Wakui Santoku 185 mm | Nashiji Kurouchi Finish

A hand-forged 185 mm santoku by renowned blacksmith Toshihiro Wakui, based in Sanjo, Niigata. The blade features a dark, textured nashiji kurouchi finish — rustic in appearance but refined in execution. Wakui has carefully rounded all edges and tapered the blade to give it a smooth, balanced feel in the hand.

The core is made of Aogami #2 (non-stainless), clad in soft iron. The edge is thin, hard, and extremely sharp — excellent for detailed kitchen work, but not suited for chopping through bone or frozen foods.

The handle is octagonal, crafted from quince wood with a blond buffalo horn ferrule — a sophisticated, durable combination.

Steel: Aogami #2 (non-stainless)
Cladding: Iron
Edge length: 185 mm
Heel height: 55 mm
Spine thickness at heel: 4 mm
Spine thickness at midpoint: 1.8 mm
Weight: 176 grams
Handle: Octagonal, quince wood with blond buffalo horn ferrule

A finely balanced santoku by a master smith — combining craftsmanship with character.