imarku 14-Piece Gyutou Knife Set with Block and Sharpener: specs and fit

The imarku ZCD-0292 is a 14-piece kitchen knife set in a brown hardwood block with a built-in sharpener. It covers the main kitchen jobs, from carving and bread to paring and steak, and it is shaped around a Japanese-style edge. It suits anyone who wants a full knife block in one purchase.

What is in the box

According to imarku, the set contains:

• an 8-inch chef knife (the gyutou, the Japanese take on the chef's knife);
• an 8-inch bread knife and an 8-inch slicing knife;
• a 7-inch Santoku;
• a 5-inch utility knife and a 3.5-inch paring knife;
• six serrated steak knives;
• kitchen shears;
• the hardwood block with its integrated sharpener.

The edge and the steel

The blades are described as precision-forged high-carbon stainless steel with a 10 to 15 degree edge. Japanese-style knives are typically sharpened to a narrower angle than classic European knives, which are often around 20 degrees per side. A narrower edge slices cleanly through tomatoes and herbs, but it generally needs more careful use and will not suit every task, such as heavy chopping through bone.

imarku says the steel resists rust, staining and corrosion, and that the hardness is chosen to keep sharpness longer than standard blades.

Handle and balance

The knives are full-tang, meaning the steel runs through the handle, which generally adds balance and strength. imarku describes a non-slip handle with contoured grip zones and says the weight is distributed to reduce fatigue. Handle shape is personal, so a comfortable grip matters more than any spec.

The block and sharpener

The block is made from FSC-certified hardwood, which means the wood comes from forests certified under the Forest Stewardship Council scheme. A pull-through sharpener is built into it. These are quick for touch-ups between uses, though they remove a little more metal than a whetstone, and most cooks still use stones or professional sharpening now and then.

Care

The listing says the set is dishwasher safe, but also that hand washing keeps the edges sharper. This is standard advice for any good knife: hand wash, dry promptly and keep them in the block.

Size and presentation

The packaged set measures about 10.1 x 7.1 x 14.6 inches and weighs 9.0 lb. Plan for counter space for a block of that height. It is sold in a gift box, and the brand says it is designed in California.

Who it suits

It suits new homeowners, first kitchens and anyone replacing an old block. Because it includes steak knives and shears, it covers most tasks without extra purchases.

What to check before you buy

• Counter space and height: make sure the block fits under your cabinets.
• Handle feel: check that the grip suits the size of your hands.
• Edge angle: a narrow edge is best used on a wood or plastic cutting board, not glass or stone.
• Sharpening: read the manual on how often and how to use the built-in sharpener.
• Washing: decide whether you will hand wash.
• Contents: confirm all 14 pieces are listed on the box.

The short version

• A 14-piece set, model ZCD-0292-Brown, in an FSC-certified hardwood block.
• Gyutou chef knife plus bread, slicing, Santoku, utility, paring, six steak knives and shears.
• High-carbon stainless steel with a 10 to 15 degree edge.
• Built-in pull-through sharpener.
• Dishwasher safe as listed; hand washing is recommended for edge life.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.