Hatsukokoro Aokitae Blue #2 Kurouchi Santoku 180mm with Sanjo Walnut and Maple Stripe Handle
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Eligible US purchases include 180-day returns and a free prepaid return label.
Free US shipping over $99. Orders are normally fulfilled within 2 business days; UPS Ground transit is typically 1–5 business days. Custom work may add 1–2 business days.
Every order is fully insured. If a package is lost or damaged, contact us and we will handle the claim.
Overview
The Hatsukokoro Aokitae Blue #2 Kurouchi Santoku 180mm with Sanjo walnut and maple stripe handle is a rustic, all-carbon Japanese kitchen knife built for cooks who want strong cutting feel, easy sharpening, and the character that only reactive steel can develop over time. The Aokitae line is known for delivering excellent value in Blue #2 steel, pairing a kurouchi finish with soft iron cladding for a traditional look and lively feel on the board. In santoku form, this knife is especially useful for the three classic kitchen jobs it is named for: slicing, dicing, and mincing.
Blue #2 is one of the most loved carbon steels in Japanese cutlery because it offers a sweet spot between edge retention, toughness, and sharpening ease. That means this santoku is well suited to home cooks moving into higher-end Japanese knives, but it also has the kind of crisp feedback and edge potential that enthusiasts appreciate. The Sanjo walnut handle with maple stripe gives the knife a warmer, more refined presentation while keeping the overall feel comfortable and nimble in hand.
On the board, expect clean performance on vegetables, herbs, boneless proteins, and everyday prep. The santoku profile makes it especially friendly for push cutting, chopping, and precise home kitchen work where a shorter blade can feel more agile than a full gyuto. Because this knife uses reactive carbon steel with reactive iron cladding, it should be washed and dried promptly after use. For longer storage, a light coat of tsubaki oil is a smart habit, and regular touch-ups on a leather strop can help keep the edge feeling fresh between sharpenings.
Common Questions
Q: Is this santoku suitable for home cooks?
A: Yes. This is a very good choice for a home cook who wants to step into true Japanese carbon steel. The santoku shape is approachable, versatile, and easy to control, while Blue #2 offers excellent sharpness without being overly difficult to maintain or sharpen.
Q: What does kurouchi mean, and does it affect performance?
A: Kurouchi refers to the dark blacksmith-style finish left on the upper portion of the blade. It gives the knife a traditional handmade appearance and can offer a bit of added surface protection, but the knife is still reactive overall and should be kept dry. Performance-wise, the more important factors are the grind, steel, and edge geometry, and this series is well regarded for giving strong cutting performance for the price.
Q: How do I care for a high-end Japanese carbon steel santoku?
A: Hand wash only, wipe it dry right away, and avoid leaving it wet on the board or in the sink. Do not use it on bones, frozen food, or very hard twisting cuts. Use a knife-friendly cutting surface such as a Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board, and when it eventually needs a full edge refresh, professional service can help restore peak performance.
Specifications
- Core Steel: Blue #2 / Aogami #2
- Cladding Type: Soft iron clad
- Finish: Kurouchi
- Blade Length: 180mm
- Overall Length: 310mm
- Blade Height at Heel: 44mm
- Spine Thickness (Heel): 3.0mm
- Spine Thickness (Mid): 1.9mm
- Weight: 141g
- Handle Material: Sanjo walnut with maple stripe
- Hardness (HRC): 62
- Bevel: Double bevel
- Origin: Japan
Shipping, returns and order protection
US shipping: Free on orders over $99. Orders are normally fulfilled within 2 business days, and UPS Ground transit is typically 1–5 business days after fulfillment. Custom handle installation or sharpening may add 1–2 business days.
Returns: Eligible purchases may be returned within 180 days with a free prepaid return label. Knives sharpened by Tokushu Knife or fitted with a custom handle remain eligible if they are otherwise new, unused, undamaged, and returned in their original packaging with all included components. The same refund terms apply.
Order protection: Every order is insured. If a package is lost or damaged, contact us at Tony@TokushuKnife.com and we will handle the claim.
Outside the US: Supported international orders from TokushuKnife.com typically ship via FedEx Delivered Duty Paid (DDP). Tokushu Knife pays all applicable import duties and taxes on the customer's behalf. Customers are not responsible for paying duties or taxes. Available destinations, shipping charges and delivery estimates are shown at checkout. Customers may also shop at TokushuKnife.eu for regional inventory and options.
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Steel, Construction and Care
Our catalog includes stainless, semi-stainless and carbon steels selected for edge performance and durability. Carbon steels may develop a patina, while stainless steels are designed to resist discoloration. Follow the care guidance on each product page, hand wash only and dry the knife promptly after use.
