Miyabi Birchwood 9-inch Chef Knife

The Apex of Japanese Metallurgy and Natural Artistry


Master large-scale prep with a 240mm SG2 micro-carbide core blade, ice-hardened to 63 Rockwell for a scalpel edge that defies traditional sharpening intervals.


The Miyabi Birchwood 9-inch (240mm) Chef Knife is not merely a tool; it is a high-performance instrument designed for those who demand more than a standard 8-inch blade can provide. Handcrafted in Seki, Japan, this knife utilizes an SG2 micro-carbide powder steel core, a material renowned in professional circles for its ability to hold a 9.5° to 12° Honbazuke edge through hours of heavy prep work without rolling.


The 240mm length offers a distinct advantage for high-volume kitchen environments. Whether you are slicing through massive heads of cabbage or breaking down large proteins, the extra inch of blade travel reduces fatigue by requiring fewer strokes. The blade is protected by 101 layers of stunning flower Damascus, while the CRYODUR ice-hardening process ensures the molecular structure remains stable at a staggering 63 Rockwell hardness.


Completing the aesthetic and functional profile is the Karelian (Masur) Birch handle. This rare wood—the only timber ever featured in a Fabergé egg—is exceptionally dense and resistant to the moisture of a busy kitchen. Its ergonomic D-shape provides the tactile feedback necessary for precision dicing, making it a favorite for hybrid users who transition from delicate herb work to heavy vegetable chopping.


SKU: 1002011

Availability: In stock

$419.95
  • Details

    Product Specs & Technical Highlights

    • Primary SKU / Model ID: 34373-243 (SKU: 1002011)
    • Core Steel: SG2 (MC63) Micro-Carbide Powder Steel
    • Hardness: 63 HRC (Rockwell Scale)
    • Blade Construction: 101-Layer Flower Damascus with Katana edge
    • Edge Angle: 9.5° to 12° per side (Honbazuke 3-step process)
    • Handle Material: Traditional Karelian (Masur) Birchwood
    • Handle Type: Concealed tang, ergonomic D-shape with decorative pin and end-cap
    • Blade Length: 9.45 inches (240mm)
    • Total Length: 14.80 inches
    • Blade Thickness: 0.08 inches (2.1mm) at spine
    • Weight: 0.45 lbs (204g)
    • Manufacturing: Handcrafted in Seki, Japan using welded construction

    Practical Application Notes

    • Edge Geometry: The 50/50 bevel makes this accessible for both left and right-handed users, though the D-shaped handle is traditionally optimized for right-handed precision.
    • Maintenance: At 63 HRC, this steel is significantly harder than German equivalents. It must be maintained with high-grit ceramic stones or diamond rods; standard steel honing rods will be ineffective against this alloy.
    • Weight Distribution: Despite its 9-inch length, the knife remains exceptionally light at 0.45 lbs, allowing for rapid-fire chopping without the wrist strain associated with heavier European bolster designs.

    When We Recommend the Miyabi Birchwood 9-Inch

    Who it Fits Best

    This knife is a dream for the 'Hybrid' user—the serious home cook who appreciates luxury and the professional chef who wants a showstopper that can still survive a 12-hour shift.

    Where it Excels

    It is unbeatable for large-batch vegetable prep (mirepoix, slaws) and slicing boneless proteins where the extra length provides a smooth, non-serrated finish.

    Professional Comparisons

    It is significantly harder and more acute than a Wusthof Classic (58 HRC), but offers a more comfortable, ergonomic grip than the more clinical Global G-Series.

    Chef Feedback

    "Pro chefs love that they don't have to stop and hone this every 20 minutes. The SG2 edge holds its 'bite' much longer than VG10 or X50 steels."

    Trade-offs & Considerations

    The 63 HRC makes the edge 'glassy.' It is brittle compared to German steel; never use it on bones, frozen foods, or hard cheese rinds, as the edge may chip.

    Additional Info

    Blade Length (Inches) 9.5 in.
    Blade Length (mm) 240 mm
    Blade Width (inches) 2.13
    Grind 50/50 Bevel
    Steel Type SG2
    Rockwell Hardness 63
    Stainless Yes
    Handle Material Birchwood
    Spine Thickness (mm) 2.1
    Brand Miyabi
    Country of Manufacture Japan
    SKU 1002011
    Manufacturer's Part Number 34373-243
    Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price $525.00

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