ZAKU® Knives 2026 Made in Japan.

GyutoJapanese Chef’s knife180-240mm

Most versatile; ideal for someone buying their first Japanese knife. Western-inspired double bevel; curved belly for rocking cuts

The Japanese chef’s knife — one blade for high-volume everything.
Curved edge supports full rocking cuts; 210–270mm of reach.

QUALITATIVE SPECIFICATIONS

WHY CHOOSE THE GYUTO

牛刀 ⎯ GYUTO ⎯ JAPANESE CHEF’S KNIFE

Overview

The gyuto is the Japanese equivalent of the Western chef's knife — but refined. A curved edge profile that supports a full rocking motion, 210–270mm of reach, and a geometry built for proteins, vegetables, and everything between. If you want one knife that handles it all at high volume, the gyuto is where to start.

Beginner-friendly

Beginner-friendly

A natural entry point into Japanese kitchen knives. The geometry is approachable, the cutting motion is intuitive, and the learning curve is short. No prior knife experience required to get real results. Start here, build from here.

All-purpose versatility

Meat, fish, vegetables — the gyuto handles all three without switching tools. The curved edge profile works for slicing, chopping, and fine mincing. One knife for the full prep sequence.

Extended reach

Extended reach

Extra length that translates directly to fewer strokes and cleaner results. More blade means completing the cut in a single motion without repositioning. The length is a functional choice, not an aesthetic one.

Rock cutting motion

Unlike flatter Japanese blades, the gyuto's curved belly enables a full rocking cut from heel to tip. Ideal for herbs, aromatics, and any prep that benefits from rhythmic chopping. The motion transfers directly from Western knife technique.

BROWSE OTHER KNIFE TYPES

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All-purpose Home Knife

165-180mm

Safer, user-friendly for beginners; compact for small kitchens. Shorter, taller blade; “three virtues” = meat/fish/veg

PETTY

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Utility Knife

120-150mm

Perfect companion knife; extremely maneuverable. Mini chef knife profile.

Nakiri

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Vegetable Knife

165-180mm

Built for vegetables; flat edge keeps full board contact for clean push cuts. Rectangular blade, no tip, thin and light.

Sujihiki

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Slicer

230-300mm

Makes clean, smooth, restaurant-quality protein slices. Long, narrow blade reduces friction.

Deba

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Fish Butchery Knife

165-210mm

Strong enough for bones; essential for whole-fish preparation. Thick spine, heavy weight, single bevel.

Yanagiba

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Sushi/Sashimi Knife

240-300mm

Traditional sushi craftsmanship; creates glossy, perfect cuts. Single bevel, long blade, razor-thin tip.