The Kohetsu SLD Santoku 170mm delivers a strong mix of performance, durability, and easy care at a very competitive price. Its SLD semi-stainless tool steel core takes a very sharp edge, holds it well, and offers more toughness and less reactivity than many traditional carbon steels. Hardened to 61-62 HRC, it strikes an appealing balance between edge retention, durability, and everyday usability, making it a great choice for home cooks and professionals alike.
The san mai construction pairs the SLD core with stainless cladding for easier maintenance and excellent stain resistance in normal kitchen use. A distinctive lattice-pattern finish with a polished look gives the knife a unique handcrafted appearance, while the santoku profile keeps it nimble, versatile, and well suited for slicing, chopping, and general prep. The walnut octagonal handle with black pakka wood ferrule provides a comfortable, secure grip and complements the blade nicely. This is a high-value santoku for anyone looking for solid steel, attractive fit and finish, and practical performance without overspending.
Reviews Synopsis: Customers consistently praise this knife for its value, balance, sharp cutting feel, and easy maintenance. Reviews describe it as light, nimble, and very capable in professional prep work, with several owners calling it a favorite or everyday go-to. While one reviewer felt the out-of-box edge could have been stronger, the overall feedback is very positive and highlights strong performance for the price.
Care Instructions: Hand wash and dry immediately after use. Do not leave the knife wet or store it in a damp saya or edge guard. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and very hard items. Use a wood or soft synthetic cutting board to protect the edge. Although SLD is highly stain resistant, it is not completely stainless, so basic drying and care are still recommended.
Brand: Kohetsu
Location: Sanjo City, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Cladding: Stainless
Edge Steel: SLD Semi-Stainless Tool Steel
HRC: 61-62
Handle: Walnut Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Weight: 4.8 oz (136 g)
Edge Length: 170 mm
Total Length: 305 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm
Blade Height: 49 mm
The san mai construction pairs the SLD core with stainless cladding for easier maintenance and excellent stain resistance in normal kitchen use. A distinctive lattice-pattern finish with a polished look gives the knife a unique handcrafted appearance, while the santoku profile keeps it nimble, versatile, and well suited for slicing, chopping, and general prep. The walnut octagonal handle with black pakka wood ferrule provides a comfortable, secure grip and complements the blade nicely. This is a high-value santoku for anyone looking for solid steel, attractive fit and finish, and practical performance without overspending.
Reviews Synopsis: Customers consistently praise this knife for its value, balance, sharp cutting feel, and easy maintenance. Reviews describe it as light, nimble, and very capable in professional prep work, with several owners calling it a favorite or everyday go-to. While one reviewer felt the out-of-box edge could have been stronger, the overall feedback is very positive and highlights strong performance for the price.
Care Instructions: Hand wash and dry immediately after use. Do not leave the knife wet or store it in a damp saya or edge guard. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and very hard items. Use a wood or soft synthetic cutting board to protect the edge. Although SLD is highly stain resistant, it is not completely stainless, so basic drying and care are still recommended.
Reviews
6 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Good but potentially better options for youPosted By: Greg
15 people found this review helpful
I bought two of these for gifts. I selected this steel over what i use (Aogami Super) for ease of care...my friends don't/won't wipe their blades dry. I was disappointed in the edge out of the box...I'd give it a 3/10. I had to take it down to 600 and then back to 2000 to get a good edge on it. Once sharp, it cuts well. But even then, its still just a good knife. The cheap handle feels, well, cheap. If I compare it to a slightly more expensive Kurosaki AS blade, then there is no comparison of performance and feel. So, if you are truly constrained by ease of care and budget, then this knife works assuming you can sharpen as needed. If you have a bit more money and can wipe a blade dry, Id recommend a Kurosaki 170 AS blade over this one.
15 people found this review helpful
I bought two of these for gifts. I selected this steel over what i use (Aogami Super) for ease of care...my friends don't/won't wipe their blades dry. I was disappointed in the edge out of the box...I'd give it a 3/10. I had to take it down to 600 and then back to 2000 to get a good edge on it. Once sharp, it cuts well. But even then, its still just a good knife. The cheap handle feels, well, cheap. If I compare it to a slightly more expensive Kurosaki AS blade, then there is no comparison of performance and feel. So, if you are truly constrained by ease of care and budget, then this knife works assuming you can sharpen as needed. If you have a bit more money and can wipe a blade dry, Id recommend a Kurosaki 170 AS blade over this one.
Great Value and preformancePosted By: Chris Burton
15 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd knife from Chefknivestogo and if there is any hesitation about buying from this site you must be crazy. The speed and care they put into standing behind their products is refreshing in an amazon dominated online market. I received my package in 3 days with the free shipping. To my surprise the y had thrown in an extra 7 inch knife guard for free. Now to get to the actual knife in question. I'm a chef at a very busy restaurant and this knife preforms so well. It's the perfect size for a line knife and has perfect balance for me. I love the handle and finish. I have been keeping it sharp on my 6k stone every day and its just screaming through prep.
15 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd knife from Chefknivestogo and if there is any hesitation about buying from this site you must be crazy. The speed and care they put into standing behind their products is refreshing in an amazon dominated online market. I received my package in 3 days with the free shipping. To my surprise the y had thrown in an extra 7 inch knife guard for free. Now to get to the actual knife in question. I'm a chef at a very busy restaurant and this knife preforms so well. It's the perfect size for a line knife and has perfect balance for me. I love the handle and finish. I have been keeping it sharp on my 6k stone every day and its just screaming through prep.
Kohetsu SantokuPosted By: Chad Rosenkrance
16 people found this review helpful
Very satisfied with this knife! I purchased this knife for work and it works very well. It is a tad on the short side for my liking working on the grill side, but cannot complain with the overall performance it offers and for how easy it is to keep clean.
16 people found this review helpful
Very satisfied with this knife! I purchased this knife for work and it works very well. It is a tad on the short side for my liking working on the grill side, but cannot complain with the overall performance it offers and for how easy it is to keep clean.
THANK YOU Best knife I've ever owned My new go-to (not gyuto) knifePosted By: ChefJeff - verified customer
18 people found this review helpful
Extremely good value for money. Nicely balanced, light and nimble. Fit and finish is very good, especially for this price point. I did fill a small gap at the tang with epoxy but otherwise it needed nothing. CKTG finish sharpened it, giving it a wicked edge that drops through soft stuff like buttah. I've only had it for 3 weeks but so far I haven't needed to touch the edge so edge retention should be excellent. I wanted the bunka in this series but this was in stock and I'm perfectly happy. .
18 people found this review helpful
Extremely good value for money. Nicely balanced, light and nimble. Fit and finish is very good, especially for this price point. I did fill a small gap at the tang with epoxy but otherwise it needed nothing. CKTG finish sharpened it, giving it a wicked edge that drops through soft stuff like buttah. I've only had it for 3 weeks but so far I haven't needed to touch the edge so edge retention should be excellent. I wanted the bunka in this series but this was in stock and I'm perfectly happy. .
