Takeshi Saji SG2 Tsuchime 210mm Gyuto with Chinese Quince Wood Handle

Saji is renowned for his finishes and handles. Before I bought this knife I found plenty of folks suggesting some form of: “he’s a master blacksmith, but how could his knives be worth these prices?” While I can’t speak about his other lines, after 7 months with this knife I can absolutely recommend it.

I’m a home cook with lots of nice knives & this has remained in regular rotation in my kitchen. The grind is very well done & inital sharpness was good. The SG2 steel is easy enough to get ultra-sharp on a decent set of stones & I often grab it knowing that I don’t need to baby it. The edge retention is excellent. There are some issues with food release but nothing worse than I’ve experienced from other Echizen knives. I like the profile, allowing for some light rocking, but it also feels great with push/pull cutting.

When it comes to the aesthetic, there’s a reason Saji has the reputation he does. The tsuchime looks amazing. The handle especially surprised me, as I normally use wa handles. This one's similar to a Shun Classic, but the balance is perfect for how I hold a pinch grip. The quince is beautiful with the bolster and cap, and a little mineral oil is well worth it to make it pop.

I can’t say whether this is the knife for you, but this knife surprised me. At this pricepoint I hope you’re considering multiple option, but I think this is a legitimately good knife for the price: great performance with excellent fit and finish.

Mine measures dead-on at 210mm and 198g