[Artisan Second] Tojiro Atelier VG10 Nashiji Damascus Gyuto 240mm - Custom Octagonal Canary Wood Handle (Blonde Horn Ferrule)

Condition Notice: Artisan Second (Horn Ferrule Fissure)

Please Note: Discounted as an Artisan Second due strictly to a natural hairline split along the blonde buffalo horn ferrule.

• Ferrule Assessment: Natural horn can develop grain fissures from humidity shifts. Easily sealed with clear CA glue, left as-is, or rehandled later.

• 100% Blade Integrity: Hand-forged by Tomoo Matsumura; VG10 stainless core (60–61 HRC), Nashiji Damascus, hand-chiseled kanji, and cutting edge are pristine.

• Terms: All sales on Artisan Seconds are final.

Product Description

Handcrafted in Niigata Prefecture, the Tojiro Atelier 240mm Gyuto is hand-forged by master craftsman Tomoo Matsumura. Leading Tojiro’s private atelier, Matsumura-san focuses exclusively on small-batch anvil-and-hammer bladesmithing. This flagship chef's knife unites corrosion-free stainless metallurgy with traditional Sanjo hand-forged craftsmanship.

Forged with a Takefu VG10 stainless core clad in multi-layered stainless Damascus, the blade features a hand-hammered Nashiji flat flowing into organic Damascus grain lines. Matsumura-san shapes this 240mm gyuto with an authoritative 3.7mm spine at the heel that tapers cleanly to an acute tip, delivering effortless cutting glide through dense prep. The generous 50.5mm heel height provides abundant knuckle clearance, while the 192-gram weight gives reassuring cutting authority without fatigue.

Finished with Matsumura-san's hand-engraved kanji, this knife features a custom octagonal wa-handle of vibrant canary wood crowned by a blonde buffalo horn ferrule. Discounted strictly for its ferrule fissure, this piece offers exceptional value on an authentic Tomoo Matsumura masterwork.

Key Highlights

• Hand-Forged by Master Tomoo Matsumura: Personally free-forged in small batches using traditional hammer techniques, ensuring precise heat treatment and hand-tuned geometry.

• Takefu VG10 Stainless Core (60–61 HRC): Cobalt-enriched stainless alloy delivering keen edge retention, crisp waterstone sharpening, and 100% rust resistance.

• Hand-Forged Nashiji Damascus Cladding: Multi-layered stainless Damascus with a matte Nashiji texture that breaks suction against sliced produce.

• 240mm Workhorse Profile & 50.5mm Heel: A 3.7mm heel spine tapers continuously to a fine tip, paired with a tall heel for knuckle clearance at 192 grams.

• Hand-Engraved Atelier Kanji: Each blade face is signed with authentic maker markings hand-chiseled into the steel by Matsumura-san.

• 100% Blade Integrity (Artisan Second): Flawless hand-forged 240mm blade paired with a discounted custom canary wood handle featuring a cosmetic horn fissure.

Technical Specifications

Care & Maintenance

• Washing: Hand wash immediately with warm water and mild soap; dry thoroughly. Never clean in a dishwasher.

• Stainless Convenience: Fully stainless core and cladding provide complete rust protection. Do not leave soaking in water.

• Ferrule Care: Keep water away from the split ferrule. Seal with clear CA glue if desired; condition canary wood periodically with food-safe mineral oil.

• Cutting Surfaces: Prep on soft wood or high-grade rubber boards. Avoid bamboo, glass, and granite.

• Sharpening: Maintain on waterstones (1000–6000 grit). Do not use steel honing rods or motorized sharpeners.

• Intended Use: For boneless proteins and produce only. Never chop bones or frozen foods.