The Hosokawa family has been producing knives at Gihei in Sanjo City, Japan since 1928. Atsushi Hosokawa and his son run the operation today - a small, focused shop that produces both HAP40 semi-stainless and Blue #2 carbon steel lines for cooks who want the performance of a specialist blacksmith at an accessible price. The Blue #2 line uses Hitachi Aogami #2 at 62-63 HRC clad in SUS 405 stainless steel for practical daily maintenance. Magnolia handle with buffalo horn ferrule.
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese - is the all-purpose compact knife in the Blue #2 line. At 4.4 oz and 165mm blade length with Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC and SUS 405 cladding this is a well-proportioned all-purpose knife for the cook who wants carbon steel sharpness in a familiar format. Magnolia Octagonal handle, Buffalo Horn ferrule. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. Free US shipping over $100.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the SUS 405 stainless cladding protects the flanks but the exposed carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings.
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese - is the all-purpose compact knife in the Blue #2 line. At 4.4 oz and 165mm blade length with Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC and SUS 405 cladding this is a well-proportioned all-purpose knife for the cook who wants carbon steel sharpness in a familiar format. Magnolia Octagonal handle, Buffalo Horn ferrule. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. Free US shipping over $100.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the SUS 405 stainless cladding protects the flanks but the exposed carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings.
- Blacksmith: Atsushi Hosokawa
- Workshop: Gihei
- Location: Sanjo City, Japan
- Founded: 1928
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: SUS 405 Stainless Steel
- HRC: 62-63
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Magnolia Octagonal
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 4.4 oz (126g)
- Blade Length: 165mm
