After 50 years, Anryu san has retired and given over his business to his longtime, trusted apprentice, Ikeda san.
The Anryu Kurouchi Damascus Santoku is constructed from Shirogami #2 high carbon steel with a multilayer soft iron cladding. The steel is hardened to 61-62 HRC. Shirogami #2 or White #2 is a high carbon steel that is liked for its high level of edge retention and relative ease of sharpening. The outer layer, or jigane, is finished with a rustic kurouchi coating. The kurouchi finish fades into a nice layered or suminagashi blade road. This is a good-looking knife—but it is reactive and will require care with cleaning and drying during and after use.
This hand-hammered
santoku is thin at the edge and comes out of the box fairly sharp. A few strokes on a fine stone will reveal a razor-like edge. The choil and neck area are nicely finished, as is the basic but well-made oval rosewood handle.
There is a lot of knife here for the money. Lovely looks, a light, well-balanced feel, and excellent fit and finish sum up this high-value santoku. Check out this great performer. You’ll be glad you did.
After 50 years, Anryu san has retired and given over his business to his longtime, trusted apprentice, Ikeda san.
Workshop: Anryu Hamono
Lead Blacksmith: Ikeda san
Location: Echizen, Japan
Factory: Takefu Village
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Edge Steel: Shirogami #2
Cladding: Iron Damascus
Finish: Kurouchi
HRC: 61
Handle: Rosewood Oval
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Weight: 4.8 ounces
Blade Length: 170 mm (6.75")
Overall Length: 307 mm (12.5")
Thickness at Heel: 3.8 mm
Blade Height: 49 mm