Hand-forged in Kumamoto, Japan by blacksmith Yukihiro Sakai
181mm / 7.13" blade made from Shirogami#1 (White#1) carbon steel
Kurouchi finish adds a rustic, traditional appearance and some protection against corrosion
Iron clad - will develop a protective patina over time
Features a pointier tip, similar to a gyuto, offering enhanced versatility compared to typical santoku knives
Fitted with an octagonal oak wood handle
Ambidextrous design suitable for both right- and left-handed users
The Hinokuni kurouchi shirogami#1 santoku is a handcrafted Japanese knife from Kumamoto. Crafted by Yukihiro Sakai, who apprenticed under the traditionalist Nishida-san, this knife carries on time-honored forging techniques. Sakai-san forge-welds all components in-house, following the methods passed down by his sensei. The blade is made from shirogami#1 (white#1) steel, favored by traditional blacksmiths for its exceptional sharpness and edge retention. The kurouchi finish adds a rustic touch to the blade. Hinokuni knives are known for their high performance at an accessible price point.
This santoku is perfect for those looking for a short multipurpose knife. It excels at slicing, dicing, and mincing vegetables, as well as handling meat and fish. Unlike typical santokus, this knife features a pointier tip similar to a gyuto, enhancing its versatility in the kitchen.
··•·· Brand: Hinokuni Blacksmith: Yukihiro Sakai Producing Area: Kumamoto, Japan Knife type: santoku Use: All-purpose knife for meat, fish, and vegetables Finish: kurouchi Steel: shirogami#1 (white#1) HRC: ~63 Steel type: carbon Cladding: Iron clad kurouchi
Overall length: 324mm Blade length (heel to tip): 181mm / 7.13" Blade height at heel: 48.8mm Spine thickness at handle: 3.2mm Spine thickness at heel: 2.7mm Spine thickness at middle: 1.7mm Spine thickness 1cm from the tip: 1.3mm Weight: 152g
Edge/bevel: 50:50 Handle: octagonal oak wood Hand orientation: ambidextrous
Note: a. For the care and maintenance of Japanese knives, such as this Hinokuni kurouchi shirogami#1 santoku knife, please refer to our care guide below. b. Please be aware that slight measurement variations are typical in handcrafted Japanese kitchen knives. c. Similarly, it's common for these handcrafted knives to have minor cosmetic variations, such as light surface marks or fine scuffs.
Shipping & Returns
• Worldwide shipping from Tokyo via EMS/DHL • Ships within 24-48 hours • Online tracking included • 30-day returns on unused items Details
Care Guide
• Use whetstones for sharpening • Use wooden or rubber cutting boards • Keep clean and dry to prevent rust • Avoid cutting bones or frozen foods • Hand wash only - no dishwasher View Care Guide
