A trusted tool in professional kitchens—now in yours.

Product Description

This VG5 chef’s knife is expertly designed for those who appreciate precision in their culinary creations—from carving juicy roasts to slicing delicate sashimi. Crafted in Sakai, Japan, it fuses traditional techniques with modern functionality, becoming a trusted tool for professional chefs and passionate home cooks alike.

Constructed from VG5 high-grade stainless steel, this knife achieves a Rockwell hardness of approximately 58°C, striking the perfect balance between edge retention and easy maintenance. The three-layer steel structure enhances strength and stability while featuring a distinctive hand-hammered finish that reduces drag and inhibits food from sticking, ensuring seamless slicing.

What sets this knife apart is its razor-thin, ultra-sharp blade that glides effortlessly through proteins and produce, enhancing your precision and overall cooking experience. The octagonal handle offers a balanced, ergonomic grip, ensuring comfortable control during extended use. With a long cutting edge measuring 8.3 inches (21 cm), it excels in continuous slicing, making meal preparation efficient and enjoyable.

Unlike a Santoku knife, this chef’s knife features a longer, thinner blade that easily follows the grain of meats, making it ideal for carving large cuts or achieving delicate, consistent slices. Whether you're preparing roasts or crafting sushi, it ensures clean results with minimal effort, thanks to the synergy of fine steel and expert construction.

Product Information
  • Blade Length: 8.3 in (21 cm)
  • Full Length: 11.8 in (30 cm)
  • Package Size: 14 × 2.6 × 0.9 in (35.7 × 6.6 × 2.3 cm)
Care instructions

After use, wash with mild detergent, dry thoroughly, and store safely. Resharpen every few months to maintain optimal performance.

Artisan & Craft
Artisan & Craft

Made by Towa in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Note

Every piece crafted by our artisans tells a unique story.
Subtle marks, slight irregularities in shape, variations in glaze color and texture—these natural differences give each creation its own soul.
Over time, as you use your pieces, their character deepens, becoming part of your daily life and memories.

Made by Towa in Japan

Towa knives are meticulously manufactured in a renowned knife factory in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture—a town with an 800-year legacy of swordsmithing excellence.

Known as the “City of Blades,” Seki has long been home to master swordsmiths who forged weapons for samurai with unmatched precision and skill.

Towa continues this storied tradition by collaborating directly with local artisans to create original, high-performance kitchen knives.

Each blade reflects a seamless blend of time-honored craftsmanship and thoughtful innovation, delivering the sharpness, balance, and durability that define true Japanese quality.

FAQs

All you need to know about Japanese Knives.

What makes Japanese knives different from Western knives?

Japanese knives typically feature harder steel, thinner and sharper blades, and lighter handles compared to Western knives. These characteristics allow for precision cutting, especially suited for detailed culinary tasks, but require careful maintenance to preserve sharpness and avoid damage.

How should I maintain and sharpen a Japanese knife?

Regularly hand-wash and dry your knife immediately after use to prevent rust and corrosion. Sharpen using a whetstone designed specifically for Japanese knives, maintaining a consistent angle (usually around 15 degrees). Avoid dishwashers and harsh cleaning methods to preserve blade integrity.

Can Japanese knives be used for any type of food preparation?

While versatile, certain Japanese knives are specialized: Gyuto (chef’s knife) handles most ingredients, Santoku excels in chopping vegetables and meats, while Yanagiba is specifically suited for slicing sashimi and seafood. Selecting the right knife enhances performance and preserves blade condition.

Why are Japanese knives often more expensive?

Japanese knives are handcrafted, employing traditional methods and premium high-carbon steel, which contributes to their exceptional sharpness, durability, and aesthetics. This artisanal craftsmanship and the high-quality materials used typically result in higher pricing compared to mass-produced knives.

Are Japanese knives suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can effectively use Japanese knives, but it’s essential to start with user-friendly styles like Santoku or Gyuto, known for balanced handling and versatility. Proper care, handling, and regular sharpening practices will ensure a positive experience, even for novices.