NKD Kikuchiyo x Ren B2 Gyuto 240mm
Smith: Nakagawa
Sharpener: Ren
Steel: Yasuki Blue (Aogami) #2, Soft Iron Clad
Handle: Ho Wood & Buffalo Horn Ferrule Octagonal
Total Length: 389mm
Edge Length: 230mm
Handle to Tip Length: 242mm
Blade Height: 50mm
Thickness: 2.2mm
Handle Length: 143mm
Weight: 156g
Picked up this Kikuchiyo x Ren Gyuto 240mm as its third owner, and I have to say — this thing is an absolute wide-bevel laser. Hitohira's Kikuchiyo (aka Nakagawa) x Ren collabs are known for grinds that get "ridiculously thin," and this one fully lives up to that reputation.
The choil shot tells the whole story here — a hollow, wide-bevel grind that tapers down to an almost impossibly thin edge behind the cutting line. It's no surprise this thing performs like the devil on the board; the geometry is doing all the work. Owners of these Kikuchiyo x Ren grinds consistently report the same thing — slightly hollow, incredibly thin behind the edge. In hand it feels light, closer to a laser than a workhorse.
The blade has picked up a gorgeous, organic patina — streaks of blue, gold, and purple across the finish that give it real character rather than a factory-fresh blank look. This kind of quick, vivid patination is typical of the Aogami (blue steel) core these knives are known for — being a low-alloy carbon steel, it reacts fast and forms a natural protective layer with use.
Cutting performance is exactly what you'd expect from that choil geometry — this thing cuts like a true laser. Onions and carrots alike go through with virtually zero resistance, the thin wide-bevel grind just melts through both soft and hard veg. That said, with an edge this thin you do need to wield it with some care and respect, this isn't a knife for careless boarding or twisting cuts.
Huge thanks to ImFrenchSoWhatever for selling me this beauty.
I simply love it.
btw, this is my first NKD here, so, sorry if I’ve forgotten anything – I promise to do better next time :)