Imai AS Kurouchi USA Gyuto 220mm with Sanjo Walnut Handle
Tax excluded. Free US shipping on orders over $99.
180-day returns on eligible unused items. Free prepaid label. Return details.
Free US standard shipping over $99. Normally fulfilled within 2 business days. Delivery details.
Every order insured. We handle shipping claims.
Overview
The 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.
At 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.
This 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.
Meet the Maker: Shotaro Imai
Shotaro Imai is a Japanese blacksmith working in the forge at Kamo To Uchi Hamono Co., Ltd. in Fukui Prefecture. He has spent 13 years in the knife industry. The USA Gyuto began when his sharpening partner suggested a knife for cutting meat at a barbecue; Imai designed it that same day for spacious kitchens and larger cooks applying downward pressure from above. Read our direct interview with Shotaro Imai for the complete story, his preferred steel and finish, and his own care advice.
Common Questions
Q: Is the Imai AS Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm good for home cooks?
A: 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.
Q: What is Aogami Super steel best known for?
A: 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.
Q: How should I care for this kurouchi carbon steel knife?
A: 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 Tsubaki oil can help protect the carbon steel from rust. Use a knife-friendly board like a Hasegawa Pro cutting board to help preserve the edge.
Q: Who is this knife best for?
A: 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.
Specifications
- Core Steel: Aogami Super / Blue Super carbon steel
- Cladding Type: Stainless clad
- Blade Length: 221mm
- Overall Length: 369mm
- Height at Heel: 61.5mm
- Spine Thickness (Heel): 3.1mm
- Spine Thickness (Mid): 1.95mm
- Spine Thickness (Tip): 0.84mm
- Weight: 177g
- Handle Material: Sanjo walnut octagonal handle with maple stripe
- Hardness (HRC): Approximately 64-65 HRC
- Finish: Kurouchi
- Knife Type: Gyuto
- Edge Grind: Double bevel
Shipping, returns and order protection
US shipping: Free on orders over $99. Orders are normally fulfilled within 2 business days, and UPS Ground transit is typically 1–5 business days after fulfillment. Custom handle installation or sharpening may add 1–2 business days.
Returns: Eligible purchases may be returned within 180 days with a free prepaid return label. Knives sharpened by Tokushu Knife or fitted with a custom handle remain eligible if they are otherwise new, unused, undamaged, and returned in their original packaging with all included components. The same refund terms apply.
Order protection: Every order is insured. If a package is lost or damaged, contact us at Tony@TokushuKnife.com and we will handle the claim.
Outside the US: Supported international orders from TokushuKnife.com typically ship via FedEx Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). Tokushu Knife pays all applicable import duties and taxes on the customer's behalf. Customers are not responsible for paying duties or taxes. Available destinations, shipping charges and delivery estimates are shown at checkout. Customers may also shop at TokushuKnife.eu for regional inventory and options.
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Steel, Construction and Care
Our catalog includes stainless, semi-stainless and carbon steels selected for edge performance and durability. Carbon steels may develop a patina, while stainless steels are designed to resist discoloration. Follow the care guidance on each product page, hand wash only and dry the knife promptly after use.
