Gyuto knives offer a superior cut to many Japanese-inspired dishes. This is a highly valuable blade because it is so sharp and uses strong, durable steel. With a Gyuto blade, you get a lot of versatility for slicing, cutting, dicing, and mincing everything from veggies to herbs to fish. Our top choice is the Tojiro DP Gyuto which offers the most balance of features. If you are in the market for your own Gyuto knife, check out our chef knife buying guide for the Western equivalent. Now, let’s get on our list!
What is a Gyuto Knife?
Think of a Gyuto knife as a kind of chef’s knife. You get the same kind of versatility, but with exceptionally sharp edges. The term Gyuto means “beef or cow sword” in Japanese because it allows people to cut through thick meat in various styles and shapes without having to switch between blades. Many chefs use a Gyuto as their go-to option in the kitchen because you can move from mincing garlic to slicing meat with only a wipe of the knife.
What does a Gyuto Knife Look Like?
Gyuto knives tend to feature a longer blade between 180mm and 300mm, depending on need. The shape is tall and flat at the heel, with a typical slight curve in the midsection. This way, you can use a variety of prep cuts and styles in the kitchen. In addition, you can find Gyuto blades with handles in either the Western-style or Japanese style of Wa-Gyuto, which are D-shaped, oval, or octagonal.
What is a Gyuto Knife Used For?
Like a Western chef’s knife, this multi-purpose blade can do everything from cutting up fresh herbs to crafting beautiful cuts of beef. That is why you will find these knives as a standard option in many Japanese-inspired kitchens or with chefs that appreciate Asian cuisine.
Top 6 Gyuto Knives
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1. Tojiro DP Gyuto – 8.2” – Editor’s Choice
Whenever we rank different knives, we look at aspects like reviews, features, and overall quality, and this particular option is the best blend of high marks.
Tojiro DP Gyuto – 8.2” Specifications
About the knife
Before you go judging us for picking a laminated handle, consider the versatility options of this high-quality blade. You get the reliability and durability of German-made steel in the shape and construction of a Japanese Gyuto knife. That combination is incredibly valuable in the kitchen because you can handle pretty much any task that does not require a unique blade (and many that do). Tack on top of the VG10 steel, excellent comfort, and superior balance and you get a real winner in our books.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Not appropriate for the dishwasher due to the steel and blade material. Stick to hand washing and drying then putting away carefully to avoid the sharp edge.
Pros:
- Highly durable steel
- Easily maintains its sharpness
- Extreme maneuverability
Cons:
- Laminated material on the handle
- Not the best for a pinch grip on the spine
- Extremely sharp out of the box
2. Sakai Takayuki Hammered Damascus Japanese Gyuto Chef Knife
A stunning example of Japanese Damascus with the beautifully hammered pattern along the sides for a piece that your guests will notice.
Sakai Takayuki Hammered Damascus Japanese Gyuto Chef Knife Specifications
About the knife
This is a great place to start if you have ever wanted a truly inspiring display piece that you can use in formal events. While the price tag may be more than some expect, that is because you are paying for high-quality Damascus steel with the hammering effect many blade enthusiasts appreciate. This is not just for looking at. You get strong steel that maneuvers easily between most ingredients on any prep kitchen table. We especially like the mahogany handle for comfort and various cutting techniques.
Maintenance and Cleaning
With a wooden handle and Damascus steel, you cannot place this blade in the dishwasher. Hand wash then dry completely before safely storing away from kids and pets.
Pros:
- Beautiful design and structure
- Highly durable Damascus Steel
- Comfortable Pakkawood Handle
Cons:
- Only partial tang
- A little on the pricier side
- Sharp heel requires awareness while cutting
3. Yoshihiro VG-10 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chef’s Knife
An excellent representation of traditional Japanese design with superior cutting ability for a wide range of ingredients.
