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Yamada rentetsu aogami#1 tall gyuto 240x55mm

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Add-on: magnolia saya. Details

Specifications

Hand‑forged by Yoshitaka Yamada of Kanetaka Hamono in Kyoto. Kanetaka Hamono was founded in 1651 and is now in its seventh generation. Yamada-san handles every step, from forge-welding to sharpening. This workhorse gyuto has an aogami#1 core with a wrought iron (rentetsu) cladding sourced from the UK, dating to the mid‑1800s.

Although this was given a refinish, it still retains the original geometry by Yamada-san. We cleaned up some of the grind marks on the bevels, then brought out details in the cladding with jizuya. A full stone progression would take it even further. The core was finished on a #5000 stone.

  • Handforged by Yoshitaka Yamada
  • Aogami#1 core with rentetsu cladding
  • Workhorse grind, nail-flexing thin edge
  • BTE: 0.5mm at 5mm and 1.6mm at 10mm
  • Cutting edge length 240mm (9.4") with 55mm heel height
  • Balance point at the pinch grip

Wrought iron (rentetsu)

Wrought iron was common in the 1800s for things like anchor chains and bridges. Because it's no longer produced, all of it today is reclaimed from older structures and artifacts. It's scarce and tricky to work, which is why it's an uncommon choice for cladding. Its fibrous structure shows as a wood-like grain on the finished blade.

Note on slag inclusions

Wrought iron naturally contains slag inclusions. During forging these can dislodge, leaving small voids or pockets. This is a natural characteristic, not a defect.

Details

Blacksmith: Yoshitaka Yamada
Producing Area: Kyoto, Japan
Knife Type: gyuto
Core Steel: aogami#1
Cladding: wrought iron (rentetsu)

Blade & Handle Specs

Overall Length: 392mm
Blade Length - heel to tip: 240mm (9.4")
Blade Height at Heel: 55.4mm
Spine Thickness:
  At the handle: 4.7mm
  At the heel: 4.1mm
  Midway: 2.6mm
  1cm from the tip: 1.2mm
Weight: 309g
Balance Point: at the pinch grip
Handle: octagonal ebony with resin ferrule
Hand Orientation: ambidextrous
Saya/Sheath: none


Behind-the-edge (BTE) thickness comparison

Knife 5mm 10mm
Tetsujin kasumi aogami#2 gyuto 240mm 0.5 1.0
Toyama migaki aogami#2 gyuto 240mm 0.5 1.1
Yamada rentetsu aogami#1 gyuto 240mm 0.5 1.6

Thickness in mm, measured 5mm and 10mm up from the edge, at 60mm from the heel.

All three have the same nail-flexing thin edge and the same 0.5mm just behind it, so the initial penetration should be the same. The Yamada has more thickness higher up, which adds some resistance on tall, dense vegetables, typical for a workhorse grind. For a workhorse though, this Yamada gyuto cuts better than the grind would suggest.

 

Notes:
  • The photo shows one of the knives from our current stock, so it may not be the exact one you'll receive. Each knife is handmade, so no two are exactly alike. If you'd like to see the actual knife, email us at info@zahocho.com.
  • Minor variations in finish, surface marks, and measurements are normal in handcrafted Japanese knives.
  • Handle is fitted by the maker and shipped as-is. We don't offer handle swaps.

 

Shipping & Returns

• Worldwide shipping from Tokyo
• Dispatches within 24-48 hours
• Full tracking from dispatch to delivery
• 30-day returns on unused items
Details

Care Guide

• Use whetstones for sharpening
• Use wooden or rubber cutting boards
• Keep clean and dry to prevent rust
• Avoid cutting bones or frozen foods
• Hand wash only - no dishwasher
View Complete Care Guide

Customer Support

Email us at info@zahocho.com or fill out our contact form.

FAQ

Why is the blade length different from the displayed size? The size in the product title is a nominal reference used by knife makers. The actual blade can be slightly longer or shorter due to handcrafting and traditional sizing. Each product page lists the exact measured length.

When will out-of-stock items be restocked? We carry limited, rotating stock. Once something sells out, we don't necessarily reorder it right away. It could be months before that item comes back, if at all. We bring in new knives regularly, but they're not always the same ones. Our newsletter is the best way to stay updated on new arrivals.

What payment methods do you accept? Visa, Mastercard, Amex, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. No cash on delivery.

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