This 180 mm santoku from Nigara Hamono pairs the tall profile and rounded tip of the format with the forge's signature etched pattern on the jigane. Built for slicing, dicing and chopping vegetables, meat and fish, its height provides generous knuckle clearance and a broad working surface on the board.
Made in Hirosaki, Aomori, by Nigara Hamono, a forge with 350 years of sword-making heritage from the Tsugaru clan. That metalworking tradition is visible in the precision of the etched pattern covering the jigane, inspired by the Anmon waterfalls of Aomori. This is not Damascus steel — it is Nigara Hamono's signature etched pattern. Kanji are engraved on the blade.
The Aogami Super (Blue Super) core is clad on both sides with soft stainless steel, a sanmai construction that channels the hardness of the steel toward the edge while keeping the body of the blade low-maintenance. Aogami Super is formulated by Hitachi Metals with a high carbon content (1.40–1.50%), tungsten and vanadium, resulting in strong edge retention between sharpenings. The trade-off: sharpening takes more passes on the stone than Aogami #2 or Shirogami. The hagane develops a natural patina at the edge, while the stainless cladding remains stable.
Care
Wipe the blade dry immediately after use to protect the hagane. Patina on the edge is normal and expected. Apply a thin coat of camellia oil for extended storage. Never put in the dishwasher.