[Artisan Second] Tojiro Atelier VG10 Migaki Damascus Kiritsuke Gyuto 240mm - Custom Octagonal Rosewood Handle (Tiger 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 marbled tiger buffalo horn ferrule.

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

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

• Terms: All sales on Artisan Seconds are final.

Product Description

Handcrafted in Niigata Prefecture, the Tojiro Atelier 240mm Kiritsuke 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 blade unites corrosion-free stainless metallurgy with the aggressive profile of a traditional K-tip.

Forged with a Takefu VG10 stainless core clad in multi-layered stainless Damascus, the blade showcases a luminous Migaki (polished) finish revealing flowing Damascus grain lines across the entire blade face. Matsumura-san shapes this Kiritsuke with an agile 3.0mm spine at the heel that tapers into an acute reverse-tanto (K-tip) apex. The flatter edge excels at push-cuts, while the lowered needle tip delivers precision for scoring and detail trimming. At 199 grams with a tall 51mm heel, it provides commanding board presence and effortless knuckle clearance.

Finished with Matsumura-san's hand-engraved kanji, this knife features a custom octagonal wa-handle of natural rosewood crowned by a marbled tiger 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: Free-forged using traditional anvil 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.

• Polished Migaki Damascus Cladding: Smooth, polished stainless Damascus reveals organic ripple patterns with reduced friction through cuts.

• Surgical Kiritsuke (K-Tip) Profile: Angled reverse-tanto tip drops the apex low for acute control during scoring and detailed prep.

• 240mm Workhorse Profile & 51mm Heel: A 3.0mm heel spine tapers continuously to a fine tip, paired with an expansive heel for knuckle clearance at 199 grams.

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

• 100% Blade Integrity (Artisan Second): Pristine hand-forged blade paired with a discounted custom rosewood 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; oil rosewood periodically.

• 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.