The santoku is the most widely used knife in Japan, and the Karaku Blue #1 version brings a carbon steel usually reserved for more expensive or traditional single-bevel knives to an accessible, everyday shape. Aogami #1 is the top grade of Hitachi blue steel, capable of an extremely fine edge and good edge retention when maintained properly.
Michikuni Tokaji forges this santoku in Tosa, Japan, in a san mai construction with Aogami #1 at 61 HRC wrapped in soft iron cladding and given a kurouchi, or black as-forged, finish. The profile suits both rocking and push-cutting comfortably, and the stamped engraving on both sides of the blade is a signature Karaku detail.
Care Instructions: Aogami #1 is a reactive carbon steel, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for any length of time, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only.
Michikuni Tokaji forges this santoku in Tosa, Japan, in a san mai construction with Aogami #1 at 61 HRC wrapped in soft iron cladding and given a kurouchi, or black as-forged, finish. The profile suits both rocking and push-cutting comfortably, and the stamped engraving on both sides of the blade is a signature Karaku detail.
Care Instructions: Aogami #1 is a reactive carbon steel, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for any length of time, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only.
- Brand: Karaku
- Blacksmith: Michikuni Tokaji
- Location: Tosa, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Aogami #1 (Blue #1) Carbon Steel
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- HRC: 61
- Finish: Kurouchi
- Edge Grind: Even (See Choil Shot)
- Engraving: Stamped on Both Sides
- Weight: 4.8 oz (136 g)
- Blade Length: 172 mm
- Total Length: 313 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3.5 mm
- Blade Height: 46 mm
