Kokugei Santoku Aogami #1 Kuro-uchi Ebony 165mm (6.5″)

Kokugei Santoku Aogami #1 Kuro-uchi Ebony 165mm (6.5″) is a multi-purpose Japanese kitchen knife that is suitable for preparing meat, fish, and vegetables. The Kokugei [the Japanese word Kokugei translates as “black whale”] Santoku is an excellent choice for anyone entering the world of carbon steel knives, combining high performance with the authentic tradition of Japanese craftsmanship.

The Kokugei collection is made from high-quality Aogami #1 high-carbon steel, clad in soft iron, providing durability and exceptional sharpness. Due to its high carbon content, the core and outer layers are not corrosion-resistant, meaning the blade can develop a patina and may rust if exposed to water or other corrosive substances for extended periods.

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. With its rich heritage and versatile design, the Santoku knife is an indispensable tool for any 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.

STEEL:
Aogami #1 is one of the purest steels, and consequently one of the easiest to sharpen. Its characteristics make it popular with traditional Japanese blacksmiths and sushi masters. The advantage of Aogami #1 is that it has a very fine, delicate sharpness, is easy to grind and stays sharp for a very long time. It will require a little more attention in maintenance!

LAMINATION:
The blade was laminated with soft iron, which is iron with only a small amount of carbon added to it. Laminating the blade improves its structural integrity, as the knife’s core is made of hard—and therefore brittle—high-carbon Aogami #1 steel that is prone to breakage on its own.

KNIFE CARE:
The steel will gradually acquire a patina, which only endows this knife with more charm. Do not wash this knife in a dishwasher, but rather wash it by hand and wipe it with a dry cloth. The advantage of having a blade made of high carbon steel is the fine sharpness, ease of sharpening, and long edge retention. We recommend the occasional coat of knife maintenance oil to protect the blade from external influences. 

⚠️ Due to its purity and lack of any added elements such as chromium (Cr), soft iron doesn’t resist corrosion well. Therefore, the upper laminated part can also develop rust when not taken care of properly. → Read more about patina on our blog.

GEOMETRY:
The knife has a double-bevel blade with a convex v-edge. It is heavier and stronger at the handle and thinner and more precise at the tip, towards which it tapers. This blade shape makes the knife easier to use because it is very responsive, easily maneuverable, and nicely balanced. This type of blade design is called distal taper – you can read more about it in the article on blade geometry.

BLADE FINISH:
This knife feels and cuts like a true Japanese blade, and definitely looks the part as well – the blade sports a beautiful black Kuro-uchi finish. The look of the knife has a touch of rusticity and robustness that comes with the purely handmade blade.  

Blade finish is excellent, but because the knife is completely handmade, be prepared to see some small imperfections on the surface.

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.