NORA # 1331 - CPM M4 8' Gyuto - Black G10 | Copper | Cocobolo
$ 425.00
KNIFE HIGHLIGHTS
- Blade Type: Gyuto
- Blade Length: 8 Inches
- Total Length: 12.05 Inches
- Handle Style: Western | Right or Left Hand Use
- Steel: CPM M4 Carbon Steel
- Handle Materials: Black G10, Copper, Mexican Cocobolo Wood, Copper Pins
- Rockwell Hardness: 66 HRC
- Grind Type: Full Flat Hybrid - Performance Grind (3 different bevels blended)
- Weight: .52 lbs. | 8.4 oz.
- This Blade is Ground...
- Thin for Performance (Best performance but delicate! This knife will cut flawlessly but should not be used on any bones, squash, frozen foods, etc. This one can be considered a "laser" and should be treated with extra care.)
- Thick for Durability (tough, built to last for heavy wear-n-tear)
- >>> Mid-Range with Special Geometry (specially ground for food release and glide but blade is kept slightly thicker for durability)
- This Knife Feels...
- >>> Heavy in Hand (hefty, durable)
- Light (nimble, maneuverable)
- Not too heavy, not too light (Switzerland)
- This Handle Feels...
- Thick
- Thin
- >>> Mid-Range
GENERAL USES OF THIS KNIFE:
GYUTO
The Gyuto is the Japanese version of the classic Western chef's knife but the blade tends to be thinner, usually more angular and generally holds a sharper edge (due to higher hardness in the steel). A gyuto is similar to a utility knife in that it is a multipurpose knife that can handle virtually every task including chopping, mincing and slicing. Likewise, it works well with almost every medium including meat, fruit and vegetables. The blade is a Japanese inspired profile with a fair amount of belly in the blade to allow for an ever-so-gentle gentle rocking motion.
HANDLE DESIGN & MATERIALS:
Every one of our knives is handmade, unique and numbered. This NORA was a mix of several materials including a classic piece of Mexican cocobolo at the base and we added a durable black G10 piece up top and separated the two materials with small stripes of copper and black G10. Pins coordinate in copper.
This is a clean, classic looking knife that is both elegant and timeless.
STEEL INFORMATION:
CPM- M4 CARBON STEEL
The blade on this knife is composed of a high carbon CPM M4 steel. M4 is the best carbon steel we have ever used in regards to blade performance. After doing a wide amount of research on this steel, we decided to give it a go and have been extremely impressed with its performance thus far.
CPM M4 steel can be treated to a very high hardness. Hardness in steel generally equates to a finer edge and great edge retention. We took this blade to a solid 66 HRC which is incredibly hard compared to most production knives which fall in the mid to high 50's.
The high hardness allows it to maintain amazing edge retention but unlike other steels at this hardness its not as brittle or delicate. It is actually highly wear resistant which means you don't need to worry as much about the knife chipping or breaking. As an added bonus, M4 is surprisingly corrosion resistant when compared to other carbon steels.
Its a rugged knife for the performance it offers and this combination is rare when you harden steel to beyond 62 HRC. Please note though that the steel isn't bullet-proof...if you drop the knife on a very hard surface or try to muscle it through a very hard object (i.e. hard gourd, thick bones, etc.), it is likely to chip.
The pros of this steel outweigh the cons, but it must be mentioned that this steel is harder to sharpen than many others so you will need to factor that into your decision. It does represent a bit more maintenance than other knives. On the flip side, you don't need to sharpen this knife nearly as frequently as others.
**As this is a carbon steel, the blade will form a slight patina over time. This is normal and is actually the mark of a beautifully used knife. Please note, however, that a carbon knife does require more maintenance than its stainless steel counterpart, mainly that it must be washed or wiped clean shortly after each use to prevent unwanted rust or stains. We have acid etched this knife to protect the steel and start the patina process. Over time this etch will fade slightly and will be replaced by the individual patina you make while using the knife.