Toshihiro Wakui Santoku 18 cm Nashiji Shirogami#2

Inspired by the Japanese tradition of culinary excellence, the Santoku Knife is the equivalent of the Western chef's knife, offering versatility in a variety of kitchen tasks. The name “Santoku” refers to its “three virtues” – cutting, chopping, and slicing – emphasizing its versatility. The growing popularity of this knife among European chefs is due to its wide blade and ergonomic size, which ensures comfort and control during use.

Master Blacksmith Toshihiro Wakui, who gained experience at the renowned Yoshikane Hamono workshop, now shapes steel under his own brand in Sanjo. His work, once guarded as a secret, is now gaining recognition around the world. Wakui knife blades, forged from White 2 steel, are distinguished by their extraordinary sharpness and durability, providing the user with trouble-free cutting.

The SAN-MAI method used in the production of these knives combines a hard core of Shirogami #2 steel with outer layers of soft stainless steel, offering a balance between flexibility and strength. After heat treatment, the blade achieves an impressive hardness of 63-64 HRC, which is a testament to masterful craftsmanship. The aesthetic Nashiji pattern on the blade is not only decorative, but also a practical feature that helps reduce food sticking to the blade.

The octagonal “WA” style handle, made of light magnolia wood, is designed for comfort and stability for both right- and left-handed users. Wakui knives, combining traditional manufacturing methods with modern design, are considered one of the most innovative and promising products in the kitchen knife industry, offering users not only functionality, but also unique style.

Specifications:

Brand: Toshihiro Wakui
Origin (Made in): Sanjo, Japan
Knife type: Santoku knife
Blade length: 18.4 cm
Total knife length: 32.5 cm
Blade width at the handle: 5.3 cm
Blade width in the middle: 4.7 cm
Blade thickness at the handle: 4.4 mm
Blade thickness in the middle: 2.9 mm
Handle length: 12.6 cm
Handle: magnolia wood, buffalo horn ferrule
Steel: Shirogami#2 core (high carbon), stainless steel cladding
Blade finish: Nashiji
Hardness: 63-64 HRC
Grind: double bevel
Weight: 174 g