Yasunori is a one-man blacksmith operation in Miki City, Japan, where the owner handles every step of production himself - forging, heat treating, grinding, and edging. The results speak for themselves: a nicely executed shinogi line, a well-fitted walnut octagonal handle, and hand-engraved kanji that add real character to a blade at this price point. CKTG was the first retail customer outside of Japan when this line launched.
The santoku translates to three virtues - slicing, dicing, and mincing - and this one earns that name. The Blue #2 carbon core at 62 HRC is clad in soft stainless steel san mai style, keeping maintenance manageable while delivering the keen edge feel that carbon steel provides. A fine tip and slight belly suit both push and pull cutting styles, the spine tapers cleanly toward the tip, and the 44mm blade height gives real knuckle clearance through extended prep sessions. Worth noting: the factory edge on this knife benefits from a touch-up on the stones before first use, and the spine at the pinch grip is squared from the factory - a few minutes with a sharpening stone rounds it off nicely if that bothers you.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers praise the light feel, the good balance point, and strong overall performance in prep rotation. One describes it as serving him super well after a quick sharpening session. The second reviewer confirms the same observations about the spine and factory edge, but put it to work breaking down five portions immediately and found it a fantastic small-task knife once sorted.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods or moisture on the edge for extended periods. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage.
The santoku translates to three virtues - slicing, dicing, and mincing - and this one earns that name. The Blue #2 carbon core at 62 HRC is clad in soft stainless steel san mai style, keeping maintenance manageable while delivering the keen edge feel that carbon steel provides. A fine tip and slight belly suit both push and pull cutting styles, the spine tapers cleanly toward the tip, and the 44mm blade height gives real knuckle clearance through extended prep sessions. Worth noting: the factory edge on this knife benefits from a touch-up on the stones before first use, and the spine at the pinch grip is squared from the factory - a few minutes with a sharpening stone rounds it off nicely if that bothers you.
What Customers Are Saying: Two reviewers praise the light feel, the good balance point, and strong overall performance in prep rotation. One describes it as serving him super well after a quick sharpening session. The second reviewer confirms the same observations about the spine and factory edge, but put it to work breaking down five portions immediately and found it a fantastic small-task knife once sorted.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods or moisture on the edge for extended periods. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage.
- Brand: Yasunori
- Location: Miki City, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Blue #2
- Cladding: Stainless
- Finish: Hairline / Sandblast
- HRC: 62
- Edge Grind: Even
- Engraving: Hand-Engraved Kanji
- Handle: Octagonal Walnut
- Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
- Weight: 4.2 oz (120 g)
- Blade Length: 165mm
- Total Length: 302mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 3mm
- Blade Height: 44mm
Reviews
2 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Great Knife, Great Price PointPosted By: Will K - verified customer
27 people found this review helpful
As the title states, this is a wonderful knife at a great price point. The knife does need some sharpening out of the box, but other than that the knife has served me super well. Light feel with a good balance point, this knife will make its way into my prep rotation!
27 people found this review helpful
As the title states, this is a wonderful knife at a great price point. The knife does need some sharpening out of the box, but other than that the knife has served me super well. Light feel with a good balance point, this knife will make its way into my prep rotation!
Fantastic Small task knife!
