Frequently asked questions

The Kiritsuke profile handles meat, vegetables, and fruit — slicing, chopping, and dicing in a single blade. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard-rind vegetables. The 62 HRC edge is optimized for precision cutting, not brute force, and will micro-chip under heavy impact stress.

Hand-wash with warm water immediately after use and dry completely before storing. Apply a few drops of food-grade mineral oil to the blade face every few weeks to preserve the Damascus finish and prevent oxidation. Never machine-wash or submerge in standing water.

Structural. The flowing grain visible across the blade face reflects 67 genuine forged layers — not a printed or acid-etched surface treatment. Each cross-section of the blade reveals the layered construction. The pattern deepens in character with proper care over years of use.

The handle is full-tang Japanese rosewood cut to an octagonal cross-section. The geometry seats naturally in a pinch grip, and the natural wood texture provides non-slip resistance without requiring a rubberized coating. Steel runs the full length of the handle, balancing the knife at the bolster.

At $189 the Kuro 8.5 sits in the premium-accessible tier alongside knives from Shun, Yoshihiro, and Miyabi. The 8.5-inch Kiritsuke profile adds the versatility of a slicer and utility knife in one blade — a geometry most comparably priced gyuto alternatives do not offer.

If the knife does not meet your expectations, contact our team within 30 days of delivery for a full resolution. Return the blade in its original packaging and condition. Blades showing damage from misuse — including contact with bones or hard surfaces — fall outside standard return eligibility.

The Kuro 8.5 ships in a matte dark-stock outer box, with the blade cradled in a custom-fit natural-material insert. Standard delivery runs 5–8 business days. Expedited options are available at checkout. Each order includes a blade sheath for safe handling immediately after unboxing.