Rustic Elegance: The VG10 Nashiji Gyuto with Ebony Handle

The Sakai Takayuki Nashiji 210mm Gyuto is a masterwork of balance and refinement. Forged from high-quality VG10 Stainless Steel, this knife offers professional-grade edge retention and rust resistance. The blade is finished with a rustic Nashiji (Pear Skin) finish, which creates a subtle texture that helps break the surface tension of food, ensuring smooth, effortless slicing without ingredients sticking to the blade.

This specific edition is elevated by its Japanese-style Ebony handle. Ebony is one of the most prized hardwoods in Japan for its extreme density, durability, and natural resistance to moisture. The weight of the Ebony handle shifts the balance slightly toward the palm, providing a sophisticated, "grounded" feel that enhances precision during intricate cutting tasks.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Details
Blade Steel	VG10 Stainless Steel Core
Hardness (HRC)	60-61 Rockwell Scale
Blade Finish	Nashiji (Pear Skin / Matte Textured)
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous (Symmetrical 50/50 Double Bevel)
Handle Material	Premium Ebony Wood (Octagonal Wa-Style)
Blade Length	210 mm (8.2")
Blade Width	43 mm
Blade Thickness	2 mm
Weight	164 g

 

Universal Handling: Left & Right-Handed Friendly

Designed for inclusivity, this Gyuto is ground with a symmetrical 50/50 double-bevel edge. This ensures perfect tracking and precision for both right-handed and left-handed users. The octagonal Ebony handle is neutrally shaped, providing a comfortable and stable grip for any chef, regardless of their dominant hand.

What’s in the Box?

• Authentic Japanese Paper Box: Hand-wrapped and ready for gifting or safe storage.

• Protective Plastic Sheath: A temporary sleeve to protect the blade during initial transport.

Authorized Aoki Hamono Dealer Since 2019

When you purchase from Hasu-Seizo, you are guaranteed an authentic product sourced directly from the makers in Sakai, Japan. Our long-standing relationship with Aoki Hamono ensures that every Nashiji blade is a genuine masterpiece, supported by our US-based expertise and fast shipping from our Seattle warehouse.

Maintenance & Professional Care

Pro Tip for Longevity: While Ebony is naturally water-resistant, we recommend a Magnolia Wood Saya or a felt-lined Knife Protector for storing the blade. This prevents the high-performance VG10 edge from chipping and protects the Nashiji finish from scratches when stored in a drawer or knife roll.

Sharpening Maintenance: VG10 steel is highly praised for its ability to take a razor-sharp edge. To maintain this blade at peak performance, we recommend a Double-Sided 800/6000 Grit Whetstone. The 800 grit side refreshes the edge geometry, while the 6000 grit side provides a mirror-polished finish that glides through ingredients.

Performance & Care

• Best For: All-purpose tasks including slicing proteins, dicing vegetables, and high-volume prep work.

• Care: Hand-wash only with mild soap and dry immediately. Never use a dishwasher, as the high heat and chemicals will damage the premium Ebony handle and the steel's temper.

• Safety: Avoid cutting bone, frozen foods, or hard pits; the precision-ground edge is optimized for fine slicing and can chip if used on hard materials.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of a Nashiji finish? Nashiji, or "pear skin" finish, refers to the rustic, matte texture on the sides of the blade. This finish creates tiny air pockets that act as a natural non-stick surface, which is especially helpful when slicing starchy vegetables like potatoes or cucumbers that often cling to smoother blades.

How does an Ebony handle feel compared to Magnolia wood? Ebony is much denser and heavier than Magnolia wood. This gives the knife a slightly more "handle-heavy" balance, which many chefs find offers more control during precision slicing. Ebony is also naturally oily and more durable, meaning it will maintain its dark luster for years without the staining common in lighter woods.

Is VG10 stainless steel difficult to maintain? No. VG10 is one of the most balanced professional steels available. It is hard enough to stay sharp for a long time but remains forgiving enough to be easily resharpened on whetstones. It is the perfect choice for someone moving from Western knives into high-end Japanese cutlery.

Where is this knife shipped from? All our inventory is quality-checked and shipped directly from our US-based warehouse in Seattle, WA. We offer fast domestic delivery and local customer support you can trust.