




Kawamura Aoki Santoku 165mm (6.5")
Santoku knife is a versatile kitchen knife that will shine through all kinds of chopping and cutting on the kitchen board. Meat lovers will only miss a little bit of length with larger pieces of meat. Did you know that the word santoku means "knife of three virtues" in Japanese? The word san is number three, meaning that it can be used to prepare vegetables, fish and meat.
Kawamura Aoki Santoku is not your common Japanese knife. Don't get us wrong, it checks all the important boxes. The core of the knife is made from one of the best steel currently available for kitchen knives (Yasuki Aogami #1 carbon steel) clad into softer layers of stainless steel (low maintenance!). It has a very thin blade profile, characterized by the classic, western-style handle which offers excellent grip and is suitable for both right and left-handed users.
The not-so-common feature is the color of the pakka wood handle. Emerald green is not a choice many Japanese blacksmiths decide fitting on their knives, but we feel it was a good choice. The knife definitely stands out, but not in a flashy way.
The bolster is stainless and provides a smooth and comfortable transition between the handle and the blade. The appearance of the knife is complemented by a decorative copper ring. The knife is slightly heavier and therefore suitable for anyone who is used to heavier knives but wants sophisticated Japanese sharpness.
The center of the knife is Yasuki Blue #1 (Aogami) steel, which ranks at the very top of quality Japanese steels. It is extremely hard steel, which means that it retains super-fine sharpness for a long time despite its extensive and long-lasting usage. In addition, due to the high carbon content, the knife is very easy to sharpen. The outer layers are made of softer stainless steel, giving the knife extra protection from rust. Only the very edge of the blade will require additional maintenance (where Aogami steel is exposed).
ABOUT THE BLACKSMITH:
Sakai Kikumori has been producing kitchen knives with skilled craftsmen since 1926, when it was founded by Kawamura Hamono as a wholesaler of Sakai-made blades. Based in Sakai, the historic heart of Japanese cutlery, Kikumori works closely with local artisans to create high-quality, handmade knives. Though a smaller player in the region, their size allows for flexibility and innovation—with a strong focus on the people who use their knives. Their mission is simple: to bring joy to kitchens by making cooking more enjoyable and meals more meaningful.
Original: $217.72
-65%$217.72
$76.20Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Santoku knife is a versatile kitchen knife that will shine through all kinds of chopping and cutting on the kitchen board. Meat lovers will only miss a little bit of length with larger pieces of meat. Did you know that the word santoku means "knife of three virtues" in Japanese? The word san is number three, meaning that it can be used to prepare vegetables, fish and meat.
Kawamura Aoki Santoku is not your common Japanese knife. Don't get us wrong, it checks all the important boxes. The core of the knife is made from one of the best steel currently available for kitchen knives (Yasuki Aogami #1 carbon steel) clad into softer layers of stainless steel (low maintenance!). It has a very thin blade profile, characterized by the classic, western-style handle which offers excellent grip and is suitable for both right and left-handed users.
The not-so-common feature is the color of the pakka wood handle. Emerald green is not a choice many Japanese blacksmiths decide fitting on their knives, but we feel it was a good choice. The knife definitely stands out, but not in a flashy way.
The bolster is stainless and provides a smooth and comfortable transition between the handle and the blade. The appearance of the knife is complemented by a decorative copper ring. The knife is slightly heavier and therefore suitable for anyone who is used to heavier knives but wants sophisticated Japanese sharpness.
The center of the knife is Yasuki Blue #1 (Aogami) steel, which ranks at the very top of quality Japanese steels. It is extremely hard steel, which means that it retains super-fine sharpness for a long time despite its extensive and long-lasting usage. In addition, due to the high carbon content, the knife is very easy to sharpen. The outer layers are made of softer stainless steel, giving the knife extra protection from rust. Only the very edge of the blade will require additional maintenance (where Aogami steel is exposed).
ABOUT THE BLACKSMITH:
Sakai Kikumori has been producing kitchen knives with skilled craftsmen since 1926, when it was founded by Kawamura Hamono as a wholesaler of Sakai-made blades. Based in Sakai, the historic heart of Japanese cutlery, Kikumori works closely with local artisans to create high-quality, handmade knives. Though a smaller player in the region, their size allows for flexibility and innovation—with a strong focus on the people who use their knives. Their mission is simple: to bring joy to kitchens by making cooking more enjoyable and meals more meaningful.