Yoshihiro VG-10 46 Layers Hammered Damascus Gyuto Japanese Chefs Knife
About the knife
There are so many details of this excellent premium Gyuto blade to talk about. First, you get a wonderfully traditional design with the tang of the Damascus steel being burned into place to ensure safety as you maneuver through cuts. Next, you have an exceptionally lighter knife for versatility in working with any kind of ingredient. Then there is the fact that this includes a beautiful Saya cover to protect your fingers or when traveling in your pack of available blades. All in all, this is an excellent gift if you have a professional chef in the family.
Maintenance and Cleaning
You simply cannot place this blade into a dishwasher. The wooden handle and Damascus steel will be harmed by the higher temperatures. Stick to hand washing and drying thoroughly before replacing the Saya cover.
Pros:
- Beautiful design in Japanese style
- Burnt in full tang steel
- Extremely comfortable handle
Cons:
- Higher price tag than others
- Not great for those who do not like wooden handles
- A Slight edge grind favors right-handed chefs
4. Shun Cutlery Sora Chef’s Knife 8”
A well-balanced Gyuto knife with most of the features you could want for home or professional use.
Shun Cutlery Sora Chef’s Knife 8” Specifications
About the knife
This is a great middle-of-the-road type of Gyuto that features many of the attributes and materials you could want in a quality blade. We envision this as a well-balanced addition to your travel gear if you are a chef or hanging on your wall in your home for making delicious family recipes. The size, material, and form are all traditional, offering the versatility you could want in an appropriately priced option.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Not for the dishwasher because of the blade material and the extreme sharpness of the point. You wouldn’t want to reach into the dishwasher and grab this blade by the wrong end. So stick to hand washing and drying only.
Pros:
- Excellent size for a mid-range Gyuto
- Gentle roll to the tip for mincing
- Comfortable handle that will not slip easily
Cons:
- At only 7oz, it is a bit light
- Might come apart if dropped
- Does require occasional sharpening
5. Hezhen Chef’s Knife – Professional 8.3” Damascus Steel
A good option for Japanese-styled restaurants that want to add a little flair to the cooking team is an open kitchen design.
Hezhen Professional 8.3” Chef’s Knife Specifications
About the knife
We like this Gyuto option because it makes a statement when unsheathed. When you see a picture of the pattern overly and ergonomic handle, you can immediately conjure fine Japanese dining where the chefs come to your table to slice gorgeous pieces of meat and vegetables in front of your eyes. This is one of the larger options on our list with a more subtle bolster that may require a bit of care when switching between different cutting styles.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Between the handle material and high carbon steel, it is not recommended to use the dishwasher to clean the blade. We suggest careful hand washing and drying before storing away.
Pros:
- Exceptional visual appeal
- High-quality and durable steel material
- Comfortable ergonomic handle
Cons:
- The handle may require a bit of sanding
- It could use a bit more balance
- It May be lighter than some expect
6. Zelite Infinity Damascus – Japanese Chef Knife
A striking aesthetic appearance with high-quality steel for a fun blade that offers a ton of personality.
Zelite Infinity Damascus – Japanese Chef Knife Specifications
About the knife
Rounding out our list of the best Gyuto Knives for 2022 is the Zelite option. This is another of our larger blades that we think provides a well-balance of the features you would want in a Gyuto knife. The bolster is a bit smaller than we would like, but the design and materials more than make up for the difference. You also get a much heavier blade to work with, which many professional chefs prefer.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Damascus steel should never go into the dishwasher. Instead, carefully hand wash and dry before storing safely away from small hands.
Pros:
- High-quality steel material
- Excellent heft for those that prefer added weight
- Great design rivet feature on the handle
Cons:
- A heavier blade may not be for all chefs
- It May not be the best for professional use
- Extremely sharp edge out of the box
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our list of the best Gyuto knives for 2022. As you can see, there are many features of this Japanese-inspired blade that offer a ton of versatility and benefits in the home or professional kitchen. We recommend you try our Editor’s pick – the Tojiro DP Gyuto 8.2” knife. With a well-maintained and sharp Gyuto blade, you’ll be able to treat your friends, family, and guests to all kinds of mouth-watering recipes from Japan and many other locations worldwide.
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