Yu Kurosaki, working out of Echizen, Japan, is one of the most respected and sought-after blacksmiths we carry, known for an extensive range of steel types and striking cladding work across his lineup. This 170mm santoku uses VG XEOS, a newer stainless steel in his collection, hardened to about 62 HRC.
The blade is built with a san mai construction and finished in a traditional nashiji style, giving it a softly sandblasted look along the cladding that contrasts with the polished edge. The handle is an octagonal oak in the traditional wa style, and the edge is ground evenly at 50/50 for comfortable use by both right- and left-handed cooks.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer reports the knife has been used almost daily since it arrived, becoming a household favorite, with a strong factory edge that has only needed one touch-up so far. They describe VG XEOS as highly stain-resistant while still being reasonably easy to keep sharp, and say it looks great and performs just as well.
Care Instructions: VG XEOS is fully stainless and low maintenance. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones with a consistent angle and light pressure. Strop regularly between sharpenings.Blacksmith: Yu Kurosaki
Location: Echizen, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Edge Steel: VG XEOS Stainless Steel
Cladding: Stainless
Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin)
HRC: 62
Edge Grind: Even (50/50), Double Bevel
Engraving: Laser Engraved
Handle: Oak Octagonal
Weight: 4.6 oz (132 g)
Blade Length: 171 mm
Total Length: 315 mm
Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
Blade Height: 47 mm
The blade is built with a san mai construction and finished in a traditional nashiji style, giving it a softly sandblasted look along the cladding that contrasts with the polished edge. The handle is an octagonal oak in the traditional wa style, and the edge is ground evenly at 50/50 for comfortable use by both right- and left-handed cooks.
What Customers Are Saying: One reviewer reports the knife has been used almost daily since it arrived, becoming a household favorite, with a strong factory edge that has only needed one touch-up so far. They describe VG XEOS as highly stain-resistant while still being reasonably easy to keep sharp, and say it looks great and performs just as well.
Care Instructions: VG XEOS is fully stainless and low maintenance. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Use wood or rubber cutting boards. Avoid bones and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones with a consistent angle and light pressure. Strop regularly between sharpenings.
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.
