Aokitae Blue 2 Lacquered Black Sand-Finish Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm
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Aokitae Blue 2 Lacquered Black Sand-Finish Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Gyuto
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Lacquered Black Sand-Finish
Blade Length: ~220mm
Heel Height: ~2.50mm
Spine Thickness: ~48mm (Tapered)
Weight: ~160g
The Aokitae Series is all about delivering as much genuine Japanese knife performance as possible for the money. Hand-forged in Japan, it combines a proven Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel core, traditional craftsmanship, and a striking Black & Gold Lacquered Sand-Finish handle that gives this version a bold, sophisticated personality — all while maintaining the exceptional value that makes the series so easy to recommend.
Built in traditional San-Mai construction, the Aogami Blue #2 core is hardened to approximately 62 HRC (+/-1), delivering excellent sharpness, strong edge retention, and that crisp, precise cutting feel carbon steel enthusiasts appreciate. Blue #2 also remains relatively easy to sharpen, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experience serious Japanese knife performance without stepping into a much higher price range.
The traditional dark Kurouchi finish gives the blade its rugged, handcrafted character, with subtle variations that reflect its forged origins. Beneath that rustic appearance, the geometry is designed for everyday cutting performance. The blade feels responsive and controlled on the board, moving cleanly through vegetables, proteins, herbs, and daily prep without feeling overly delicate.
At 220mm, the Gyuto offers a fantastic balance between cutting length, versatility, and control. Slightly longer than the traditional 210mm Gyuto, it provides extra working edge for slicing larger ingredients, portioning proteins, and handling demanding preparation tasks without becoming as imposing as a 240mm chef's knife. The longer blade allows for smooth, continuous slicing motions, while its gently curved profile supports both push-cutting and a natural rocking motion.
That additional length becomes especially noticeable when working with larger vegetables, longer cuts of meat, or ingredients that benefit from fewer passes of the blade. Yet despite its size, the Aokitae remains agile and responsive, making it an excellent choice for home cooks looking to step up their cutting performance and professionals who appreciate a versatile, full-sized Japanese chef's knife.
What really sets this version apart is its Black & Gold Lacquered Sand-Finish handle. Dominated by deep black tones, the handle features beautiful gold and warm yellow accents that bring just the right amount of contrast without overpowering the overall design. The darker base gives it a sophisticated, almost understated appearance, while the lighter accents add warmth, visual depth, and a touch of luxury.
Rather than using a perfectly smooth, glossy lacquer, this handle features a light sand-like texture that adds a subtle tactile dimension to the surface. The finish is delicately textured rather than rough, creating a more natural feel in hand while giving the lacquered surface additional character. It's a small detail that makes a noticeable difference, especially when viewed up close or felt in person.
The combination of black, gold, and yellow works particularly well with the traditional Kurouchi blade. The dark tones flow naturally from the handle into the rugged forged finish, while the golden accents introduce just enough brightness to create an eye-catching contrast. The subtle sand texture ties everything together, giving the handle a more organic, handcrafted appearance rather than the overly polished look of conventional lacquered designs.
The result is a Gyuto that feels both rugged and refined. The blade stays true to traditional Japanese craftsmanship, while the handle introduces a more contemporary, premium aesthetic. It's distinctive without being excessive, elegant without being fragile-looking, and visually impressive without distracting from what matters most — cutting performance.
And that's really where the Aokitae Series shines. You get a hand-forged Japanese Gyuto, a high-performance Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel core, traditional Kurouchi character, and a beautifully finished black and gold lacquered handle — all at a price that represents outstanding value.
◻️ Additional Information
Please note that colours, shading, and overall appearance may vary slightly between photos and the product you receive. Lighting, camera exposure, and reflections on materials like steel, epoxy, and wood can all create subtle differences.
Many of our items are handmade, which means each piece has its own character. Minor variations in pattern, texture, or finish are normal and part of the craft.
If you’d like to see additional photos or close-ups of any item, feel free to request them before or after placing your order—especially for one-of-a-kind pieces. We’re always happy to help you choose the perfect knife or handle.
◻️ Sharp Certified
Before our knives are shipped, each one undergoes a rigorous sharpness test to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality. Our BESS Certified sharpness scale will guarantee that your knives deliver the smoothest cuts.
This commitment to sharpness not only guarantees that you receive a product that's ready to perform at its best but also reflects our dedication to delivering excellence in every aspect of our field.
◻️ Shipping & Returns
Every product listed on our website is physically in stock at our shop and typically ships within 24 hours — giving us enough time for sharpening and proper packaging.
The only exceptions are custom knife assemblies or engraving, which may require 3-5 days before shipping. Everything is done in-house, so even with the extra steps, it’s still exceptionally fast.
Canadian orders can say goodbye to unexpected duties, additional customs fees and exchange rate fluctuations; all our prices are clear and upfront.
For international orders, we take care of providing the declarations documents on items from foreign countries.
We know choosing a knife online isn’t always easy. To make things stress-free, we offer a flexible 30-day Return Policy on regular-priced items. Take a look at our full policy for all the details!
◻️ Contact Us
We are at your service through email, social media, or even by phone, where you can have a direct conversation with one of our team members during our business hours.
Whether you require assistance with your existing product, have inquiries about a potential purchase, need more specific details, additional photos, or even a video to get a better sense of the product in a real human hand, we've got you covered.
Don't hesitate to get in touch.