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 kasumi style, giving it a soft, matte 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 a stainless steel, so hand wash and dry the blade after use rather than running it through a dishwasher. Avoid cutting through bones or frozen foods, and sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention.
The blade is built with a san mai construction and finished in a traditional kasumi style, giving it a soft, matte 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 a stainless steel, so hand wash and dry the blade after use rather than running it through a dishwasher. Avoid cutting through bones or frozen foods, and sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention.
- Blacksmith: Yu Kurosaki
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: VG XEOS
- HRC: 62
- Cladding: Stainless
- Finish: Kasumi
- Handle: Octagonal Oak
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Engraving: Laser
- Weight: 4.6 oz (132 g)
- Blade Length: 171 mm
- Total Length: 315 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 47 mm
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.
