Yaxell's Super Gou 161 Set are made by skilled craftsmen in Japan, in the same place where the legendary Samurai swords were produced.
Super Gou knives are built with care in every detail, in addition to the sintered damask blade, the handle with the final part in stainless steel and engraved. Balance and beauty make these blades an excellent work tool in the kitchen.
Each blade consists of 161 layers of folded Damask steel with a core of SG2 stainless steel in micro carbide powder.
Corrosion-resistant powdered carbon steel has an unprecedented 63 Rockwell hardness.
Powdered steel is used because it guarantees a high degree of purity and resistance.
The resulting blade is extremely hard, ensuring an exceptionally sharp edge.
The handle is made of red and black resin and Micarta linen canvas with three stainless steel rivets.
In the set you will find:
n. 1 Bread Knife blade cm. 23
n. 1 Chef knife blade cm. 20
n. 1 Utility kitchen knife blade cm. 18
Shipping time: 3 days
FAQs
What characterises the SUPER GOU 161 series?
The SUPER GOU 161 series by Yaxell represents the highest level within the range. It features an SG2 powdered steel core clad in 161 layers of Damascus steel, a construction that enhances blade stability and reduces micro-vibrations during cutting.Compared to the Gou 101, it maintains very high performance but delivers a smoother, more uniform, and more controlled cutting feel. The result is a blade that feels less “nervous” and more stable, especially during extended use.
Who is it recommended for?
It is designed for experienced users and professionals seeking top-level performance with a more refined and controlled feel. It requires solid technique but offers superior stability in return.
What is it ideal for?
Ideal for high-precision work, technical preparation, and continuous use. It excels where consistency, control, and cutting uniformity directly impact the final result.
How should it be maintained?
It requires careful maintenance: hand wash, immediate drying, and precise sharpening on whetstones. The high hardness of SG2 demands careful handling, avoiding twisting or impact, but ensures excellent edge retention.
What truly distinguishes Yaxell knives within the Japanese knife market?
Yaxell occupies a very specific position: it is one of the brands that most effectively translates Japanese knife-making tradition into a high-quality industrial product, while maintaining both consistency and accessibility. Unlike fully handcrafted knives, Yaxell relies on controlled processes and modern steels such as VG-10 and SG2 to achieve high and consistent performance. The result is a blade that combines Damascus-style aesthetics, high hardness, and stable cutting performance, without entering the extreme complexity of more elite artisanal knives.
What is the real philosophy behind the Yaxell brand?
Yaxell’s philosophy is not just about Japanese tradition, but about making that tradition practical and usable at scale. Each knife is designed to deliver precise cutting, long-lasting edge stability, and strong perceived quality, including visual appeal, while maintaining consistency and reliability through industrial production.
How should the differences between Yaxell series be understood?
The main differences lie in the type of steel (VG-10 vs SG2), blade rigidity, and edge retention. VG-10 lines offer a balance between performance and ease of use, while SG2 lines represent a clear step up in performance, with higher hardness, longer edge life, and greater cutting precision.
Who are Yaxell knives recommended for?
Yaxell covers a wide range of users, from those entering the world of Japanese knives to advanced professionals. It is an ideal choice for anyone looking for high performance that remains manageable in everyday use.
What are they ideal for?
They excel in precision cutting, repetitive preparation tasks, and continuous use. The more advanced series offer greater stability and consistency during extended work sessions.
What is the correct maintenance approach?
Hand wash, dry immediately, and sharpen regularly using whetstones. SG2 series require more attention due to their higher hardness.
What distinguishes Japanese knives from Western ones?
Thinner geometries, sharper edge angles and an approach focused on precision and clean cutting.
Santoku or Gyuto: which should you choose?
The santoku is compact and versatile for everyday use; the gyuto is closer to a classic chef’s knife and is ideal for long cuts and sustained work.
Are Japanese knives more delicate?
Yes, they often require more care: they are not suitable for bones, frozen foods or twisting, but offer superior cutting performance when used correctly.
How do you properly sharpen a Japanese knife?
Whetstone sharpening is ideal: a medium grit for maintenance and a finer grit for finishing, adapting the choice to the steel and usage.