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.
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 and one of the hardest available, so it rewards good sharpening technique and stropping between uses. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after use, avoid leaving acidic foods against it, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer-term storage. Hand wash only.Brand: Hatsukokoro
Location: Japan
Construction: San Mai, Roll Forged
Edge Steel: Aogami Super Steel
Cladding: Stainless Steel
Finish: Migaki (Polished)
HRC: 62-63
Edge Grind: Even
Handle: Octagonal Ebony
Weight: 5.6 oz (160 g)
Blade Length: 181 mm
Total Length: 330 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
Blade Height: 45 mm
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 and one of the hardest available, so it rewards good sharpening technique and stropping between uses. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after use, avoid leaving acidic foods against it, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer-term storage. Hand wash only.
