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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
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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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SaleReally nice knife, feels quality in the hand and it's incredibly sharp out the box. The handle is a bit chunkier than my old one so took a day or two to get used to, but I'm fine with it now. Does everything I need it to.
Ok so first proper Japanese knife and I'm chuffed with it. The Damascus pattern is lovely and it's so much lighter than my old chef's knife. My only minor gripe is I find the heel a bit high for my pinch grip, but that's just me getting used to the shape. Performs brilliantly though, makes quick work of herbs and veg.
Been after a gyuto for ages and this one hit the spot. The VG10 core means it stays sharp for ages. A pleasure to use every time.
Got this for my husband whos a bit of a foodie, he absolutely loves it. Says the balance is spot on and it holds its edge really well. Came in a nice box too.
So I've been using this for about a month now, basically every day. The edge is still absolutely razor sharp, haven't even touched the steel yet. The pattern on the blade is gorgeous, proper showpiece. Makes chopping veg an absolute joy, flies through onions and peppers. Got it as a treat for myself and it was worth it.
Ok so I was worried it might be too fancy to use everyday but thats nonsense. This is my go-to knife now. The 8 inch size is perfect for most jobs.
Brilliant knife. Bought it for my husband who's a bit of a foodie and he loves it. Says the balance is spot on and it's a massive upgrade from the old block set we had. Came in a nice box too which was a bonus.
Really good knife, makes prep so much easier. The blade is a bit thinner than Im used to so I was a bit gentle with it at first, but its held up fine. Just a mental adjustment.
Very impressed with the sharpness and the look of it, proper bit of kit. Only reason it's not 5 stars is I wish they did a 9 inch version as I've got big hands and I'd prefer a slightly longer blade. Still, cuts like a dream.
Came really well packaged, no worries about it getting damaged. The knife itself is stunning, the layers in the steel are mesmerising. Cuts like a dream.
Cant believe how sharp it is. Makes quick work of onions, no tears! Well, fewer tears anyway. Handle feels really secure in the hand.
So sharp out the box, sliced through a butternut squash like it was butter. The pattern on the blade is stunning, proper showpiece. My old knife feels like a toy now.
Really lovely knife, the sharpness is incredible. Only reason its not 5 stars is the handle shape took a day or two to get used to, its a bit different to my old one. But I like it now.
I was a bit nervous spending this much on a knife but honestly its worth it. The VG10 core is no joke, been using it daily for 3 weeks now and its still razor sharp. Makes prepping veg a dream.
Brilliant knife, exactly what I needed. Lovely edge on it.
Love this knife. The handle has a nice texture to it, doesnt get slippery. Used it on everything from tomatoes to beef and it just glides through.
Its a stunning knife and cuts beautifully. The packaging was really nice too. Only thing is I find myself having to wipe it down a bit more than my old stainless one, but thats just the nature of the steel I think. Still recommend.
Lovely piece of kit. The pattern is amazing and it holds an edge for ages. My only very small complaint is the balance is a tiny bit more blade-heavy than I personally prefer, but its not a deal breaker at all. Cuts brilliantly.
Bought this as a treat to myself after moving house. Its a beautiful thing and performs even better. The rocking motion for herbs is so smooth. Arrived next day which was a bonus.
Way better than the Procook set I had. This feels like a proper tool. The balance point is right where you pinch the blade, gives you so much control.
Birthday present for the wife and shes over the moon. She says its her favourite thing in the kitchen now. The blade is just gorgeous.
Excellent knife, no regrets. The performance is top notch. I just wish the makers mark or branding was a bit more subtle, its a bit prominent for my taste. But thats just cosmetic, the knife itself is fantastic.
Great knife, performs brilliantly. The Damascus finish is beautiful. My minor gripe is I wish it came in a 9 inch version as Ive got big hands, but the 8 inch is still very good.
Im really impressed with the craftsmanship. You can tell its been made properly. Its sharp, its sturdy, and it looks the business on my magnetic strip.
My first proper Japanese knife and Im converted. The weight is perfect, not too heavy not too light. The edge retention is impressive, havent had to sharpen it yet.