HIGUCHI WA DAMASCUS Chef's Knife 21 cm
Japanese Chef's Knife 210mm – VG10 Damascus with Tsuchime Finish
Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta
A premium Japanese chef's knife built for cooks who value precision, performance, and craftsmanship.
Handcrafted in Mino City, Japan, this 210mm Gyuto combines premium VG10 stainless steel with elegant 44-layer Damascus cladding and a traditional Tsuchime (hammered) finish. Designed to become the knife you'll reach for every day, it delivers exceptional sharpness, effortless cutting, and the refined feel that has made Japanese knives respected around the world.
Whether you're slicing meat, preparing fish, chopping vegetables, or mincing herbs, this knife offers the versatility and control expected from a true Japanese chef's knife.
Who This Knife Is For
Perfect for:
- Serious home cooks
- Professional chefs
- Anyone upgrading from standard European knives
- Cooks who value precision and edge retention
- Those looking for one premium all-purpose kitchen knife
Why You'll Love It
VG10 Stainless Steel Core
At the heart of the blade is premium Japanese VG10 stainless steel, hardened to approximately 60–61 HRC.
VG10 has earned its reputation as one of Japan's most trusted knife steels because it offers an outstanding balance of sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance.
Benefits include:
- Exceptional sharpness
- Excellent edge retention
- Fine, precise cutting
- Strong corrosion resistance
- Easy maintenance
Sharpened to approximately 15° per side, the blade glides effortlessly through ingredients while maintaining its edge significantly longer than many conventional kitchen knives.
44-Layer Damascus Construction
The VG10 core is protected by 44 layers of Damascus steel (22 layers per side).
This layered construction:
- Reinforces the hardened core
- Improves blade durability
- Adds structural resilience
- Creates the beautiful flowing Damascus pattern unique to every knife
Each blade has its own distinctive appearance.
Traditional Tsuchime Finish
The upper section of the blade features a traditional Tsuchime (hammered) finish.
These small hammer marks create tiny air pockets between the blade and ingredients, helping to:
- Reduce food sticking
- Improve cutting efficiency
- Produce cleaner slices
A practical feature that also gives the knife its distinctive Japanese character.
Comfortable Pakka Wood Handle
The beautifully finished brown Pakka wood handle combines natural wood with resin for long-lasting durability.
It offers:
- Excellent balance
- Comfortable grip
- Moisture resistance
- Low maintenance
- Stability during extended preparation sessions
Designed for everyday professional use.
A True Japanese All-Rounder
The 210mm Gyuto is considered the foundation of a Japanese knife collection.
It excels at:
- Slicing meat
- Preparing fish
- Chopping vegetables
- Mincing herbs
- Everyday kitchen preparation
Long enough for efficient slicing, yet agile enough for detailed work, it's the knife most cooks reach for first.
Specifications
Knife Type: Gyuto (Chef's Knife)
Blade Length: 210mm
Steel: VG10 Stainless Steel Core
Hardness: Approximately 60–61 HRC
Construction: 44-Layer Damascus Clad
Finish: Tsuchime (Hammered)
Handle: Brown Pakka Wood
Weight: 144g
Origin: Mino City, Japan
Care Instructions
- Hand wash only
- Dry immediately after use
- Do not cut bones or frozen foods
- Use on wooden or quality synthetic cutting boards
- Store in a saya, blade guard, or magnetic knife holder
Complete Your Setup
For the best experience, pair it with:
- End-grain cutting board
- Japanese whetstone (1000 / 3000 grit)
- Leather strop
- Magnetic knife holder or saya
- Ceramic honing rod
Why We Chose This Knife
At Sharp Knives Malta, we look for knives that combine real cutting performance with lasting craftsmanship.
This Gyuto delivers everything we expect from a premium Japanese chef's knife: outstanding VG10 steel, elegant Damascus construction, excellent balance, and the versatility to handle almost every task in the kitchen.
It's the kind of knife that quickly becomes your everyday favourite.
Final Word
The 210mm VG10 Damascus Gyuto combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern stainless performance. Beautifully finished, exceptionally sharp, and built for years of reliable use, it's an ideal choice for cooks who want one knife capable of handling almost every kitchen task with confidence.
One knife. Countless meals. Built to perform for years to come.