Aogami Super has built a reputation as one of the best high-carbon steels in Japanese cutlery, and this 180mm santoku from Yoshimitsu is a strong showcase of why. The core is set into a softer iron jigane through traditional san mai construction, then blackened with an oxide film during hardening to produce the rustic kurouchi finish, and the edge is ground evenly at 50/50.
Santoku translates to three virtues in Japanese, referring to the three tasks the shape handles especially well: slicing, dicing, and mincing. At 180mm and right around the midpoint in weight for santokus this size, the blade combines a light, mid-sized profile with a refined edge for a speed and dexterity that surprises a lot of first-time owners. The handle is octagonal walnut with a pakka wood ferrule.
What Customers Are Saying: This santoku has become a genuine favorite for several reviewers, with one owner of four years calling it an extension of themselves in the kitchen and ordering a second one because their partner kept reaching for the first. Reviewers consistently praise how easily it sharpens on basic water stones and how long it holds an edge afterward, with one buyer noting the choil could use a small touch-up but otherwise finding nothing to complain about in the fit and finish.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super is reactive and one of the hardest carbon steels around, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after each use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for long stretches, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer-term storage. Hand wash only, and a quality water stone with a final strop will keep it performing at its sharpest between full sharpenings.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.Brand: Yoshimitsu
Location: Nagasaki, Japan
Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
Edge Steel: Aogami Super
Cladding: Soft Iron
HRC: 62-63
Finish: Kurouchi
Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
Handle: Walnut Octagonal
Ferrule: Black Pakka Wood
Weight: 4.4 oz (125 g)
Blade Length: 181 mm
Total Length: 316 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm
Blade Height: 47 mm
Santoku translates to three virtues in Japanese, referring to the three tasks the shape handles especially well: slicing, dicing, and mincing. At 180mm and right around the midpoint in weight for santokus this size, the blade combines a light, mid-sized profile with a refined edge for a speed and dexterity that surprises a lot of first-time owners. The handle is octagonal walnut with a pakka wood ferrule.
What Customers Are Saying: This santoku has become a genuine favorite for several reviewers, with one owner of four years calling it an extension of themselves in the kitchen and ordering a second one because their partner kept reaching for the first. Reviewers consistently praise how easily it sharpens on basic water stones and how long it holds an edge afterward, with one buyer noting the choil could use a small touch-up but otherwise finding nothing to complain about in the fit and finish.
Care Instructions: Aogami Super is reactive and one of the hardest carbon steels around, so wipe and dry the blade immediately after each use rather than letting it sit. Avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade for long stretches, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer-term storage. Hand wash only, and a quality water stone with a final strop will keep it performing at its sharpest between full sharpenings.
Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
Reviews
3 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Had to have two! , March 21, 2025Posted By: Johnathan Keller
26 people found this review helpful
This steel.. this knife, is my absolute favorite. Problem is its also my other half's favorite also. So I am now ordering two. I have had the Toshimitsu AS Satoku 180mm for about 4 years now. It sharpens so easy, hold a great edge and had easily become a extension of myself in the kitchen.
26 people found this review helpful
This steel.. this knife, is my absolute favorite. Problem is its also my other half's favorite also. So I am now ordering two. I have had the Toshimitsu AS Satoku 180mm for about 4 years now. It sharpens so easy, hold a great edge and had easily become a extension of myself in the kitchen.
Best knife I've used Posted By: John keller - verified customer
33 people found this review helpful
This knife is my favorite in the kitchen. It's light, balanced and is perfectly shaped. It sharpens on my wet stones perfectly and holds a great edge. Thank you for making these available to the states.
33 people found this review helpful
This knife is my favorite in the kitchen. It's light, balanced and is perfectly shaped. It sharpens on my wet stones perfectly and holds a great edge. Thank you for making these available to the states.
