This 180 mm Santoku knife is part of the Hitohira Imojiya ST series, a range renowned for its balance between performance, comfort, and durability. The blade is forged from SG2 steel, a very fine powder steel that provides a durable and precise cutting edge. It is mounted in a stainless steel san-mai construction, which ensures good corrosion resistance while providing a very hard core for a fine cut.
With its Santoku profile, this versatile knife excels at preparing vegetables as well as cutting meat and fish. Its dimensions, with a 7.1-inch blade length and comfortable height, make it a handy and effective size for everyday use, whether in a professional kitchen or at home.
The brown pakka wood handle, with a Western-style three rivets, provides a solid and stable grip. Its moderate weight and slight blade-oriented balance offer a familiar feel for users accustomed to Western handles, while maintaining the precision characteristic of Japanese knives.
When cutting, you will find the classic qualities of SG2 steel: a cutting edge that easily penetrates food, low friction, and excellent edge retention. The fine geometry makes cutting clean and enjoyable, whether chopping, slicing, or mincing. Like any knife with a thin blade, it is not intended for heavy-duty tasks such as cutting through bones or frozen foods.
In terms of maintenance, since SG2 steel is surrounded by stainless steel layers, simply rinse, wipe, and store in a dry place after use. Avoiding dishwashers and overly hard cutting boards will prolong the life of the cutting edge. Regular sharpening with a whetstone will keep the blade at its best.
