The Hitohira Imojiya Kuma Aogami #2 Nashiji Tsuchime Santoku 180mm Japanese knife is a versatile model designed for everyday preparation of vegetables, meat, and fish. Its 180 mm Sanmai blade combines an Aogami #2 (Blue #2) steel core with stainless steel sides, ensuring excellent sharpness and ease of sharpening.
The Nashiji Tsuchime finish combines subtle hammering with a “pear” texture, reducing food adhesion and giving the blade a distinctive handcrafted character.
The black pakka wood handle, with three rivets and a stainless steel bolster, offers a solid and well-balanced grip. This Western style promotes precise control, ideal for cooks accustomed to European knives while seeking the performance of a traditional Japanese knife.
In use, this Santoku provides a smooth and balanced cutting sensation, with a fine geometry and good food release thanks to the light hammering. Its flat profile and slightly rounded tip make it as effective for chopping as it is for precise slicing. Aogami #2 steel, rich in carbon, offers exceptional edge retention but requires careful maintenance: wipe the blade after use and avoid prolonged contact with moisture to prevent patina or stains from forming.
A reliable companion for those seeking a high-performance, durable Japanese knife that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern comfort.