Chef Ambassadors
Real head chefs across the UK put Shimeru blades to work on the pass, service after service.
Head Chef at The Grazing Cow
Telford
Head Chef at Duke of Wellington
London
Head Chef at Niwa Yakitori
Manchester
Head Chef at The Royal Oak
Ashbourne
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Blade Length
8"
Steel Type
67-Layer Damascus Steel (VG10 Core)Compare →
Handle
Burl Wood and Crimson Resin
Knife Type
GyutoCompare →
Best For
Slicing, Chopping, Intricate Knife Work
Otaru 小樽 8″ Damascus Steel Gyuto Japanese Chef Knife 牛刀
Introducing the Otaru 小樽 by Shimeru, a premium 8″ gyuto knife that commands attention with its striking beauty and formidable performance. Named after the historic port city renowned for its artisan craftsmanship, the Otaru is forged for those who believe a chef's knife should be as bold as the dishes it creates.
67-Layer Damascus Steel Mastery The Otaru's blade is forged from 67 layers of premium Damascus steel surrounding a VG10 core, delivering exceptional sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance. The captivating wave pattern across the blade is unique to each knife, a signature of traditional Damascus forging techniques. The hammered finish minimises drag and food adhesion, ensuring clean, precise cuts through any ingredient.
Vibrant Resin and Burl Wood Handle The handle is a showpiece of artisan design, blending rich burl wood with vivid crimson resin that catches the light with every movement. A turquoise mosaic pin adds a subtle accent, while polished steel bolsters frame the composition with refined elegance. This ergonomic handle offers a secure, comfortable grip and outstanding moisture resistance, built to perform in demanding kitchen environments.
Commanding Versatility At 8″, the Otaru gyuto is the definitive chef's knife, versatile enough for delicate slicing, robust enough for confident chopping, and agile enough for intricate knife work. Its balanced weight distribution provides effortless control, making it equally suited to everyday cooking and ambitious culinary endeavours.
Make a Statement The Otaru 小樽 8″ Damascus Steel Gyuto Japanese Chef Knife is crafted for chefs who refuse to blend in. For those who appreciate boldness, artistry, and uncompromising performance, the Otaru will become the centrepiece of your kitchen—a blade that inspires confidence and creativity with every cut.
Crafted from professional-grade, heat-treated high-carbon steel, Shimeru Knives deliver exceptional sharpness, durability, and edge retention. From the first slice, you’ll experience the precision that sets us apart.
Our knives are guaranteed to be the sharpest you’ve ever owned. No exceptions, no compromises—just razor-sharp blades that elevate your culinary experience.
Shimeru Knives feature uniquely designed handles that not only add a sophisticated touch to your kitchen but also provide a comfortable, secure grip for effortless chopping and slicing.
With a double-bevel edge sharpened to 15°—compared to the standard 20-25° of most Western knives—our blades allow for smoother, faster cuts, enhancing your cooking efficiency by 2 to 3 times.
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Step 1 — Rinse
Warm water and mild soap after each use. Never put your knife in the dishwasher — the harsh detergents and jostling will damage the edge and handle.
Step 2 — Dry
Towel dry immediately. Don't leave it wet or in the sink — even stainless steel can develop spots if left damp.
Step 3 — Store
Use a knife block, magnetic strip, or blade guard. Never toss it loose in a drawer — it dulls the edge and is a safety hazard.
That's it — no special maintenance, no fussy rituals. Your Shimeru knife is designed for daily use. With these three steps it'll stay razor-sharp for years.
Bought this as a birthday present for my dad and he was dead chuffed with it. He said its much better than the cheap set he had. Only giving it 4 stars because I wish it came in a 10 inch version as well, hes a big bloke and prefers a longer blade. But the quality is undeniable.
Sharp as anything out the box and makes quick work of onions and tomatoes. The Damascus pattern is really attractive too. Im only knocking a star off because I think the price is a touch high for what it is, but then again you do get good steel for the money. Overall happy with it.
Been using this daily for about a month now and its still got a great edge on it. I've got a VG10 santoku from another brand that cost twice this and honestly this is just as good if not better. The handle is a bit different shape to what Im used to but it actually fits my hand really nicely. Love it.
Its a decent knife, does the job. Sharp out the box and looks nice with the pattern. But Ive used better knives for similar money if Im honest. The balance is ok but not amazing, and it doesnt feel as premium as I hoped. Good for a starter Japanese knife though.
Brilliant knife, exactly what I needed. I do a lot of prep for Sunday roasts and this handles veg, meat, even the odd bit of fish no bother. The Damascus pattern is just a bonus really, it cuts like a dream and holds its edge way longer than my old Victorinox. Proper upgrade.
Got this to replace a Wusthof and its alright but not a massive step up. The blade is sharp but I expected a bit more from Damascus steel maybe? Edge seems to dull a bit quicker than I thought it would. Its fine for everyday chopping but not blown away. Would probably try a different brand next time.
Ok so the knife itself is brilliant, cuts like a dream and looks gorgeous. But its a bit lighter than I expected for a gyuto, took me a few days to adjust my chopping style. Once I got used to it though its fine. Also the box it comes in is really nice, proper presentation.
So I was a bit sceptical spending seventy quid on a knife if Im honest, but after using it for a couple weeks I get it now. Its so sharp out the box I nearly nicked myself just looking at it. Rocking motion for herbs is lovely and it feels really nimble. Cant fault it really.
Really good knife for the money, no complaints about the sharpness or how it looks. My only small gripe is the handle feels a tiny bit slick when my hands are greasy, but its not a deal breaker. Would have liked it a bit heavier actually, but I prefer a heavier knife. Still recommend it.
Got this for my husband as a present and he hasn't stopped raving about it. Says its the sharpest knife he's ever owned and the handle feels really solid and well balanced. Even Ive started using it for chopping veg because it just glides through everything. Came in a lovely box too, very presentable.