Satoshi Nakagawa Blue #1 Damascus Gyuto 225mm with Ebony and Horn Handle

Overview

The Nakagawa Satoshi Blue #1 Damascus Gyuto 225mm with Ebony and Horn Handle is a high-performance legacy Sakai gyuto built for serious cooks who want top-tier cutting feel, refined grind quality, and striking traditional aesthetics. Forged by Satoshi Nakagawa and sharpened by Morihiro Hamono, this knife brings together two highly respected names in Japanese knife making. The result is a gyuto that feels precise, smooth through product, and distinctly elevated in fit and finish.

At the core is Aogami Blue #1 carbon steel, heat treated to a hard and fine-performing range that supports excellent edge retention, crisp sharpening feedback, and the kind of clean, aggressive bite many enthusiasts look for in a high-end carbon gyuto. The Damascus cladding gives the blade visual depth while the ebony handle with horn ferrule adds balance, durability, and a luxurious feel in hand. This 225mm size sits in a sweet spot for many users, offering more board coverage and draw length than a 210 while staying more agile than a full 240.

This is an excellent choice for experienced home cooks, collectors, and professionals who want a versatile Japanese chef knife for vegetables, proteins, herbs, and daily prep. Because it uses reactive carbon steel, it rewards good knife habits and proper care with exceptional cutting performance and long-term character.

Common Questions

Q: What makes this gyuto special compared with other Japanese chef knives?

A: This knife stands out because it pairs Satoshi Nakagawa’s forging with Morihiro Hamono’s sharpening and grinding. That combination is highly sought after by knife enthusiasts who want premium heat treatment, excellent geometry, and a refined cutting experience. The Blue #1 core also gives it a very crisp, high-performance edge that many users prefer over softer stainless options.

Q: Is this knife suitable for home cooks?

A: Yes, especially for home cooks who want to step into true high-end Japanese cutlery. The gyuto profile is versatile enough for most kitchen tasks, and the 225mm length offers a great balance of power and control. That said, because this is a hard carbon steel knife, it is best for users who are willing to hand wash, dry immediately, and avoid twisting or rough board contact.

Q: How reactive is Blue #1 Damascus steel?

A: The Blue #1 core is reactive and will develop a patina over time. That is normal and often desired. The cladding adds visual beauty, but this is still a knife that should never be left wet or dirty. Wipe during prep, wash by hand, and dry thoroughly after use. For extra protection during storage, a light coat of tsubaki oil is a smart addition.

Q: How should I maintain the edge?

A: Use a soft, knife-friendly board and avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard squash stems. For routine maintenance, a few light passes on a leather strop can help keep the edge lively between sharpenings. When it is time for a full service, a professional knife sharpening service is the safest way to preserve performance.

Specifications

• Brand / Maker: Satoshi Nakagawa
• Sharpener / Grinder: Morihiro Hamono
• Knife Type: Gyuto
• Core Steel: Aogami Blue #1 carbon steel
• Cladding Type: Damascus clad
• Blade Length: 225mm listed size (Tip to Machi)
• Actual Blade Length: 210.5mm
• Overall Length: Approx. 385mm
• Blade Height at Heel: 50.5mm
• Spine Thickness (Heel): 3.07mm
• Spine Thickness (Mid): 2.12mm
• Spine Thickness (Behind tip) 0.53mm
  
• Weight: Approx. 273g
• Handle Material: Ebony with horn ferrule
• Hardness (HRC): Approx. 63
• Bevel: Double bevel
• Care: Hand wash only, dry immediately, not dishwasher safe