Yoshida Utility SUJ-2 Kuro-uchi 175mm (6.9") [Rosewood-Cedar/Oval]
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✔︎ No import fees & duties - worldwide |
- Description
- Specifications
- Knife Care
- Shipping
The Kuro-uchi Utility is a medium-sized kitchen knife suitable for all types of cutting tasks. This knife is so versatile that it can be used both as a main multi-purpose knife, as well as a knife for smaller tasks. Kuro-uchi knives are traditional Japanese knives made by the Yoshida Hamono smithy in southern Japan. The name Kuro-uchi refers to the appearance of the blade, which is raw on top and has already developed a dark patina that protects the blade. Because of their traditional look, hard steel, and incredible performance, they are ideal for first-time buyers of carbon steel Japanese knives.
BLADE SHAPE:
The Utility Knife is an essential tool in any kitchen. With a medium-sized blade that's narrower than a chef's knife but wider than a paring knife, it can effortlessly handle a wide range of tasks. Whether you want to slice and dice or cut and trim, this knife bridges the gap between larger and smaller blades. It is ideal for everyday cooking needs because of its manageable size and precise control. Whether you're working with vegetables, fruits, or meats, the adaptability of the utility knife makes it a top choice for both professional chefs and home cooks who are looking for a reliable and versatile tool in the kitchen.
STEEL:
The blade is forged from SUJ-2 steel, which offers impressive capabilities. With a hardness of 63-64 HRC, it stays sharp for a very long time, but at the same time is easy to resharpen.
❗ Because SUJ-2 steel does not contain a lot of chromium, such a blade will develop some patina during use. The advantage of this steel, however, is that it has a very fine, gentle sharpness, is easy to sharpen and stays sharp for a very long time. Ballistol or Camellia oil is recommended for the care of such blades.
GEOMETRY:
It has a double bevel (symmetrical) blade.
BLADE FINISH:
The blade has a dark finish which is the reason this look is also called kuro-uchi - the word “kuro” means black. This look is traditional and robust, with an unprocessed top part of the blade that has already developed a dark patina. The stamp on the blade 吉 (Kichi) means luck.
HANDLE:
We added a traditional Japanese Wa handle made of rosewood with a cedar wood ferrule. The handle is oval, so it's suitable for both right and left-handed users. The weight of the handle is matched to the weight of the blade. This makes the knife perfectly balanced.
ABOUT THE BLACKSMITH:
The knife is manufactured at the smithy of Yoshida Hamono in Japan, a family company with an age-long tradition in manufacturing state-of-the-art tools and Japanese swords, i.e., katanas, by hand. Yoshida Hamono has a great deal of experience forging ZDP-189 steel in the traditional manner.
Blade shape: Utility
Steel type: SUJ-2
Blade construction: San-mai / convex v-edge / kuro-uchi
Hardness (HRC scale): 63-64
Overall length: 315mm (12.4")
Blade length: 170mm (6.7")
Blade height: 35mm (1.4")
Spine thickness: 2.7mm (0.11")
Weight: 110g (3.9 oz)
Handle length: 130mm (5.1")
Handle type / wood: Japonski ročaj [wa] / rosewood, cedar
Kanji on the blade:
Blacksmith: Yoshida Hamono
Location of the smithy: SAGA / Saga Prefecture / Japan
☝️ Japanese kitchen knives in our store are handmade from natural materials. Slight variations in color, texture, weight and other dimensions are possible. We try to give a good photographic representation of our products, however computer screen resolution and colors do vary, so products might not look exactly as they are seen on screen.
☝️ THIS KNIFE MAY DEVELOP PATINA
Knives made of carbon steels can, due to their low chromium (Cr) content, discolor and develop patina. The knife is the most sensitive when it is still new and a patina had not developed yet, but later, patina will protect the blade. These types of knives require a touch more care:
✔ Wipe it regularly with a clean and dry cloth (you can also do this during use).
✔ After use, rinse it with lukewarm water and wipe it dry.
✔ Coat it regularly with knife maintenance oil or plain refined sunflower oil.
✔ Store the knife by wrapping it in paper which will absorb moisture and protect the blade.
A patina is a thin layer that forms on the surface of oxidized steel and protects it from further oxidation. The patina should not be confused with rust. Patina protects the blade, while rust causes corrosion and deterioration of material, so it should be removed (see Rust erasers).
→ For in-depth information about patina, read our dedicated post on patina.
GENERAL KNIFE CARE TIPS:
Blade wear depends on the quality of steel, usage and maintenance of the blade. Japanese knives are made of high-quality steels. Follow these tips to keep your Japanese knife in top-notch shape:
✔ Use a wooden, plastic or rubber cutting board.
✔ After use, wash the knives and wipe them dry.
✔ For storage, use a knife holder or a protective knife sheath (saya).
✔ A good cutting technique is your best bet to prolong sharpness.
✔ Use sharpening stones to sharpen the knife.
❗️Don’t leave the knife in the sink. Wash it by hand.
❗️Don’t wash the knife in the dishwasher.
❗️Don’t use the knife on glass, ceramics, marble or steel surfaces.
❗️Don’t scrape the food off the cutting board with the edge of the blade. Use the spine of the knife instead.
❗️Knife is a tool intended for specific use - cutting food. It is not a can opener, screwdriver, trowel, wire cutter, hammer etc.
→ For more details, read our guide
on Maintenance of Kitchen Knives.
🤙 Contact us if you need some help. We reply within 1 business day.
SHIPPING RATES:
- €10 - flat worldwide rate with DHL Express (express delivery, 2-5 business days).
- FREE - all orders over €300 (DHL Express).
EXCEPTIONS:
- United Kingdom - shipping to UK costs €15. All orders are shipped with UPS Express (2-3 business days). Free shipping on orders over €300.
- Russia (currently not available) - shipping to Russia costs €40. All orders are shipped with EMS postal service.
DUTIES AND IMPORT TAXES:
We ship all orders DDP (duties & taxes paid). This means you will not be charged for any import fees and taxes (including VAT). All our prices are final. The price you see at checkout is the final price, no hidden costs.
DELIVERY TIME:
- Europe: 1-2 business days
- US & Canada: 2-4 business days
- Rest of the World: 3-5 business days
RETURNS:
Our return policy lasts 30 days. If more than 30 days have gone by since the day you received your order, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
→ Read our SHIPPING & RETURNS policy for more info. We strive to solve any issues fast and with as little hassle for you. If you have some additional questions, please contact us.
Each knife comes with:
✔️ Instructions and knife care leaflet.
✔️ A preventive Band-Aid – the knives are very sharp! 😉
✔️ Original box from the blacksmith, which we wrap in an old Japanese newspaper sheet – so every knife is ready to be passed on as a gift as soon as it hits your doorstep!
✔️ We also offer a special gift wrapping option with the traditional Japanese washi paper.
Quiz
Still doubting which type of Japanese knife should best fit your needs?
We created a 5-steps quiz to help you find the perfect knife based on your cooking skills and the type of food you prepare.
