TOJIRO has been producing professional-grade Japanese kitchen knives in Sanjo City since 1955, and the BASIC line delivers that standard at the most accessible price in the lineup. VG10 stainless at HRC 60 with san mai construction - the same steel that defines the CLASSIC line, in a lighter and more minimal package designed with home cooks in mind. Thin blade, durable handle, and the sharpness out of the box that TOJIRO is known for.
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese, for slicing, dicing, and mincing - is the all-purpose kitchen knife for cooks who prefer a shorter, compact blade over a gyuto. At 165mm the BASIC santoku is a well-proportioned all-purpose knife for the home kitchen. Light in hand, easy to maneuver, and sharp enough to handle the full range of daily prep. One reviewer keeps reaching for this knife over more expensive alternatives - it stays balanced, holds its edge, and simply works.
What Customers Are Saying: Three five-star reviews. One reviewer describes it as his favorite knife despite owning a range of more expensive alternatives - keeps a good edge and is well balanced. Another calls it handy, lightweight, and really all you need for a home kitchen. The VG10 construction draws consistent praise for being super sharp straight out of the box.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones and hone regularly with a ceramic rod to maintain peak performance.
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese, for slicing, dicing, and mincing - is the all-purpose kitchen knife for cooks who prefer a shorter, compact blade over a gyuto. At 165mm the BASIC santoku is a well-proportioned all-purpose knife for the home kitchen. Light in hand, easy to maneuver, and sharp enough to handle the full range of daily prep. One reviewer keeps reaching for this knife over more expensive alternatives - it stays balanced, holds its edge, and simply works.
What Customers Are Saying: Three five-star reviews. One reviewer describes it as his favorite knife despite owning a range of more expensive alternatives - keeps a good edge and is well balanced. Another calls it handy, lightweight, and really all you need for a home kitchen. The VG10 construction draws consistent praise for being super sharp straight out of the box.
Care Instructions: VG10 is a fully stainless steel - low maintenance and resistant to corrosion. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher for best longevity. Do not use on bones, frozen foods, or hard crusts. Sharpen on quality water stones and hone regularly with a ceramic rod to maintain peak performance.
- Brand: TOJIRO
- Line: Basic
- Location: Sanjo City, Niigata, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Steel: VG10 Stainless
- Cladding: 13 Chrome Stainless
- HRC: 60
- Edge Grind: Even Double Bevel
- Handle: Black Elastomer
- Blade Length: 165mm
- Item Code: F-502
Reviews
3 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Tojiro basic, August 6, 2025 Great knife at a great price!Posted By: Kieran B
21 people found this review helpful
Handy lightweight knife and is really all you need for a home kitchen. Super sharp out of the box. It sliced right through a 3lb chuck roast I was cubing. I have a gyuto from Tojiro's DP line and performance wise they are the same at half the price.
21 people found this review helpful
Handy lightweight knife and is really all you need for a home kitchen. Super sharp out of the box. It sliced right through a 3lb chuck roast I was cubing. I have a gyuto from Tojiro's DP line and performance wise they are the same at half the price.
