{"product_id":"aokitae-blue-2-lacquered-black-sand-finish-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm","title":"Aokitae Blue 2 Lacquered Black Sand-Finish Kurouchi Gyuto 220mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnife Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Gyuto\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteel Type: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarbon Steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aogami Blue #2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Kurouchi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 62HRC (+\/-1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBevel:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Double\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandle: \u003c\/strong\u003eLacquered Black Sand-Finish\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~220\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeel Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~2.50\u003cspan\u003emm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~48mm (Tapered)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~160\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat really sets this version apart is its Black \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRather 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67646571020521,"sku":null,"price":210.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0261\/4368\/6711\/files\/AokitaeBlue2LacqueredBlackSand-FinishKurouchiGyuto220mm.png?v=1791652556","url":"https:\/\/kakushin.ca\/products\/aokitae-blue-2-lacquered-black-sand-finish-kurouchi-gyuto-220mm","provider":"Kakushin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}