Santoku means three virtues in Japanese - slicing, dicing, and mincing - and Aogami Super carbon steel at 62-63 HRC is one of the finest possible materials to build those virtues around. The AS Migaki line from Hatsukokoro brings Sakai artisan production to Aogami Super - coordinating specialist blacksmiths and grinders whose craft has been refined through generations of knife making in the Sakai tradition. The migaki (polished) finish is applied throughout, a mark of the extra finishing attention that separates this line from more utilitarian carbon steel offerings.
At 181mm blade length and 45mm height with a 2mm spine this santoku sits at the longer end of the format range - enough reach for confident board work through proteins and large vegetables while retaining the compact, all-purpose character that makes the santoku the most versatile knife format in the Japanese kitchen. The stainless cladding on the flanks keeps maintenance manageable for cooks who are new to carbon steel - the reactive Aogami Super core does the cutting work, the cladding protects everything else. Even grind for both right- and left-handed users. Single-piece octagonal ebony handle with lacquer coating.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super is a reactive carbon steel - the stainless cladding protects the flanks but the carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
At 181mm blade length and 45mm height with a 2mm spine this santoku sits at the longer end of the format range - enough reach for confident board work through proteins and large vegetables while retaining the compact, all-purpose character that makes the santoku the most versatile knife format in the Japanese kitchen. The stainless cladding on the flanks keeps maintenance manageable for cooks who are new to carbon steel - the reactive Aogami Super core does the cutting work, the cladding protects everything else. Even grind for both right- and left-handed users. Single-piece octagonal ebony handle with lacquer coating.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super is a reactive carbon steel - the stainless cladding protects the flanks but the carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only, never dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
- Brand: Hatsukokoro
- Line: AS Migaki
- Location: Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Roll Forged
- Edge Steel: Aogami Super (Blue Super) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Stainless Steel
- HRC: 62-63
- Finish: Migaki (Polished)
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Octagonal Ebony
- Weight: 5.6 oz (160g)
- Blade Length: 181mm
- Total Length: 330mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2mm
- Blade Height: 45mm
