S90V Steel
CPM S90V is an advanced American powder metallurgy stainless steel originally developed by Crucible Industries. Its composition includes approximately 2.3% carbon, 14% chromium, 1% molybdenum and an exceptionally high 8.75-9% vanadium. This very high vanadium content gives S90V outstanding wear resistance and edge retention.
At around 62 HRC, S90V offers an exceptional balance for high-performance kitchen knives. It combines extremely long-lasting edge retention with greater toughness and better resistance to chipping than very high-hardness steels such as ZDP-189, while also being easier to sharpen.
Gyuto – Japanese Chef’s Knife
The Gyuto is the Japanese counterpart to the Western chef’s knife and one of the most versatile knife shapes in the kitchen. Its long, relatively narrow blade combines a gently curved cutting edge with a pointed tip, making it suitable for slicing, chopping and precise tip work.
Gyuto knives are designed as true all-purpose kitchen knives and work equally well with meat, fish, vegetables, herbs and fruit. Compared with a typical Western chef’s knife, a Japanese Gyuto is generally thinner and lighter, allowing for cleaner cuts and more precise control with less resistance through food.
For most users, a Gyuto can serve as the main knife for nearly every everyday kitchen task. The 210mm size is particularly popular because it offers a useful combination of cutting length, maneuverability and control.
BTN Chef Knives
BTN chef knives are individually handcrafted in Vietnam in a small artisan workshop, with a strong focus on high-performance powder metallurgy steels, precise heat treatment and cutting performance. BTN specializes in steels such as CPM S90V, combining exceptional edge retention with practical toughness for demanding kitchen use.
The knives are distinguished by their carefully executed convex grinds, thin cutting geometry and excellent food release. Each knife is individually made rather than mass-produced, with considerable attention given to blade geometry, finishing and distinctive premium handles.
Hikari Chef Knives works directly with BTN on specifications, design details and product development. Our BTN knife collection is available internationally for both retail and wholesale.
