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
8.5"
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
Precision.
Balance.
Craft.
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.
Not sure which knife?
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 nice blade, sharp out the box and the balance is spot on. Gave it 4 stars only because I wish it was a touch lighter, my wrist gets a bit tired after a big prep session. But honestly the edge retention is brilliant, way better than my old supermarket set. Would recommend.
Got this for my husband for his birthday and he's absolutely chuffed with it. The damascus pattern is gorgeous, photos dont do it justice. He's been using it daily for a fortnight now, slices through onions like butter. Came in a nice presentation box too. Proper quality knife for the money.
Got this for my husband's birthday and he's absolutely chuffed with it. The edge is ridiculous, slices through onions like they're not even there. We've used it for everything from prepping veg for a sunday roast to thinly slicing beef for a stir fry, and it just glides. The damascus pattern looks even better in real life than the photos, proper statement piece on the magnetic rack. Massive upgrade from the old ikea knives we had knocking about.
Really good knife, cant fault the sharpness or how it holds an edge after 3 weeks of daily use. My only niggle is the handle feels a bit slim for my hands, so after a long prep session I get a bit of a cramp. But performance wise its spot on, wipes clean no problem and the balance is lovely. Would recommend, just wish they did a version with a slightly chunkier handle.
Got this for my husband's birthday and he's over the moon. The damascus pattern is genuinely stunning and it's stupidly sharp out the box. He's been using it for everything from slicing onions to carving a roast chicken. Massive upgrade from his old supermarket knives.
Ok so I wasn't sure about spending this much on a single knife but had been eyeing one for a while. Went for it and honestly the balance is spot on for a blade this size. Makes quick work of veg prep, you barely notice you're cutting. The 67 layer pattern looks even better in person than the photos. Only niggle is the handle took a couple days to get used to the shape but now it feels natural. Came really well packaged too which was a nice touch.
got this as a birthday present for the wife and shes over the moon. weve had it about a month now and the edge is still spot on, no need to sharpen yet. she says it makes prepping onions almost enjoyable. its a tad heavier than her old santoku but she got used to it quick and now she wont use anything else. proper good bit of kit for the price.
Honestly chuffed with this knife. The damascus pattern looks even better in person, proper work of art. Used it for a sunday roast and it went through everything like butter—veg, meat, the lot. Feels really well balanced and the handle's comfortable even after a good half hour of chopping. Came in a lovely presentation box too, which was a nice surprise. I've got a full set of Wusthofs but this is my new favourite.
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.
