. At some point I may get one of the HD2's in 210mm for comparison.
7 people found this review helpful
For background, I bought the Konosuke GS+ with the ebony handle and a Konosuke saya for home use. I cannot provide much comparison information as I only own one other Japanese knife (a Sakai Takayuki which is very nice) and a german knife than has been annoying to try to keep sharp.
Fit and finish of the Konosuke were almost flawless. Literally the only tiny flaw I could find is that if you look at it at just the right angle, the back side of the knife has a slight rippling where the engraving was done on the other side. The engraving itself is perfect aesthetically and very nicely done. The only functional annoyance here is that the engraving slightly catches as you slice through certain vegetables. The steel is Ginsan which is a Japanese stainless purportedly very similar to Swedish stainless. I was under the impression that the whole thing is Ginsan, but interestingly the edge seems to very slightly patina while the rest seems completely stainless. I got the 240mm version and in retrospect I think I may have liked the 210mm version better for home use as I was used to a really short santoku though I may like the length more when I get used to it. The Konosuke saya also has perfect fit and finish and I am glad I got it. On the other hand I would probably skip the sharpening service next time as I had to further sharpen it after I received it. At some point I may get one of the HD2's in 210mm for comparison.
