Naozumi Nihonkou 165mm Santoku Carbon

New production classic old style Japanese double bevel knife with a monosteel SK tool steel blade and riveted pakka wood western style handle. Their thin SK mono-steel blades cut very nicely and are super easy to sharpen and get a nice edge that holds well. They are ideal for the professional or home cook who is looking for a carbon steel workhorse with easy sharpen-ability at a reasonable price.

Sometimes among comparisons of Japanese carbon steels SK steels are viewed as inferior to more refined shirogami or aogami however when making single steel knives SK has its advantages. SK steel rusts slower than many other carbon steels like aogami or shirogami and has a good toughness which benefits a thin mono steel knife. Do avoid hard bones, pits and twisting or scraping the edge.

This is a non-stainless carbon steel, it should be mentioned that extra care is required, it should be washed and dried immediately after use. It will develop a dark patina with usage, but any orange rust should be removed with a light abrasive.

Please note, these can have cosmetic scratches or small imperfections in handles which will not impede the performance of the knife. This is par for the course on these knives and is part of how they sell them for a very reasonable price.