This Yoshito Saku Santoku comes from a small, multi-generation blacksmith shop in Kumamoto that has been forging sickles, hoes, and agricultural tools since 1923. As demand for farm tools declined, many traditional smiths transitioned their skills to kitchen knives, and this santoku represents their first knife produced for sale. The forging techniques, heat treatment, and tool-making sensibility carry directly over, resulting in a blade that feels purposeful, honest, and built for long-term use.
The blade features an Aogami #2 (Blue #2) carbon steel core clad in reactive soft iron, finished with a smooth kurouchi surface and hand-engraved kanji on the blade face. The santoku profile offers a long, flat edge that gently curves toward a sheep’s-foot tip, making it especially effective for push cutting while still accommodating light rocking motions. This balanced geometry makes it an excellent all-purpose kitchen knife for vegetables, proteins, and everyday prep.
The knife’s clean, understated appearance is complemented by an octagonal oak handle finished with traditional urushi lacquer. Rather than forming a surface coating, urushi penetrates the wood fibers, improving moisture resistance while preserving a natural grip and feel. Fukushima-san and his son are among the few workshops in Japan that forge blades and make their own handles in-house, giving this knife a cohesive, intentional fit and finish from tip to handle.
Care Instructions: This knife has a carbon steel core with reactive soft iron cladding and will develop a natural patina with use. Dry the blade thoroughly after each use, avoid prolonged exposure to acidic foods, and never leave the knife wet. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for storage. Hand wash only—do not use a dishwasher.
Each knife is made by hand, so measurements may vary.
Brand: Yoshito Saku Blacksmith: Fukushima-san Location: Kumamoto, Japan Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged Edge Steel: Aogami #2 (Blue #2) Cladding: Reactive Soft Iron HRC: 62 Edge Grind: Even Handle: Urushi Oak Octagonal (see new photos—video is out of date) Weight: 5.1 oz (146 g) Edge Length: 169 mm Total Length: 315 mm Spine Thickness at Base: 3.5 mm Blade Height: 47 mm
The blade features an Aogami #2 (Blue #2) carbon steel core clad in reactive soft iron, finished with a smooth kurouchi surface and hand-engraved kanji on the blade face. The santoku profile offers a long, flat edge that gently curves toward a sheep’s-foot tip, making it especially effective for push cutting while still accommodating light rocking motions. This balanced geometry makes it an excellent all-purpose kitchen knife for vegetables, proteins, and everyday prep.
The knife’s clean, understated appearance is complemented by an octagonal oak handle finished with traditional urushi lacquer. Rather than forming a surface coating, urushi penetrates the wood fibers, improving moisture resistance while preserving a natural grip and feel. Fukushima-san and his son are among the few workshops in Japan that forge blades and make their own handles in-house, giving this knife a cohesive, intentional fit and finish from tip to handle.
Care Instructions: This knife has a carbon steel core with reactive soft iron cladding and will develop a natural patina with use. Dry the blade thoroughly after each use, avoid prolonged exposure to acidic foods, and never leave the knife wet. Apply a light coat of camellia oil for storage. Hand wash only—do not use a dishwasher.
Each knife is made by hand, so measurements may vary.
