Kikuichi for Milk Street 8" Chef Knife

Literally translated as “cow sword,” this 8-inch Japanese gyuto from Kikuichi is an analogue to the European chef’s knife and is designed for any and every kitchen task. Lighter, leaner and more nimble than Western-style knives, gyutos are as thin as possible—without sacrificing rigidity—and feature a more acute blade angle for cleaner, crisper slicing. These 8-inch knives are designed for any and every kitchen task. We love the gentle curve to the blade shape for mincing and the bolster-less design, which makes thorough sharpening easier and the overall weight of the knife lighter.

Family-owned Kikuichi is the oldest continuous knife maker in Japan and uses methods from the samurai era, inherited from imperial blade-maker Shiro Kanenaga through four generations. Each of their products is handmade in the Japanese guild tradition, passing through the hands of at least four specialized artisans, so the finest attention to detail is given to every step in the knife-making process. We partnered with the company to bring you this knife with a custom-colored handle; we love the visibility the pop of orange provides, making the knife easy to locate on a cluttered counter or in the dish drain. (But please don’t put them in the dishwasher, which will damage high-quality knives.)

• Weight: 6.42 oz/182 grams
• Blade: AUS10 Molybdenum High Carbon stainless steel, HRC 59, Bevel Angle Ratio 50:50
• Handle: Resin
• Care Instructions: Always hand wash and dry knives.