Shinkiro (Takahiro Nihei) AOS Damascus Kurouchi Ebony Gyuto 240mm
Alert me if this item is restocked.
We often restock popular items or they may be returned by the other customers. If you would like to be notified when this happens just enter your details below.
Shinkiro (Takahiro Nihei) AOS Damascus Kurouchi Ebony Gyuto 240mm
We respect your privacy and don't share your email with anybody.
Alert me if this item is restocked
We have cancelled your request.
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Gyuto
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue Super
Blade Finish: Kurouchi Damascus
Blade Hardness: 64HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Mono Ebony
Blade Length: 240mm
Heel Height: 52mm
Spine Thickness: ~4.00mm tapered to ~2.50mm
Weight: 245g
This is one of those knives you don't fully understand until it's in your hand.
Forged by Takahiro Nihei in Fukushima as part of his renowned Shinkiro line, this 240mm Gyuto is built around Aogami Super carbon steel—one of the highest-performing carbon steels available. It takes an exceptionally keen edge, holds it remarkably well, and delivers the crisp, connected cutting feel that has made Aogami Super a favorite among serious knife enthusiasts. Hardened to approximately 64 HRC, it offers outstanding edge retention while retaining the toughness and reliability Nihei is known for.
The blade features an iron-clad Damascus construction beneath a traditional kurouchi finish, creating a deep, smoky appearance with subtle Damascus layers that reveal themselves beneath the dark cladding. Rather than being flashy, the finish has a quiet elegance that only becomes more distinctive as the exposed steel develops its own natural patina over time.
What truly sets this gyuto apart is its geometry. This is not a laser—it's a true workhorse. The spine begins at approximately 4.0mm over the heel before tapering progressively to around 2.5mm near the tip. That pronounced distal taper creates a reassuring blade-forward balance, giving the knife impressive authority through dense ingredients while allowing the front of the blade to remain agile and precise. Combined with its generous 52mm blade height, it offers exceptional board presence, excellent knuckle clearance, and a confident, planted feel throughout every cut.
This particular knife has been fitted with a premium mono ebony wood handle. Dense, beautifully dark, and naturally elegant, ebony perfectly complements the rugged character of the blade while adding a timeless, understated look. Its weight pairs exceptionally well with the robust geometry, creating a balanced feel that lets the blade do the work while remaining comfortable through long prep sessions.
On the cutting board, this is a knife that rewards a confident hand. It powers effortlessly through larger vegetables, proteins, and dense ingredients, yet the refined taper keeps the tip responsive for detailed work. It embodies the balance of power, stability, and cutting performance that has made Takahiro Nihei one of Japan's most respected modern blacksmiths.
This is not an entry-level knife, nor is it trying to be. It's a hand-forged workhorse with weight, character, and a personality all its own—the kind of knife that becomes more enjoyable every time you reach for it. If you know Nihei, you already know.
◻️ 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.