Yoshida Utility SUJ-2 Kuro-uchi 175mm (6.9″) [Magnolia]

Kuro-uchi Utility is a mid-sized kitchen knife suitable for all sorts of cutting tasks.
Kuro-uchi series knives are traditional Japanese rustic knives. Its price is very affordable for the quality of a hand-forged knife. It is suitable for the first purchase of a traditional Japanese knife.
The blade is forged in SUJ-2 steel, which offers incredible capacities. The hardness is 63-64 HRC, and at the same time, the knife is very easy to resharpen. The blade needs some extra care. After use, rinse it well and dry it. The name kuro-uchi refers to the final look of the blade, which is unprocessed on the top and has already developed dark patina, which protects the blade.

BLADE SHAPE:
The Utility Knife is an essential tool in any kitchen. With a medium-sized blade that’s narrower than a chef’s knife but wider than a paring knife, it can effortlessly handle a wide range of tasks. Whether you want to slice and dice or cut and trim, this knife bridges the gap between larger and smaller blades. It is ideal for everyday cooking needs because of its manageable size and precise control. Whether you’re working with vegetables, fruits, or meats, the adaptability of the utility knife makes it a top choice for both professional chefs and home cooks who are looking for a reliable and versatile tool in the kitchen.

STEEL:
The blade is forged from SUJ-2 steel, which offers impressive capabilities. With an above-average hardness of 63-64 HRC, it stays sharp for a very long time, but at the same time is easy to resharpen.

❗ Because SUJ-2 steel does not contain a lot of chromium, such a blade will develop some patina during use. The advantage of this steel, however, is that it has a very fine, gentle sharpness, is easy to sharpen, and stays sharp for a very long time. Ballistol or Camellia oil is recommended for the care of such blades.

GEOMETRY:
It has a double bevel (symmetrical) blade.

BLADE FINISH:
The blade has a dark finish, which is why this look is also called kuro-uchi – the word “kuro” means black. This look is traditional and robust, with an unprocessed top part of the blade that has already developed a dark patina.

HANDLE:
A traditional Japanese ‘wa’ handle made of magnolia wood, with a plastic ferrule. Magnolia wood is excellent for its odorless properties and improves in terms of grip over time. The handle is oval, so it’s suitable for both right and left-handed users. The weight of the handle is matched to the weight of the blade. This makes the knife perfectly balanced.

ABOUT THE BLACKSMITH:
The knife is manufactured at the smithy of Yoshida Hamono in Japan, a family company with an age-long tradition in manufacturing state-of-the-art tools and Japanese swords, i.e., katanas, by hand.