The wonderful design ethic of Yu Kurosaki cannot be more obviously stated than in these stunning knives from the master of patterned blades.
We have a very strong relationship with blacksmith Yu Kurosaki. He is the brother of Makoto Kurosaki, another of our favorite blacksmiths! In 2002 Yu Kurosaki began work as a smith with the Kanehiro Uchi Hamono and, along with his brother, trained under famed blacksmith Hiroshi Kato. He is kept incredibly busy making knives for several different brands including Masakage and this, his own brand of Kurosaki knives.
The Kurosaki Raijin
Gyuto 180 is a relatively thin and light knife. It has a standard style profile and average proportions for a
gyuto of this size. The blade height of just over 43mm is pretty standard fare, as is the classic blunt nose and rounded tip. There is a slight belly which will allow for some rocking.
The knives in this line feature nicely polished spines and choils with very good out of the box edges. As with all of his knives, the Kurosaki Raijin 180 Gyuto has excellent grinds. The rosewood handle has an octagonal shape for universal use, while the balance point is perfectly placed for a good pinch grip.
Every Raijin knife has a slightly different pattern and features some well-executed laser-etched kanji characters.
Blacksmith: Yu Kurosaki
Location: Echizen, Japan
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Edge Steel: Cobalt Stainless Steel
Cladding: Stainless
HRC: 63-64
Finish: Raijin
Weight: 3.8 ounces / 108g
Blade Length: 176 mm
Thickness at Heel: 2.44 mm
Blade Height: 43.4 mm
Handle: Rosewood Octagonal