Senzo Gyuto Shoichi SG2 210mm (8.3")

The knives from Suncraft's Shoichi series are designed for chefs (home & professional) who are looking for the best of both worlds: shape and feel of a classic Western knife (easy to maintain, slightly heavier, standard western handle with bolster and steel rivets) with all the characteristics of a quality Japanese blade (slim profile, minimalist design and durable Japanese steel).

Senzo Gyuto Shoichi SG2 210mm is hand made by Japanese knife maker Suncraft in the famous knife city Seki in Gifu prefecture. The blade is forged with a common “sandwich” method called san-mai with the core steel made of SG2 powder steel. The knife was hardened to around 62-63 HRC, which means it will stay sharp for a very long time. The composition and microstructure of the steel provide extremely fine and smooth sharpness.

BLADE SHAPE:
Gyuto is a multi-purpose and dynamic knife. Its blade shape allows for chopping, slicing, dicing, and julienne cuts. The length of the blade is the same as in a traditional Japanese Chef's knife (210mm / 8.3") so you’ll be unstoppable even at tackling the most complex recipes.

STEEL:
SG2 steel is a powder steel, renowned for its hardness and subsequent edge retention—due to a high carbon (C) content of 1.5%. The steel is also high in chromium (Cr)—around 15%, which adds to corrosion resistance and Molybdenum (Mo) that improves the blade’s wear resistance. SG2 steel blades will be able to achieve a fine sharpness due to the fine microstructure of the steel and will keep it—without having to worry about maintenance and corrosion.

GEOMETRY:
The blade is ground on both sides (at a ratio of 50/50) and can be used by right- and left-handed users.

LAMINATION:
The blade is made in the san-mai (three layers) technique. The core is made from SG2 steel and protected by two layers of softer and pliable steel that act as a protective jacket on both sides of the core and also prevent corrosion. The knife is very easy to maintain and sharpen on whetstones.

BLADE FINISH:
The blade has a high polish finish (also called migaki) and features a beautiful wavy line, marking a point where different layers of steel meet and seamlessly blend into each other. The upper part of the blade bears a subtle signature of the smithy in kanji characters which translate to “Senzo”, the name of the line of these knives.

HANDLE:
The minimalist design of the blade is nicely contrasted by the pakka wood handle in black color. The pakka wood is extremely durable and wear-resistant and lends itself to a solid and comfortable grip. Suncraft made sure that this knife, while it retains a classic Western look, also packs an additional visual punch by adding three rivets and a stainless-steel bolster to create a smooth and comfortable transition between the blade and the handle.

ABOUT THE BLACKSMITH:
Suncraft is a family company spanning four generations and specializing in the production of kitchen tools. The smithy was founded in 1948 and is located in a thriving manufacturing area of Seki in Gifu prefecture, where steelwork dates back to the times of the Samurai warriors.