Chef Knife With a Finger Hole: Is It Worth It? Specs, Price & Shipping (2026)
The knife reviewed here: a hammered stainless blade, an index-finger hole and a pakka & acacia wood handle.
Quick take
The Matsato Osuren is a budget, Japanese-style chef knife built for control: a hole in the blade lets your index finger lock in place, which some home cooks find steadier than a standard pinch grip. It is not a $200 Japanese-made knife, and it doesn't pretend to be. For everyday chopping, slicing meat and vegetables, it's an easy, low-risk buy, especially in the 2- or 4-pack.
What it is
A single chef's knife with a curved, hammered-finish stainless steel blade and a two-tone handle made of pakka and acacia wood. According to the seller, the steel is ice-hardened (cooled below −100 °C) after heat treatment, a process used to make an edge more wear-resistant so it needs sharpening less often.
The design detail that sets it apart is the index-finger hole near the spine. You rest your finger in it while cutting, which keeps the blade steady and reduces wrist strain on long prep sessions.
Why the finger hole matters
Most slips happen when your grip shifts mid-cut. With your finger anchored, the knife moves as one piece with your hand: handy for rocking cuts through herbs, slicing meat thin, or for cooks with less grip strength.
The knife is also well balanced, as the photo shows. It takes a few minutes to get used to the finger hole if you've always used a pinch grip.
At a glance
| Type | Chef's knife, Japanese-inspired, curved belly |
|---|---|
| Blade | Stainless steel, hammered finish, ice-hardened (per seller) |
| Grip | Index-finger hole for control |
| Handle | Pakka & acacia wood |
| Price | 1 for $49.99 · 2 for $69.98 · 4 for $99.96 (+ $9.95 shipping) |
| Guarantee | 60-day money-back, handled by ClickBank |
| Shipping | United States only, about 8–12 business days |
| Bonus | Free digital recipe book with every order |
What we like & what to know
What we like
- Finger hole gives real control and a secure grip
- Ships sharp and ready for meat, vegetables and herbs
- Attractive hammered blade and warm wood handle: a good-looking gift
- Low price per knife in the 2- and 4-packs
- 60-day money-back guarantee, one-time payment
What to know
- Japanese-style, not made in Japan: don't compare it to $150+ artisan knives
- Hand-wash and dry right away; not for the dishwasher
- Ships to the US only, with a $9.95 shipping fee
- Online opinions are mixed among knife enthusiasts; it's built for home cooks
- Only sold online through the seller's store
Who it's for
Home cooks who want a sharp, steady everyday knife without spending a lot; people who like a secure grip; anyone looking for a practical gift for a dad, grandpa or griller.
Collectors who want authentic Japanese steel, or anyone who wants a full knife set (this is a single chef's knife, also sold in multi-packs).
How to keep it sharp
Wash by hand with warm water and dry it right away. Cut on wood or plastic boards, not glass or stone. Store it in a block, sleeve or on a magnetic strip so the edge doesn't knock against other utensils, and hone it now and then.
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