Chef Ambassadors
Real head chefs across the UK put Shimeru blades to work on the pass, service after service.
Head Chef at Kiyoto Sushi
London
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
Head Chef at Hintlesham Hall
Ipswich
Head Chef at 1260 Hoylake
Wirral
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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
Precision.
Balance.
Craft.
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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Answer a few quick questions about how you cook, and we'll match you with the perfect blade.
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.
Really good knife overall. Sharp as anything out the box and the blade looks class. Its a bit heavier than my previous gyuto which took a couple days to get used to but now I actually quite like the weight. Only wish it came in a 240mm version as I've got big hands and sometimes feel like I want a touch more length. Still, for the price this is a solid bit of kit and I'd happily recommend it to a mate.
Got this for myself after months of umming and ahhing. Bloody lovely knife. The damascus pattern is even nicer in person, and it slices through onions and tomatoes like they're not there. Used it to break down a whole chicken last night and it handled it no bother. Edge seems to be holding up well after a week of daily use. Came really well packaged too, proper presentation box. Massive upgrade from my old supermarket knife.
Decent enough knife for the money I suppose. Holds an edge alright but tbh I was expecting something a bit more special given all the layers and whatnot. Handle feels nice in the hand, no complaints there, but its a bit heavier than what I'm used to. Been using it for a couple weeks now and its fine, just not the revelation I'd hoped for.
got this as a pressie for my dad who's a proper home cook. he absolutely loves it. said it's the sharpest thing he's ever used out the box. the pattern on the blade is well nice too, looks proper posh. I had a go when I was round his and slicing through veg was effortless. delivery was speedy and it came in a smart looking box, made a great gift tbh.
Got this for my husbands birthday and hes over the moon. The pattern on the blade is stunning, looks even better than the pictures. We tested it on some tomatoes and it sliced through like butter. Came really well packaged too so that was a nice touch. Only had it a week but so far so good.
I've been using a Victorinox chefs knife for years and finally decided to treat myself. Blimey what a difference. This knife is proper sharp out the box and the balance feels really nice in my hand. Did a big batch of veg prep for a curry and it was effortless. The damascus pattern is proper eye catching, keeps looking better when its cleaned. Edge has held up well after a fortnight of daily use, haven't needed to sharpen it yet. Only thing is its a bit heavier than what I'm used to but I actually prefer it now, feels more solid. If you're on the fence just get it.
It's an okay knife but honestly for seventy five quid I was expecting a bit more oomph. It's sharp out the box sure but after a fortnight of normal home cooking it's started to lose that razor edge quicker than my old wusthof. The handle's comfy enough and the look of the blade is smart but performance wise I'm not blown away. Might go back to my cheaper victorinox for daily veg prep if I'm honest.
Got this knife a few weeks back and its been my go-to for pretty much everything. The damascus pattern looks dead nice, even better in person. Holds an edge well so far, I've only needed a quick strop. Only downside for me is the handle feels a bit on the chunky side, but I've got smaller hands so your mileage may vary. Still, for the price its a cracking bit of kit.
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.
