A lightweight and precise Japanese Santoku from the Hatsukokoro Hayabusa range, combining an Aogami Super carbon steel core with stainless steel cladding and a distinctive mono stabilised birch handle.
At 180mm, this is a versatile everyday kitchen knife, offering plenty of cutting edge while remaining comfortable and easy to control.
Santoku – The Japanese All-Rounder
The santoku is Japan’s most popular all-purpose kitchen knife. Its name means “three virtues,” referring to its ability to handle meat, fish, and vegetables with equal ease. With a shorter, taller profile than a Western chef’s knife, the santoku offers precision, control, and versatility in everyday cooking. Its flat edge excels at push-cutting and chopping, while the wide blade makes it easy to scoop and transfer ingredients.
Aogami Super Steel
Aogami Super is a high-performance Japanese carbon steel, prized for its excellent edge retention and ability to take an exceptionally sharp edge.
San Mai Construction
The blade features a traditional San Mai construction, with a hard Aogami Super cutting core sandwiched between two layers of softer stainless steel. This provides support and protection for the harder core while leaving only a small amount of reactive carbon steel exposed along the cutting edge.
About Hatsukokoro
Hatsukokoro is a Japanese knife brand based in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture. Rather than producing all of its knives in a single workshop, Hatsukokoro works with a network of skilled blacksmiths, sharpeners and manufacturers across Japan, bringing together a diverse collection of steels, finishes and blade styles.
Their range includes everything from accessible everyday knives to exceptional handcrafted pieces, with an emphasis on quality, performance and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Steel Care
The stainless steel cladding is relatively low maintenance, but the exposed Aogami Super cutting edge is reactive and can develop a patina with use.
Hand wash and dry thoroughly immediately after use. Never leave the knife soaking in water or put it in the dishwasher. A natural patina developing along the exposed carbon steel is completely normal.
Mono Stabilised Birch Handle
Finished with a mono stabilised birch handle, giving the knife a clean, contemporary appearance. Stabilisation helps protect the wood against moisture and improves its durability.
The natural figuring and colour of the birch will vary slightly from knife to knife, making each handle unique.
Specifications
Knife Type: Santoku
Blade Length: 180mm
Core Steel: Aogami Super
Cladding: Stainless Steel
Construction: San Mai (3-Layer)
Handle: Mono Stabilised Birch
Age Verification
You must be 18 or over to purchase this knife. Age verification will be required.