AverageConsumerFam—December 28, 2025
This review is for the following item: HOSHANHO 8 Inch Chef Knife, 9 Layers 10CR15MOV High Carbon Steel Kitchen Knife, Japanese Professional Gyuto Chefs Knives with Octagonal Rosewood Handle. It cost $75.99 when I ordered it. This 8-inch Japanese chef’s knife has become part of my regular kitchen rotation. It replaced a western style chef knife I had been using for more than 40 years, and that says a lot. I was comfortable with my old knife, but this one is clearly an upgrade. Over time I have learned that Japanese style knives just work better for me. The blade profile sits flatter on the cutting board, so there is less rocking from tip to heel when I am prepping food. That flatter feel makes slicing and chopping feel more controlled and natural. The edge was razor sharp right out of the box and only needed a quick pass on a steel before its first use. I used it heavily for slicing, chopping, and general prep during the first week, and after that my old chef’s knife stayed in the drawer. The edge held up very well and only needed light steeling to stay sharp. After about three weeks of regular use, I touched it up on a 2000 grit ceramic whetstone and it was right back to day one sharpness. I also really like the octagonal Japanese style handle. It may not feel quite as planted as a big western handle when cutting very large or firm items, but for vegetable prep and everyday kitchen work it is noticeably more comfortable. That kind of prep probably makes up most of my time in the kitchen anyway. Visually, this knife looks great too. The blade texture and layered pattern stand out, and the rosewood handle with the brass stud gives it a refined look. It definitely feels and looks different from my western knives in a good way. Overall, this has been a very satisfying switch. Read more
Brett Bilbrey—November 25, 2025
First, I want to say this comes nicely packaged, suitable for gifting. And the first impression of the knife does not disappoint. It is a nice looking blade. The texture on the blade stands out. It is of course a sharp blade, but it is surprising comfortable to hold in my hand. (I do have a large hand.) Now, the engineer in me wants to dig a bit deeper... 10Cr15MoV steel is a high-carbon stainless steel widely used for knives due to its excellent combination of properties. It contains approximately 1% carbon, 15% chromium, about 1% molybdenum, cobalt, and a small amount of vanadium. This composition gives it notable hardness, typically between 60-62 HRC after heat treatment, making it durable and excellent at holding a sharp edge. The blade features a 9-layer composite steel construction. This steel has very good corrosion resistance thanks to its high chromium content, which forms a protective oxide layer, making it well-suited for kitchen environments where exposure to moisture and acidic foods. The molybdenum and vanadium improve toughness and wear resistance, allowing the blade to resist chipping and abrasion effectively. 10Cr15MoV steel balances hardness with toughness, offering good fracture toughness that lets it absorb impacts better than many other high-hardness steels. It is relatively easy to sharpen despite its hardness and maintains sharpness well, reducing the frequency of sharpening needed. These properties make it ideal for kitchen knives that require reliable sharpness, durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. In summary, 10Cr15MoV steel is a premium-quality stainless knife steel that combines excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, hardness, and balanced toughness, making it widely favored for professional and amateur kitchen knives. The blade itself is double-beveled at a 15° angle for sharp, precise cutting, and has a sandblasted surface to reduce food sticking. The handle is crafted from natural Rosewood. Ergonomically the blade is comfortable to use with a good grip (the Octagonal handle is easy to hold and helps prevent slipping). This knife is well-balanced with weight slightly toward the blade to optimize chopping motion and control. The blade holds its edge well and only requires infrequent sharpening. (But I tend to sharpen my knives every time before use.) The sharpness allows for smooth cutting performance across a variety of ingredients. The knife should ideally be hand-washed and dried right after use to maintain its condition. Overall, the HOSHANHO 8 Inch Chef Knife offers professional-level performance with high-quality steel, an ergonomic wooden handle, and sharp, lasting edges at an affordable price point compared to other Japanese-style kitchen knives. I had fun reviewing this knife, and even more enjoyment using it. I hope that this review helps you decide if this knife is right for you. 👍😁 Read more

Sandra Riddle—January 12, 2026✓ Verified purchase
This knife does NOT have a flexible blade. Purchased to replace an old Mercer knife that hit the floor and broke the tip off. Otherwise, this seems to be a fine knife. I have a collection of Japanese knives (hand forged from various single shop blacksmiths), this one does fit in well with looks but does not meet my current needs. I have ordered the other Hoshanho 7" fillet knife. A personal comment on knife sharpness. Yes, they all should be sharp right out of the box. However, ALL KNIVES WILL DULL WITH USE. A honing rod will reshape the cutting edge but DOES NOT sharpen by removing metal. Get couple of sharpening stones and learn how to keep your collection sharp and safe. A dull knife is a dangerous knife. Read more
Kurt—January 24, 2026
This is an incredible Japanese chef knife. The quality of the blade is apparent when you look at it, and the sharpness is like no other blade I own. You can make effortless cuts through meat and vegetables. The blade is relatively thin, but is super strong. This is high carbon steel after all. It is rust resistant, but I wouldn't put it in the dishwasher and ruin the beautiful hexagonal handle. The size is perfect for a carving knife. It is comfortable in the hand, and screams quality and durability. This sharp knife will last a lifetime. Read more