Sakai Kikumori – Nashiji Santoku 165mm
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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.
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Nashiji means “pear skin” in Japanese, referring to the mottled, slightly rough surface left on the blade. This finish reduces food sticking while creating a beautiful, organic texture.
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Based in Sakai, Osaka, Sakai Kikumori represents more than 100 years of Japanese knife-making tradition. Working closely with master blacksmiths and sharpeners, they produce blades that carry the precision, balance, and craftsmanship that Sakai is famous for worldwide.
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Balanced high-carbon steel offering long-lasting edges without delicate handling.
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• Always hand wash immediately after use — never in the dishwasher.
• Dry completely with a towel to prevent rust or discolouration.
• Use wooden or soft plastic cutting boards to preserve the edge.
• Store safely — in a knife block, magnetic rack, or saya cover.
• Sharpen regularly using whetstones for best long-term performance.
• Carbon steels will form a patina over time — this is normal and protective.
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Blade shape – Santoku
Maker – Sakai Kikumori
Blacksmith –
Blade construction – Stainless clad san mai
Steel – Blue #2 (Aogami)
Handle – Natural Oak
Total length – 320mm
Blade length – 165mm
Blade height at heel – 50mm
Weight – 155g
HRC – 62
Blade Finish – Nashiji
Edge grind – 50/50
Thickness behind the edge – 0.36mm
Thickness of spine at heel – 3.51mm
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Knives are only available to persons over 18 years of age. Proof of age is required at checkout and upon delivery.
We ship Tuesday to Saturday using Royal Mail Tracked 24.
All knives ship via an age verified service in accordance with The Offensive Weapons Act 2019, which will mean the postie will need you to be in to receive the delivery & to check your ID if you look under 25.
The law also requires us to carry out a soft age check of the purchaser after checkout, this is done by an automated system that usually doesn't require your input, although we will need to contact you for proof of age if you fail, which can sometimes happen if you use a work address.
of Community Cutlery as a home for enthusiasts, for people who love the ritual of food preparation and who have realised the charm in doing it with quality tools, with items that are as pleasing on the eye as they are practical in the hand.
