Hikari Gyuto 195mm – SLD Kurozome Damascus

⭐ Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta

Selected for experienced cooks who want exceptional edge retention, refined Japanese craftsmanship, and the unique cutting feel of Hitachi SLD steel.

High-Performance Steel. Serious Cutting Performance.

The Hikari Gyuto 195mm is not designed to be your first Japanese knife. It's built for cooks who appreciate precision, edge stability, and the character of high-performance Japanese steel.

Handcrafted in Japan, this knife combines a Hitachi SLD semi-stainless core, striking 51-layer Kurozome Damascus cladding, and a beautifully balanced octagonal Bubinga wa handle to create a chef's knife that feels refined from the very first cut.

At 195mm, it offers the perfect balance between agility and versatility—ideal for cooks who prefer a compact, highly controllable chef's knife without sacrificing cutting power.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Experienced home cooks
• Professional chefs
• Japanese knife enthusiasts
• Users upgrading from VG10 or AUS-10
• Anyone seeking exceptional edge retention with easier maintenance than carbon steel

Ideal for cooks who value precision and refined cutting performance.

Why You'll Love It

Hitachi SLD Semi-Stainless Steel

At the heart of the blade is SLD tool steel, produced by Hitachi and originally developed for demanding industrial cutting applications.

Benefits include:

• Outstanding edge retention
• Excellent toughness
• Fine, aggressive edge
• Reduced sharpening frequency
• Semi-stainless convenience

Hardened to approximately 60–62 HRC, SLD offers much of the cutting feel associated with traditional carbon steel while providing significantly greater corrosion resistance.

Over time, the blade may develop a light patina that reflects its use and character.

51-Layer Kurozome Damascus

The SLD core is protected by 51 layers of Damascus steel with a distinctive Kurozome (black etched) finish.

Benefits include:

• Enhanced blade strength
• Improved structural stability
• Beautiful high-contrast Damascus pattern
• Excellent protection for the cutting core

The dark finish gives the knife a refined, understated appearance that stands apart from traditional polished Damascus blades.

Thin Japanese Geometry

Ground exceptionally thin behind the edge, the Hikari Gyuto glides effortlessly through ingredients.

Advantages include:

• Minimal cutting resistance
• Cleaner vegetable cuts
• Smooth protein slicing
• Greater precision
• Reduced food cracking

The result is a knife that feels fast, responsive, and remarkably efficient.

Compact 195mm Gyuto Profile

The slightly shorter blade provides outstanding manoeuvrability while maintaining the versatility expected from a Gyuto.

Perfect for:

• Meat preparation
• Fish
• Vegetables
• Herbs
• Everyday kitchen work

Ideal for smaller workspaces, compact cutting boards, and cooks who prioritise control over maximum blade length.

Bubinga Octagonal WA Handle

The traditional Japanese handle is crafted from richly grained Bubinga wood.

Benefits include:

• Excellent balance
• Comfortable grip
• Natural moisture resistance
• Secure control
• Suitable for both left- and right-handed users

Its warm tones perfectly complement the dark Damascus blade, creating a knife that feels every bit as premium as it looks.

Key Features

• Handcrafted in Japan
• Hitachi SLD semi-stainless core
• 51-layer Kurozome Damascus construction
• Thin Japanese blade geometry
• 195mm Gyuto profile
• Octagonal Bubinga WA handle
• Double bevel edge
• Outstanding edge retention
• Excellent balance of toughness and precision

Specifications

Brand: Hikari
Knife Type: Gyuto (Chef's Knife)
Blade Length: 195mm (7.7")
Steel: Hitachi SLD Semi-Stainless Steel
Hardness: Approximately 60–62 HRC
Construction: 51-Layer Damascus Clad
Finish: Kurozome (Black Etched Damascus)
Bevel: Double Bevel
Handle: Octagonal Bubinga WA Handle
Origin: Japan

Care Instructions

Although SLD is semi-stainless, proper care will maximise its performance.

• Hand wash only
• Dry immediately after use
• Avoid cutting bones or frozen foods
• Use on wooden or quality synthetic cutting boards
• Store in a saya or blade guard
• Apply food-safe oil during long-term storage if required

A light patina may develop over time, adding character without compromising performance.

Complete Your Knife Setup

Pair it with:

• End Grain Cutting Board
• Japanese Whetstone (1000 / 3000 grit)
• Leather Strop
• Wooden Saya
• Camellia Oil

Why We Chose This Knife

At Sharp Knives Malta, we look for knives that deliver genuine performance rather than relying on appearance alone.

The Hikari Gyuto 195mm stands out for its exceptional SLD steel, refined blade geometry, and understated craftsmanship. It offers outstanding edge retention, remarkable cutting precision, and a level of control that experienced cooks immediately appreciate.

Final Word

The Hikari Gyuto 195mm is a knife built for those who understand that great performance begins with great steel.

Thin, refined, exceptionally sharp, and beautifully balanced, it delivers the cutting experience serious cooks expect from premium Japanese craftsmanship.

Industrial-grade steel. Traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Built for cooks who demand more.