The 210mm Yoshinaga Nihonkou Western Gyuto delivers the laser-sharp feel of a classic Seki knife in a format Western cooks know and love. Forged from proprietary Seki stainless steel, the blade is thin behind the edge yet stout enough for daily prep. A full-tang, triple-riveted handle supplies familiar balance and durability, making this 210mm chef's knife an ideal beginner Japanese chef knife for anyone stepping up from stamped steel. Expect effortless slicing, confident rocking action, and easy maintenance in a value-packed Yoshinaga knife.

Nihonkou by Hoshiya Yoshinaga showcases straightforward monosteel forging honed in Seki City’s wartime foundries. Yoshinaga-san heat-treats, grinds, and hand-sharpens every blade, pairing dependable toughness with the crisp edge fans of entry-level Japanese gyuto models demand.

Yoshinaga Nihonkou 日本工 operates out of Seki, Gifu Prefecture—home to seven centuries of blade making. The workshop focuses on practical, affordable tools that keep the region’s craft heritage alive while welcoming newcomers to Japanese kitchen knife performance.

Hoshiya Yoshinaga 星谷義長 forged thousands of utility blades during WWII, earning a reputation for workmanlike consistency rather than ornate finishes. That legacy lives on in this accessible, full tang knife that prizes cutting efficiency over embellishment.

Gyuto 牛刀 or "cow sword" is Japan's answer to the Western chef's knife. Its gently curved belly excels at rocking cuts through herbs, while the flat section near the heel handles push-cutting proteins and vegetables with precision. This all-purpose profile makes it the most versatile blade in any kitchen, equally capable of slicing roasts, dicing vegetables, and mincing aromatics.

Monosteel Construction forges the entire blade from a single piece of steel, creating a seamless microstructure from spine to edge. This eliminates weak joints between layers, delivers balanced weight distribution, and simplifies both sharpening and maintenance compared to laminated blades. The uniform hardness and simplified care make monosteel knives ideal for first-time buyers and busy kitchens.

Seki Stainless Steel offers generous corrosion resistance, quick sharpening response, and a fine, toothy edge—perfect for cooks who want Japanese sharpness without the upkeep of high-carbon carbon steels.