imarku 8" Gyutou Chef Knife – 8-inch SUS440A Stainless Steel, Black Pakka Handle, 56–58 HRC

A razor-ready 8-inch imarku gyutou chef knife made from high-carbon SUS440A stainless steel with a black pakka handle for durable, precise everyday kitchen work.

This imarku gyutou blends a hard, high-carbon stainless-steel core with corrosion-resistant chromium and German-informed edge geometry to deliver a versatile chef's knife designed for slicing, dicing, chopping and light boning. Built with an ergonomic pakka wood handle and a Rockwell hardness around 56–58 HRC, it balances long-lasting sharpness with comfortable all-day use for home cooks and pros alike.

What makes the blade material special?

The blade uses SUS440A stainless steel alloyed with roughly 0.6–0.75% carbon for strength and edge retention, plus significant chromium for corrosion resistance and a bright finish. Its hardness rating helps the edge hold longer through frequent cutting tasks while remaining serviceable for home sharpening routines.

• High-carbon content for stronger, longer-lasting edge retention
• 16–18% chromium for a rust-resistant, glossy surface
• 56–58 HRC hardness balance between toughness and sharpenability

How will this knife perform in daily kitchen tasks?

Designed as a multipurpose gyutou, the 8-inch profile suits most everyday jobs: slicing vegetables, mincing herbs, portioning proteins and light work around bones. Its thin, sharp edge and balanced weight make controlled cuts easier and reduce the force needed, improving speed and consistency.

• Thin, sharp edge for clean vegetable and protein slices
• Versatile 8" length for prep and plate-side tasks
• Balanced blade-to-handle ratio for controlled cutting

Is the handle comfortable for extended use?

The handle is crafted from FSC-certified pakka wood, an engineered material known for its durability and resistance to moisture. Its ergonomic shape reduces fatigue and prevents numbness during longer prep sessions, while the sealed finish keeps the grip stable when wet.

• Pakka wood handle for comfortable, slip-resistant grip
• FSC-certified wood frame for responsible sourcing
• Contoured profile to minimize hand strain during extended use

How should I care for and maintain the knife?

To preserve edge life and finish, hand-wash promptly with mild soap and dry immediately; avoid dishwashers and prolonged moisture exposure. Regular honing keeps the edge aligned, and occasional sharpening with a whetstone restores the blade when it begins to dull.

• Hand wash and dry immediately to prevent spotting
• Use a honing rod regularly and whetstone when needed
• Store in a block, magnetic strip, or sheath to protect the edge

Who this is for: home cooks who want a hardworking, all-purpose chef's knife and culinary enthusiasts seeking a compact gyutou with professional-style performance. It's well-suited to those who value edge retention and corrosion resistance without the maintenance demands of exotic steels, and to anyone wanting an attractive black-handled knife that stands up to frequent use. Note: packaging may arrive in either older or newer designs—both contain the same knife.