{"title":"Shotaro Imai","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"imai-as-kurouchi-usa-gyuto-220mm-with-sanjo-walnut-handle","title":"Imai AS Kurouchi USA Gyuto 220mm with Sanjo Walnut Handle","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Imai AS Kurouchi USA Gyuto 220mm is a tall, powerful Japanese chef knife built for cooks who want carbon steel edge performance, excellent board presence, and a rustic forged look. With a 221mm blade length, 61.5mm heel height, and 177g weight, this gyuto offers excellent knuckle clearance, confident food contact, and a balanced feel for daily prep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the core is Aogami Super, also known as Blue Super steel, one of the most respected high-carbon steels used in Japanese kitchen knives. It is known for excellent edge retention, strong sharpening response, and the ability to take a very refined edge. The kurouchi finish gives the blade a traditional forged appearance while adding rustic character above the cutting edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knife is paired with a Sanjo walnut octagonal handle with a maple stripe, giving it a comfortable, natural feel with a clean custom look. The 220mm size sits between a classic 210mm gyuto and a full 240mm workhorse, making it a strong all-around choice for cooks who want extra cutting room without stepping into an oversized blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e Is the Imai AS Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm good for home cooks?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. The 221mm blade gives home cooks more cutting power than a typical 210mm gyuto while staying easier to manage than many 240mm knives. The tall 61.5mm heel height also gives excellent knuckle clearance and confidence during prep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e What is Aogami Super steel best known for?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aogami Super is best known for excellent edge retention, high sharpness potential, and a satisfying sharpening feel. It is a carbon steel, so it should be washed and dried carefully after use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e How should I care for this kurouchi carbon steel knife?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e Do not leave it wet or dirty on the board. Wash by hand, dry immediately, and avoid the dishwasher. For longer storage, a light coat of food-safe knife oil such as \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.eu\/products\/100-pure-tsubaki-japanese-knife-maintenance-camellia-oil-3-4-oz\"\u003eTsubaki oil\u003c\/a\u003e can help protect the carbon steel from rust. Use a knife-friendly board like a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tokushuknife.eu\/collections\/hasegawa-cutting-board\"\u003eHasegawa Pro cutting board\u003c\/a\u003e to help preserve the edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ:\u003c\/strong\u003e Who is this knife best for?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA:\u003c\/strong\u003e This knife is best for cooks who want a high-performance Japanese gyuto with a traditional forged look, strong edge life, extra heel height, and more cutting length than a standard 210mm chef knife. It is not ideal for users who want a fully stainless, low-maintenance blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCore Steel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aogami Super \/ Blue Super carbon steel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCladding Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless clad\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 221mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOverall Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 369mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight at Heel:\u003c\/strong\u003e 61.5mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness (Heel):\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.1mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness (Mid):\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.95mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness (Tip):\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.84mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 177g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHandle Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sanjo walnut octagonal handle with maple stripe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness (HRC):\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 64-65 HRC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kurouchi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKnife Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gyuto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEdge Grind:\u003c\/strong\u003e Double bevel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Shibata","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49248914833665,"sku":null,"price":269.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/7687\/5777\/files\/imai-as-kurouchi-usa-gyuto-220mm-02.jpg?v=1781214952"},{"product_id":"imai-aogami-super-kurouchi-bunka-183mm-blade-only","title":"Imai Stainless Clad Aogami Super Kurouchi Bunka 183mm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Imai Stainless Clad Aogami Super Kurouchi Bunka 183mm is a nimble, all-purpose Japanese knife blade forged and ground by Shotaro Imai in Echizen. Its relatively flat edge supports push cutting and chopping, while the pointed K-tip offers excellent control for onions, shallots, garlic and fine trimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAogami Super (Blue Super) forms the cutting core, providing excellent edge retention, a refined edge and strong sharpening response. Stainless cladding reduces maintenance across most of the blade, although the exposed carbon-steel edge remains reactive and will form a natural patina. The dark kurouchi finish preserves the blade’s handmade forged character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlade