Hayabusa Santoku Aogami #2 Rainbow Damascus 180mm (7.1″)

Some knives impress with looks, some with functionality. The Hayabusa Santoku Aogami #2 Rainbow Damascus 180mm (7.1″) from the Rainbow Damascus line impresses with both.

This stunning collector’s item is made from one of the finest high-carbon steels, Aogami #2 steel and has excellent edge retention, while also being easy to sharpen.

But what takes the cake are its visual qualities — the unique rainbow damascus pattern, which was masterfully achieved by carefully layering copper and brass, has a slight matte sheen that transitions into the Aogami #2 core steel with a highly polished mirror finish at the cutting edge. If you’re looking for a knife that will leave a lasting impression on your dinner party guests, look no further! This is it.

Hayabusa Santoku Aogami #2 Rainbow Damascus 180mm (7.1″) is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife ideal for preparing meat, fish, and vegetables. Its blade, made of Aogami #2 steel, tapers towards the tip, offering additional precision when cutting.

With this knife, frequent sharpening becomes a thing of the past, as its superb edge retention ensures long-lasting performance. A true star of any knife collection, this blade is anything but basic.

Fun fact: Hayabusa shares its name with the peregrine falcon (ハヤブサ), the fastest member of the animal kingdom. This knife may not reach speeds upwards of 350 km/h, but chopping with it will feel just as fast.

To get the full Rainbow Damascus set of knives we offer, also see: 
– Hayabusa Gyuto Aogami #2 Rainbow Damascus 210mm (8.3″) and
– Hayabusa Petty Aogami #2 Rainbow Damascus 150mm (5.9″)

BLADE SHAPE:
The Santoku knife, originating from Japan, is a versatile and multipurpose kitchen tool commonly found in Japanese households. It excels at various cutting and chopping tasks on the cutting board.

The name “Santoku” derives from the Japanese word “San,” meaning “three,” representing the knife’s three virtues. It effortlessly handles three key ingredients: meat, fish, and vegetables. It is equally adept at slicing, chopping, and mincing, making it a versatile companion in the kitchen.

The Santoku knife is divided into three distinct parts. The tip is designed for intricate work, allowing for precise cuts. The cutting edge serves general cutting purposes, accommodating a range of tasks. Lastly, the heel of the knife is perfect for heavy-duty chopping.

With its rich heritage and versatile design, the Santoku knife is an indispensable tool for any kitchen, catering to a wide range of cutting needs with its three virtues.

STEEL:
Aogami #2 is a very popular steel in Japanese knifemaking and one of the finest high-carbon steels, meaning the knives forged from it will have excellent edge retention and also sharpen very easily. At the same time, it is less resistant to corrosion, meaning that with use, the blade will develop a protective patina, while longer exposure to water or other corrosives could also lead to rusting. This is improved to some extent with the addition of chromium and tungsten, but it’s still a high-carbon steel that should be maintained accordingly (⚠️ read more about knife maintenance here). 
Aogami #2 steel is composed of carbon (C) 1.1 %, chromium (Cr) 0.5 %, manganese (Mn) 0.3%, and tungsten (W) 1.5%.

LAMINATION:
The core layer consisting of the harder Aogami #2 steel was sandwiched between two layers of softer stainless steel. This technique is called san-mai and is used to protect the hard (but delicate) core from outside factors and physical impacts, which could lead to breakage.

GEOMETRY:
It has a double bevel (symmetrical) blade. The cutting edge is sharpened to a 50/50 angle and stays sharp even after hours of constant use. Tapering from the handle to the tip, the blade is extremely thin, which allows the user to work precisely even with the smallest ingredients.

BLADE FINISH:
The extravagant rainbow damascus pattern was achieved with masterful layering of copper and brass to achieve a unique play of colors and lines. For an added stark effect, it cuts into a highly polished finish (also called migaki finish – see article Blade Construction: Blade Finish for more) that has a mirror-like effect. 

HANDLE:
The blade is fitted with an octagonal Japanese (Wa) style handle made out of a single piece of luxurious dark ebony wood, renowned for its exceptional hardness and density, which makes it one of the most durable and resistant woods. It is polished to a high gloss, creating a luxurious and elegant appearance and smooth feel that fits into the hand seamlessly. The octagon shape of the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, allowing for precise control during use.

SMITHY:
Hatsukokoro is a Japanese brand, established in 2019, that aims to be a bridge between Japan and the world. It seeks out the best products Japan has up its sleeve and develops sales channels to distribute them around the world. The meaning of Hatsukokoro comes from the Japanese proverb “do not forget your original purpose”.