



Hatsukokoro Hikari SLD Damascus Santoku 170mm with Olive Handle
Tax excluded. Free US shipping on orders over $99.
180-day returns on eligible unused items. Free prepaid label. Return details.
Free US standard shipping over $99. Normally fulfilled within 2 business days. Delivery details.
Every order insured. We handle shipping claims.
Overview
The Hatsukokoro Hikari SLD Damascus Santoku 170mm is a nimble, do-it-all Japanese kitchen knife built for daily prep—vegetables, proteins, and quick weeknight dinners. The semi-stainless SLD core is hardened for strong edge retention, while the stainless Damascus cladding adds durability, smoother food release, and that flowing layered pattern that looks stunning in hand.
Finished with a warm olive wood wa handle, this santoku balances close to the hand for controlled push-cuts, clean slicing, and comfortable all-day use. If you want a compact “one knife” option that feels fast on the board without demanding high-maintenance care, this is a sweet spot.
Common Questions
Q: Is this santoku suitable for home cooks?
A: Yes—170mm is easy to control on small cutting boards, and SLD is a great “low-fuss” steel that holds an edge longer than most starter knives while staying easier to maintain than reactive carbon steels.
Q: What does SLD mean for maintenance—will it rust?
A: SLD is considered semi-stainless. In normal kitchen use, it’s very forgiving—just rinse, wipe dry, and don’t leave it wet in the sink. For extra protection (especially in humid kitchens), a light coat of Tsubaki (camellia) oil is perfect.
Q: How do I keep it performing “crazy sharp” between sharpenings?
A: Use a gentle stropping routine and a knife-friendly board. A few light passes on our Tokushu Knife leather strop helps maintain bite and polish. Pair it with a softer, edge-friendly surface like a Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board to reduce micro-chipping and keep your edge lasting longer.
Specifications
- Brand: Hatsukokoro (Hikari line)
- Core Steel: SLD (semi-stainless tool steel)
- Cladding Type: Stainless Damascus (san-mai construction)
- Blade Length: 170mm (Edge Length approx. 171mm)
- Overall Length: approx. 310mm
- Spine Thickness (Heel): approx. 1.5mm
- Spine Thickness (Mid): approx. 1.5mm
- Blade Height: approx. 47mm
- Weight (grams): approx. 128g
- Handle Material: Olive wood wa handle
- Edge/Grind: Double bevel, 50/50
- Hardness (HRC): approx. 62–64
- Origin: Sakai, 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.



