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
Head Chef at Hintlesham Hall
Ipswich
Head Chef at 1260 Hoylake
Wirral
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Blade Length
8.5"
Steel Type
67 layers of curated forged Damascus steelCompare →
Handle
Dark ebony wood
Knife Type
GyutoCompare →
Best For
Slicing, dicing, chopping, carving meats and fish
Sakawa 8.5" Damascus Steel Gyuto Knife 牛刀
Introducing the Sakawa 酒匂川 by Shimeru, a premium 8.5" gyuto knife that stands as a hallmark of exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. Perfectly balanced and crafted for both professional chefs and passionate home cooks, the Sakawa is a versatile culinary tool that elevates your cooking experience to new heights.
The blade of the Sakawa is crafted from 67 layers of curated forged Damascus steel, renowned for its outstanding sharpness, durability, and unique aesthetic appeal. The intricate pattern on the blade not only highlights the artistry involved in its creation but also ensures reduced friction for smoother, precision cuts. Whether you’re slicing, dicing, or chopping, the Sakawa’s razor-sharp edge will make quick work of any culinary task, from preparing fresh vegetables and herbs to carving meats and fish.
Designed for comfort and efficiency, the Sakawa features an ergonomic, hand-made carved handle made from a striking dark ebony wood. This blend not only enhances the knife's visual appeal but also provides a soft, comfortable grip that feels natural in your hand. The thoughtful design minimises hand fatigue, allowing you to manoeuvre effortlessly through your culinary creations, whether you’re prepping for a large dinner or experimenting with new recipes.
The 8" blade length of the Sakawa makes it ideal for a wide array of kitchen tasks. It is perfectly suited for everything from precision slicing and bulk chopping to intricate dicing, helping you tackle meals with ease and confidence. Its balanced weight distribution enhances control, making it an indispensable tool for everyday cooking and gourmet meal preparation alike.
Experience the perfect fusion of beauty and functionality with the Sakawa by Shimeru. Designed for those who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional performance, this gyuto knife is more than just a tool—it’s an invitation to explore your culinary creativity and take your cooking to the next level.
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.
Really nice knife for the money. The Damascus pattern looks great and its held its edge well with regular use. My only small complaint is it weighs a tad more than I thought it would but honestly once you start using it you dont notice. Would be perfect if they made a slightly slimmer handle version but thats just personal preference.
So I finally upgraded from my old Victorinox and this is on another level. The blade is proper sharp and keeps its edge well after a weeks daily use. The handle fits my hand nicely and feels secure even when my fingers are a bit greasy. Its a fair price for what you get.
Brilliant knife. Use it every day for work and its held up great. The Damascus pattern gets compliments from the lads in the kitchen too.
Bought this for my dad whos been using the same set for 20 years. He rang me straight away to say how impressed he was with how sharp it is and how good it feels. The box it came in was a nice touch as well. Highly recommend.
Got this for my partner as a birthday present and honestly I'm a bit jealous. Its beautifully balanced and feels like a proper bit of kit. The blade came razor sharp out the box and the damascus pattern is stunning. Used it to prep a Sunday roast and it made quick work of everything from carrots to the chicken. Cant fault it.
Alright so I was a bit sceptical about spending this much on a knife but my old one was knackered. This thing is incredible. Onions dont make me cry anymore because the blade goes through em so clean. Its also easy to sharpen which is a bonus. Only had it a few weeks but its my go to for everything now.
Came next day and well packaged. The knife itself is gorgeous the pattern on the blade is really unique and it just feels quality in the hand. Sliced up some tomatoes and they practically fell apart it was that sharp. Very happy with the purchase.
Lovely knife overall and definitely an upgrade from the cheap set I had. The blade is sharp and holds its edge well. Only niggle is the handle is a bit thicker than I expected so took a day or two to get used to but once you get a grip its fine. Wish it came in a longer version though as 8.5 inch is good but I'd prefer a 10 inch for bigger jobs.
Its a decent knife, does the job. The handle feels a bit chunky in my hand though, took some getting used to. Edge is sharp but I was expecting it to be a bit lighter for the price. Does what it says on the tin, just not blown away.
I do a lot of meal prep and this has cut my time in half. The edge is insane and it's so easy to control. Highly recommend.