The standard santoku (three virtues) format at 165mm is where the Kawasaki Kajiya Blue #2 lineup shows its most versatile side. Long enough for the full range of everyday prep work, compact enough to stay nimble and precise, the santoku handles vegetables, proteins, and aromatics without asking the cook to think about which knife to reach for. Kawasaki Kajiya builds these in Shiroishi-cho, Saga Prefecture, on Kyushu, in a family forge that has been producing knives for over 100 years. Mr. Kawasaki leads the shop in its third generation alongside his nephew Mr. Mizokami as the fourth, working with Blue #2 (Aogami 2) carbon steel, iron cladding, and a kurouchi (black finish, as-forged surface) finish throughout the lineup.
At 160mm blade length with 45mm height and a 3mm spine, this is a well-proportioned santoku - the kind of knife that feels right from the first session and keeps feeling right the longer you use it. The Blue #2 core takes a clean, sharp edge and holds it better than White steel across an equal sharpening cycle, and the iron cladding develops its own character alongside the reactive core over time. The walnut octagonal handle with black plastic ferrule is comfortable in extended use and well-matched to the blade. Photos by Gustavo Bermudez.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. The iron cladding will also develop color over time. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after every use and avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. Apply camellia oil before extended storage. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly.
At 160mm blade length with 45mm height and a 3mm spine, this is a well-proportioned santoku - the kind of knife that feels right from the first session and keeps feeling right the longer you use it. The Blue #2 core takes a clean, sharp edge and holds it better than White steel across an equal sharpening cycle, and the iron cladding develops its own character alongside the reactive core over time. The walnut octagonal handle with black plastic ferrule is comfortable in extended use and well-matched to the blade. Photos by Gustavo Bermudez.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel and will develop a patina with use. The iron cladding will also develop color over time. Wipe and dry the blade thoroughly after every use and avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only - no dishwasher. Apply camellia oil before extended storage. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly.
- Blacksmith: Kawasaki San
- Location: Shiroishi-cho, Saga Prefecture, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: Hitachi Blue #2 (Aogami 2)
- Cladding: Iron
- Finish: Kurouchi (Black Finish)
- Edge Grind: Even
- Handle: Walnut Octagonal
- Ferrule: Black Plastic
- Weight: 4.4 oz (124g)
- Blade Length: 160mm
- Total Length: 303mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 3mm
- Blade Height: 45mm
- Photos: Gustavo Bermudez
