The Chef’s EdgeMatsato Osuren review · Updated November 2026
Why Does This Chef Knife Have a Hole in the Blade?
Slip your index finger through it and the knife locks into your hand for steadier, more controlled cuts. Here’s our honest look at the hand-forged, ice-hardened Matsato Osuren, from the steel to the price.
Check Today’s Price ↗✓ 60-day returns, even if you change your mind ✓ US delivery in about 8–12 business days
What makes it different
Why there’s a hole in the blade
Most chef knives ask you to pinch the blade near the handle and hope it doesn’t slip. Here your index finger goes straight through a hole near the spine, which locks the knife into your hand.
The result is more control on rock-chops, thin slices and tough cuts like meat off the bone. One buyer with swollen, inflexible hands says it’s easy for her to manage.
The trade-off: it feels different for the first few meals, and if you like to switch grips constantly, the hole can get in the way.
In the kitchen
See it in action
Stills from the maker’s kitchen footage: thin, clean slices through raw meat and a fresh salmon fillet, the kind of cuts where a dull knife tears instead of slicing.
Blade and handle
An edge built to last between sharpenings
After forging, the stainless steel blade is cooled below −100 °C. According to the maker, this sub-zero step makes the steel harder and more wear-resistant, so the edge stays sharp longer and needs touching up less often.
| Blade | High-quality stainless steel, hammered finish, ice-hardened |
|---|---|
| Handle | Pakka and acacia hardwood |
| Style | Japanese-style chef knife with index-finger hole |
| Guarantee | 60 days |
Side by side
How it compares to a standard chef knife
| Finger-hole chef knife (this review) | Typical chef knife | |
|---|---|---|
| Grip | Index finger goes through the blade for a locked-in hold | Handle plus a pinch grip on the blade |
| Blade finish | Hand-forged with a hammered texture | Usually smooth, often machine-stamped |
| Edge treatment | Ice-hardened below −100 °C, per the maker | Standard heat treatment |
| Handle | Pakka and acacia hardwood | Plastic, composite or wood |
| Returns | 60 days, including change of mind | Depends on the store |
What buyers report
From verified buyers on the official site
“Lightweight but very sturdy and easy to use… will definitely be purchasing more knives.”
Robin, verified buyer
“My hands are swollen and inflexible and this knife is easy for me to manage.”
Josie, verified buyer
“I love the design… easy to hold while cutting and seem to be very well made.”
Stephen, verified buyer
Short excerpts from reviews published on the manufacturer’s website. We did not edit their meaning.
Our take: pros and cons
What we like
- Finger-hole grip gives extra control and a secure hold
- Ice-hardened edge needs sharpening less often
- Hammered blade and hardwood handle look great on the counter
- Its striking look makes it an easy gift
- 60-day guarantee from the official store
What to keep in mind
- The finger hole takes a few meals to get used to
- Sold online only, through the official site
- Wood handle: wash by hand and dry right away
- “Up to 70% off” is measured against a list price, so judge it by the final price
Who it’s for
A good fit if you…
- cook most days and are tired of knives that go dull fast
- want one go-to blade for meat, vegetables and herbs
- want a more secure grip than a standard chef knife gives
- need a gift for a dad, grandpa or home cook who has everything
Skip it if you collect knives and want a published steel spec (VG-10, AUS-10 and so on), or if you need everything to go in the dishwasher.
Gift idea
A gift that actually gets used
The official photos show the knife in a presentation box, and the official site adds a free recipe book to orders. Several buyers mention ordering extra knives to give away.
Before you order
Shipping and returns
Order processing, business days
Estimated delivery to the US and UK, business days
Follow your order with the order number or email
Returns after delivery, even if you change your mind
Canada: about 12–18 business days. Australia: about 10–14. Shipping cost is shown at checkout. Source: the seller’s shipping and returns policies, November 2026.
Price and where to buy
The knife is sold only through the official website, which is also where the 60-day guarantee applies. A single knife is the most expensive option. Bundles of 2 or 4 bring the price per knife down a lot, which helps if you’re buying gifts.
You pick your bundle on the official order page.
✓ 60-day returns ✓ Tracked shipping
Prices from the official site, November 2026. Local taxes may apply.How to keep it sharp longer
Hand wash, dry right away
Dishwashers dull edges and can crack wooden handles.
Use a wood or plastic board
Glass, stone and ceramic surfaces chip and dull any edge.
Hone every few uses
A few strokes on a honing rod keep the edge aligned between sharpenings.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a real Japanese knife?
It’s a Japanese-style chef knife. The maker says it draws on traditional Japanese knife-making techniques. The product page doesn’t state the country of manufacture.
What steel is the blade made of?
High-quality stainless steel that is ice-hardened, according to the official site. The exact grade and Rockwell hardness aren’t listed.
Is it dishwasher safe?
The product page doesn’t say. With a wooden handle, washing by hand is the safe choice.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes, 60 days on every bundle from the official site. Orders are processed by ClickBank, which also handles order support.
How long does shipping take?
The seller processes orders in 1–2 business days and estimates 8–12 business days for delivery to the US. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout.
Where should I buy it?
From the official website, which is where the guarantee applies. Be careful with look-alike listings on marketplaces.
Check Today’s Price on the Official Site ↗
✓ 60-day returns, even if you change your mind