Gekko means moonlight in Japanese - and the nashiji (pear skin) finish on this line delivers that name with a sandblasted, deliberately distressed surface that catches the light across the blade road in a way polished steel simply cannot. Yu Kurosaki forges the Gekko in Echizen, Japan, working a VG XEOS stainless steel core into san mai construction with stainless cladding. VG XEOS is a fully stainless alloy developed specifically for cutlery, heat treated to 62 HRC with a grain structure that supports a finer, more durable edge than standard VG10. The laser engraving on the spine is a Kurosaki signature detail that finishes the knife cleanly.
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese, for slicing, dicing, and mincing - is the ideal all-purpose kitchen knife for cooks who prefer a shorter, more compact blade over a gyuto. At 171mm blade length and 47mm height the Gekko santoku has excellent knuckle clearance for board work and a flat enough profile to suit push-cutting through vegetables and proteins equally well. At 4.6 oz it is notably light for a knife this refined. VG XEOS is fully stainless and highly resistant to corrosion, making it a low-maintenance choice that still rewards good sharpening technique. Octagonal oak handle.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer notes the knife has been used almost every day since arrival and has become his partner favorite - so much so that he barely gets to use it himself. Edge retention draws specific praise, with only one touch-up needed after regular daily use. The stain resistance of VG XEOS is called out as a practical advantage alongside the strong performance.
Care Instructions: VG XEOS is fully stainless - hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods to protect the thin edge at 62 HRC. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only.
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese, for slicing, dicing, and mincing - is the ideal all-purpose kitchen knife for cooks who prefer a shorter, more compact blade over a gyuto. At 171mm blade length and 47mm height the Gekko santoku has excellent knuckle clearance for board work and a flat enough profile to suit push-cutting through vegetables and proteins equally well. At 4.6 oz it is notably light for a knife this refined. VG XEOS is fully stainless and highly resistant to corrosion, making it a low-maintenance choice that still rewards good sharpening technique. Octagonal oak handle.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer notes the knife has been used almost every day since arrival and has become his partner favorite - so much so that he barely gets to use it himself. Edge retention draws specific praise, with only one touch-up needed after regular daily use. The stain resistance of VG XEOS is called out as a practical advantage alongside the strong performance.
Care Instructions: VG XEOS is fully stainless - hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods to protect the thin edge at 62 HRC. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only.
- Blacksmith: Yu Kurosaki
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: VG XEOS Stainless
- Cladding: Stainless
- HRC: 62
- Finish: Nashiji (Sandblasted Pear Skin)
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Engraving: Laser
- Handle: Octagonal Oak
- Weight: 4.6 oz (132g)
- Blade Length: 171mm
- Total Length: 315mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2mm
- Blade Height: 47mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Great Santoku!, August 15, 2025Posted By: Seth H.
1 people found this review helpful
Unfortunately I might have to buy another Santoku, this one is so great its become my girlfriend's favorite knife and I don't get to use it! The knife has been used almost everyday since arrival. The edge out of box was very good, I have only touched it up once. The VG10 XEOS is highly stain resistant but still reasonably easy to maintain the edge. Looks great and performs really well, would recommend.
1 people found this review helpful
Unfortunately I might have to buy another Santoku, this one is so great its become my girlfriend's favorite knife and I don't get to use it! The knife has been used almost everyday since arrival. The edge out of box was very good, I have only touched it up once. The VG10 XEOS is highly stain resistant but still reasonably easy to maintain the edge. Looks great and performs really well, would recommend.
