OUL Tsuchime ND440C Matte Gyuto 180 mm / 7.1"– Black Oak Handle

Laser-Thin Precision in an Agile 180 mm Profile

The OUL Tsuchime ND440C Matte Gyuto 180 mm is built for cooks who demand absolute precision and effortless maneuverability. Bridging the gap between a standard prep knife and a full-sized 210 mm chef’s knife, this 180 mm (7.1") Gyuto is compact enough for tight cutting boards yet offers plenty of reach for slicing boneless proteins, trimming produce, and rapid vegetable prep.

Weighing just 135 grams and forged to an ultra-slender 1 mm blade thickness, this knife falls into the elite "laser" category. It glides through dense carrots, onions, and potatoes with near-zero resistance and zero wedging.

ND440C Core & Tsuchime Matte Nickel Damascus

At the core of the cutting edge is 440C High-Carbon Stainless Steel, a dependable alloy celebrated for its optimal balance of corrosion resistance, toughness, and wear resistance.

The blade features ND440C construction, pairing the cutting core with multi-layered Nickel Damascus cladding. The surface is treated with a hand-hammered Tsuchime pattern and finished with a non-reflective matte blast. This dual finish prevents harsh overhead kitchen glare and introduces functional micro-recesses along the blade face, breaking surface vacuum and ensuring sliced ingredients fall away cleanly.

Ergonomic Octagonal Black Oak Handle

Anchoring the knife is an octagonal Japanese Wa-style handle carved from Black Oak wood. Naturally dense and moisture-resistant, the dark-grained oak provides a secure, slip-resistant grip. Its symmetrical, ambidextrous geometry ensures neutral balance and comfort for both right- and left-handed culinary enthusiasts.

Technical Specifications

What’s in the Box?

• OUL Presentation Box: Japanese gift-ready packaging designed for secure storage.
• Protective Edge Sleeve: Sheath securing the 1 mm apex during unboxing and transit.

Authorized OUL Dealer Direct

Hasu-Seizo is an authorized source for OUL cutlery handcrafted in Japan. Prior to dispatch, each knife undergoes individual quality inspection at our Seattle area warehouse to verify straightness along the 1 mm spine, bevel symmetry, and flush handle alignment.

Care & Maintenance

While 440C stainless steel provides high rust resistance, proper care preserves the refined 1 mm laser geometry:

• Hand-Wash Only: Clean immediately after use with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. Towel dry thoroughly. Never wash in a dishwasher.
• Cutting Surfaces: Pair strictly with soft wood or soft synthetic rubber cutting boards. Avoid glass, stone, or bamboo boards.
• Avoid Hard Targets: Do not cut bones, frozen ingredients, hard nutshells, or dense rinds to prevent micro-chipping along the thin cutting apex.
• Sharpening: Maintain the edge using medium-to-fine Japanese whetstones (#1000 to #6000 grit). The 440C core deburrs cleanly and responds quickly to whetstones and leather stropping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the performance advantages of a 180 mm Gyuto? A 180 mm Gyuto provides the multi-purpose versatility of a traditional chef knife in a shorter, more agile format. It excels in smaller home kitchens, tight prep stations, and tasks requiring higher board control than a 210 mm blade allows.

What does ND440C mean in Japanese cutlery? ND440C denotes a Nickel Damascus cladding wrapped around a 440C stainless steel core. This combination pairs the stainless durability and edge retention of 440C with the food-releasing properties and visual beauty of nickel Damascus.

How does the Tsuchime matte finish help with prep? The hammered Tsuchime dimples create air pockets between the blade and food, disrupting the vacuum seal that causes wet slices to stick. The matte blast eliminates light reflection and hides surface scratches from daily kitchen use.

Where does this knife ship from? All knives are stored, quality-inspected, and shipped directly from our warehouse located in the Seattle area.