{"product_id":"sakai-kikumori-blue-2-santoku-knife-165mm-nashiji","title":"Sakai Kikumori Blue #2 Santoku Knife 165mm Nashiji","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eSantoku – The Japanese All-Rounder\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe santoku is one of the most versatile Japanese kitchen knife shapes, designed to handle meat, fish and vegetables with ease. Its relatively flat edge profile and generous blade height make it particularly well suited to push cutting and straight up-and-down chopping, while the gently curved tip still gives enough versatility for slicing and more detailed work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 165mm, it’s compact, agile and easy to control, making it an excellent everyday knife for cooks who don’t need the additional length of a full-sized gyuto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e–––\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNashiji – “Pear Skin” Texture\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNashiji translates as “pear skin”, referring to the softly textured finish across the blade. Sitting somewhere between rustic and refined, it gives the knife subtle character while helping to reduce friction and improve food release. It’s a practical finish that balances performance with a traditional aesthetic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e–––\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSakai Kikumori – Centuries of Sakai Knife Making\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSakai Kikumori is a long-established knife brand based in Sakai, Osaka — one of Japan’s most important centres of kitchen knife production. Drawing on the city’s long history of specialist forging, sharpening, and handle fitting, Sakai Kikumori offers a wide range of Japanese kitchen knives that balance traditional craft with practical everyday use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e–––\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBlue #2 Steel – Balanced Carbon Performance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue #2, or Aogami #2, is a traditional Japanese carbon steel known for combining excellent edge retention with relatively straightforward sharpening. The addition of tungsten and chromium gives it greater wear resistance than simpler carbon steels, while still allowing it to take a very fine, keen edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s a beautifully balanced steel for everyday use — capable of holding its sharpness well without becoming unnecessarily difficult to maintain on whetstones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs with all carbon steels, the exposed cutting edge will naturally develop a patina over time and should always be cleaned and dried thoroughly after use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e–––\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSan Mai – Three-Layer Construction\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade uses traditional san mai construction, with a hard Blue #2 cutting core sandwiched between softer outer layers. This allows the cutting edge to benefit from the hardness and edge retention of Blue #2 while the softer cladding provides support and toughness to the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e–––\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eZelkova Handle\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe knife is fitted with a traditional Japanese zelkova wood handle. Zelkova is a durable hardwood with a naturally warm tone and distinctive grain, giving the knife a simple, understated finish that suits the traditional character of the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e–––\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlade Shape: Santoku\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 165mm\u003cbr\u003eBlade Height:\u003cbr\u003eSteel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2)\u003cbr\u003eConstruction: San Mai\u003cbr\u003eCladding:\u003cbr\u003eFinish: Nashiji\u003cbr\u003eHandle: Zelkova\u003cbr\u003eHandle Type:\u003cbr\u003eHRC:\u003cbr\u003eBevel: Double Bevel\u003cbr\u003eWeight:\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e–––\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHand wash only. Dry thoroughly after use. As a carbon steel knife, it will develop a natural patina and can rust if left wet. Wipe during use, especially when working with acidic ingredients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a wooden or soft plastic chopping board and avoid bones, frozen foods or twisting through the edge. Sharpen on whetstones to maintain performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e–––\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAge Verification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an age-restricted product. Your age will be verified at checkout, and again by the courier on delivery. Orders cannot be left in a safe place or with neighbours — someone over 18 will need to be present to receive it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sakai Kikumori","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56151344415105,"sku":null,"price":174.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.communitycutlery.co.uk\/products\/sakai-kikumori-blue-2-santoku-knife-165mm-nashiji","provider":"Community Cutlery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}