The word Santoku translates as: three virtues, which can refer to the cutting of meat, fish and vegetables or to the following three types of cutting; chopping, slicing and dicing. Very versatile, the santoku is one of the types of knives we recommend as the first or main knife in the kitchen.
Aogami literally translates as: "blue steel" and therefore "Blue Super Steel" for Aogami Super. Manufactured by Hitachi Metals Ltd, this carbon steel grade has one of the highest hardness levels and is one of the most renowned in Japan. In addition to containing more carbon, chromium and tungsten than Aogami #1, it also contains molybdenum. The high carbon content results in higher hardness, but in return, it reduces the corrosion resistance and makes the steel more brittle. Chromium and molybdenum counterbalance the effect of the high carbon content by improving corrosion resistance. While tungsten greatly increases the wear resistance of the steel to make it less brittle. This makes it, objectively, a superior carbon steel on a practical level than other steels in this category.
Futana is the name of a line of Hitohira's house knives. As with all products that carry Hitohira's trademark (ひとひら (一片)), a high standard of quality is assured. Under the name of Futana you will be able to find knives of any profile made of stainless or semi-stainless steel. In addition, you will be able to find these blades with several different types of finishes; nashiji, kurouchi, damascus etc.