The word santoku translates as "three virtues", which refers to the cutting of meat, fish, and vegetables or 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.
The Hitohira Kikuchiyo Ren White #2 Santoku 180mm embodies this versatility with a traditional profile and exceptional forging. Crafted with precision, it delivers clean cuts whether you're preparing proteins, vegetables, or delicate herbs.
Shirogami #2 translates to: Shiro (white) and Gami (Steel) and thus; white steel #2. It is named after the color of the package it was wrapped in at Hitachi Metals. The composition of this steel is very pure and contains almost only iron and carbon (1.05%–1.2%). It is in the hands of very experienced blacksmiths that one realizes the enormous potential of Shirogami #2. The quality of the heat treatment and a lower temperature forging are key elements that can allow Shirogami #2 to compete with and even surpass many modern steels. Try a Shiro #2 blade forged by Tanaka-san, Kisuke Manaka-san or Yoshikane Forge and you will see!
This Hitohira Kikuchiyo Ren White #2 Santoku 180mm is ideal for those seeking a precise and robust Japanese blade for everyday prep. With its fine grain structure and ease of sharpening, it delivers a satisfying edge retention and traditional craftsmanship.
The Hitohira brand is a guarantee of excellence and assures you that every knife sold under this name meets rigorous quality standards.
A White #2 Santoku knife 180mm occupies a distinct space in the Japanese knife world: its wide, flat blade and compact length make it particularly agile for the push-cutting and chopping strokes that define everyday kitchen prep. Where longer, thinner-spined profiles call for a pulling motion, the Kikuchiyo Santoku knife rewards a more direct, vertical technique — making it an intuitive choice for cooks who want precision without complexity.
