A saya is the traditional Japanese wooden blade scabbard - used to protect the edge during storage and transport, and to keep the knife from damaging other items in a drawer or bag. This CKTG saya is made from poplar wood, the traditional material for Japanese knife storage: lightweight, slightly soft so it does not dull the edge on contact, and naturally moisture-absorbing. Each saya comes with a tapered black pin to keep the blade seated securely.
Fit is the critical detail with sayas. The best way to ensure a good fit is to purchase the saya at the same time as the knife, so we can use your actual knife as the template. If you are buying a saya separately, email us first or note the exact knife in the Comments section of your cart and we will confirm compatibility before shipping.
Japanese blacksmiths often work by hand and do not produce knives to a standardized dimension - two santokus from two different makers, or even from the same maker in different batches, can vary meaningfully in blade height, spine thickness, and profile. At CKTG, we adjust sayas by hand for each knife: filing the interior, repositioning the pin hole, doing whatever is needed to get a proper fit. We only sell sayas for knives we carry - we cannot reliably guarantee fit for knives purchased elsewhere. If no saya is shown on a knife page, we do not have one that fits; a felt blade guard is recommended instead.
This saya is sized for santoku knives in the CKTG lineup with thinner spines.
Care Instructions: Do not store a wet or damp knife in a saya - poplar wood absorbs moisture, and a damp environment can promote rust on carbon steel blades and cause the wood to swell, affecting fit. Wipe the blade dry before inserting. Air the saya out periodically. If the fit becomes tight, allow both knife and saya to dry fully before use.
Fit is the critical detail with sayas. The best way to ensure a good fit is to purchase the saya at the same time as the knife, so we can use your actual knife as the template. If you are buying a saya separately, email us first or note the exact knife in the Comments section of your cart and we will confirm compatibility before shipping.
Japanese blacksmiths often work by hand and do not produce knives to a standardized dimension - two santokus from two different makers, or even from the same maker in different batches, can vary meaningfully in blade height, spine thickness, and profile. At CKTG, we adjust sayas by hand for each knife: filing the interior, repositioning the pin hole, doing whatever is needed to get a proper fit. We only sell sayas for knives we carry - we cannot reliably guarantee fit for knives purchased elsewhere. If no saya is shown on a knife page, we do not have one that fits; a felt blade guard is recommended instead.
This saya is sized for santoku knives in the CKTG lineup with thinner spines.
Care Instructions: Do not store a wet or damp knife in a saya - poplar wood absorbs moisture, and a damp environment can promote rust on carbon steel blades and cause the wood to swell, affecting fit. Wipe the blade dry before inserting. Air the saya out periodically. If the fit becomes tight, allow both knife and saya to dry fully before use.
- Material: Poplar Wood
- Includes: Tapered Black Pin
- Fit: Hand-adjusted at CKTG for each knife
- Note: Purchase with knife for best fit. Email us to confirm compatibility if ordering separately.
Reviews
25 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Perfect Fit!
Fits perfectly
Just rightPosted By: John Maesaka - verified customer
5 people found this review helpful
Ordered this with a Tamahagane santoku. Fits just right, well-made, reasonable price. Everything I have come to expect from Chefknivestogo. Thanks Mark for an outstanding site and service
5 people found this review helpful
Ordered this with a Tamahagane santoku. Fits just right, well-made, reasonable price. Everything I have come to expect from Chefknivestogo. Thanks Mark for an outstanding site and service
Fit and finishPosted By: Daniel - verified customer
6 people found this review helpful
If I have anything bad to say about this product it would have to be that I wish the fit was a little tighter, as in the back and forth movement in side the saya could of been the pin closer to the blade to reduce movement, but great look and feel great grain when seasoned and polished.
6 people found this review helpful
If I have anything bad to say about this product it would have to be that I wish the fit was a little tighter, as in the back and forth movement in side the saya could of been the pin closer to the blade to reduce movement, but great look and feel great grain when seasoned and polished.
Santoku Saya/ Tojiro Shears
CKTG Saya Cover






