The Okada White #2 Kurouchi Santoku 170mm is a hand-forged knife from Echizen’s Takefu Knife Village, where Okada-san continues a family tradition of blacksmithing. Originally producing agricultural tools, he brings a rugged, practical approach to kitchen knives. This santoku has a solid, workhorse feel with a thicker spine and durable grind, offering stability and confident cutting in a compact, easy-to-handle size.
The core steel is Shirogami #2 (White #2), a very pure carbon steel known for taking an extremely sharp edge and for how easily it sharpens. It’s a favorite among users who enjoy maintaining their knives and want excellent cutting performance. This steel is reactive and will develop a patina over time, so it should be washed and dried after use. The santoku profile excels at vegetables, boneless proteins, and general prep work, making it a great all-purpose knife for home kitchens.
What Customers Are Saying: Customers appreciate the compact size combined with a solid, workhorse feel. The White #2 steel sharpens quickly and takes a very keen edge, while the shorter blade offers excellent control for everyday prep. Many also enjoy the traditional kurouchi finish and the handmade character of the knife.
Care Instructions: This knife has a reactive carbon steel edge. Wash and dry it after use and avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods. Do not cut frozen foods or bones. Store it in a dry place or use a saya or blade guard for protection.
The core steel is Shirogami #2 (White #2), a very pure carbon steel known for taking an extremely sharp edge and for how easily it sharpens. It’s a favorite among users who enjoy maintaining their knives and want excellent cutting performance. This steel is reactive and will develop a patina over time, so it should be washed and dried after use. The santoku profile excels at vegetables, boneless proteins, and general prep work, making it a great all-purpose knife for home kitchens.
What Customers Are Saying: Customers appreciate the compact size combined with a solid, workhorse feel. The White #2 steel sharpens quickly and takes a very keen edge, while the shorter blade offers excellent control for everyday prep. Many also enjoy the traditional kurouchi finish and the handmade character of the knife.
Care Instructions: This knife has a reactive carbon steel edge. Wash and dry it after use and avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods. Do not cut frozen foods or bones. Store it in a dry place or use a saya or blade guard for protection.
- Maker: Okada-san
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Edge Steel: White #2 Carbon Steel
- Construction: San Mai
- Cladding: Kurouchi (Black Forged Finish)
- Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
- Hardness: ~61 HRC
- Blade Length: 170 mm
- Total Length: 315 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 4 mm
- Blade Height: 48 mm
- Weight: 5.2 oz (148 g)
- Handle: Keyaki Octagonal with Brown Ferrule
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Good knife but needed a tweak to make it better, May 30, 2026Posted By: Lam
I was looking for a Santoku that I could use every day without having to be overly careful with it, and this knife seemed like a good choice. Out of the box, it looks great, with an attractive handle and a comfortable feel in hand. The slightly rounded choil is a nice touch and makes the knife comfortable to use with a pinch grip.
My only complaint is that the blade was not straight when it arrived. There were slight bends at both the tip and the heel. I was able to straighten the tip myself, but the bend near the heel remains. While it doesn't noticeably affect performance, it was disappointing to see on a knife at this price point and caliber.
I was looking for a Santoku that I could use every day without having to be overly careful with it, and this knife seemed like a good choice. Out of the box, it looks great, with an attractive handle and a comfortable feel in hand. The slightly rounded choil is a nice touch and makes the knife comfortable to use with a pinch grip.
My only complaint is that the blade was not straight when it arrived. There were slight bends at both the tip and the heel. I was able to straighten the tip myself, but the bend near the heel remains. While it doesn't noticeably affect performance, it was disappointing to see on a knife at this price point and caliber.