geometry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 183mm long and 44mm tall at the heel, this bunka offers more reach than many compact all-purpose knives while remaining easy to control. The spine tapers from 2.8mm at the heel to 2.0mm at mid-blade and approximately 0.51mm 10mm from the tip, giving the K-tip fine precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho it suits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for cooks who want professional-level carbon-steel performance in a versatile bunka profile and intend to install their own wa handle. It handles vegetables, herbs, boneless meat, poultry and fish with equal confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlacksmith: Shotaro Imai\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnife type: Bunka blade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCore steel: Aogami Super \/ Blue Super\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCladding: Stainless\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish: Kurouchi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlade length: 183mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlade height at heel: 44mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpine thickness at heel: 2.8mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpine thickness at mid-blade: 2.0mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpine thickness 10mm from tip: 0.51mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdge: Double bevel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle: Sanjo Walnut Octogon with Maple Stripe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePackaging: Maker box included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in: Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly the cladding is stainless. Hand wash, dry immediately and never place the blade in a dishwasher. Avoid bones, frozen food and glass, stone or ceramic boards. Use food-safe knife oil during humid or long-term storage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Imai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49878802235649,"sku":"IMAI-AS-KURO-BUNKA183-BLADE","price":235.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/7687\/5777\/files\/imai-as-kurouchi-bunka-183mm-rear-reference.jpg?v=1784665240"},{"product_id":"imai-stainless-clad-aogami-super-kurouchi-gyuto-210mm-with-sanjo-walnut-handle","title":"Imai Stainless Clad Aogami Super Kurouchi Gyuto 210mm with Sanjo Walnut Handle","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Imai Stainless Clad Aogami Super Kurouchi Gyuto 210mm is a versatile, full-size Japanese chef knife forged and ground by Shotaro Imai in Echizen. The measured 218mm edge gives it slightly more cutting room than a conventional 210mm gyuto while remaining controlled for everyday prep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAogami Super (Blue Super) forms the cutting core, offering excellent edge retention, high sharpness potential and a satisfying response on whetstones. Stainless cladding covers most of the blade, reducing maintenance while leaving the exposed carbon-steel edge reactive. The kurouchi finish preserves its forged character and contrasts with the polished bevel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knife is fitted with a Sanjo walnut octagonal wa handle with a maple stripe. The natural walnut provides a comfortable, secure feel, while the maple accent gives the knife a clean custom finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlade geometry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade is 47mm tall at the heel, with a spine measuring 3.14mm over the heel, 2.4mm at mid-blade and approximately 0.82mm 10mm from the tip. This gives the heel useful stability while allowing the tip to remain precise for onions, garlic and detail work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho it suits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA strong choice for professional chefs, enthusiasts and home cooks who want carbon-steel performance in a ready-to-use gyuto with a comfortable wa handle. It is suited to vegetables, herbs, boneless meat, poultry and fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlacksmith: Shotaro Imai\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnife type: Gyuto\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCore steel: Aogami Super \/ Blue Super\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCladding: Stainless\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish: Kurouchi\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNominal size: 210mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeasured blade length: 218mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlade height at heel: 47mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpine thickness at heel: 3.14mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpine thickness at mid-blade: 2.4mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpine thickness 10mm from tip: 0.82mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEdge: Double bevel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle: Sanjo walnut octagonal wa handle with maple stripe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePackaging: Maker box included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMade in: Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly the cladding is stainless. Hand wash, dry immediately and never use a dishwasher. Avoid bones, frozen food and glass, stone or ceramic boards. For humid storage or longer periods between uses, protect the exposed carbon-steel edge with a light coat of food-safe knife oil.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Imai","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50220058280193,"sku":"IMAI-AS-KURO-GY210-SANJO","price":269.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0793\/7687\/5777\/files\/imai-as-kurouchi-gyuto-210mm-blade-detail.jpg?v=1784665175"}],"url":"https:\/\/tokushuknife.eu\/en-fr\/collections\/shotaro-imai.oembed","provider":"Tokushu Knife Malta","version":"1.0","type":"link"}