At Tokushu, we carry a collection of knives from blacksmiths who have established reputations in the field. One such artisan is Kei Kobayashi. Kobayashi-san, originally recognized for his outstanding sharpening and polishing skills in Seki city, has worked with some of the region's top blacksmiths.

Today, Kobayashi-san helms his own line of knives, made from high-quality powdered stainless steel known as SG2 or R2. His knives are impressively thin and feature a simple yet elegant Damascus pattern, making them a perfect match for any stock or custom handle.

When it comes to certain knife styles, there is no need for reinvention. The santoku, translating to "knife of three virtues" [slice, dice, chop], is one such style. Particularly appealing to those who prefer rock chopping or have limited kitchen space, a santoku is a versatile knife suited for a range of tasks. With a 165mm cutting edge, this midsize knife is perfect for kitchens with limited space.

Each knife comes equipped with an octagonal rosewood handle with a wooden ferrule.

Product Specifications:

• Brand: Kei Kobayashi
• Location: Seki, Japan
• Sharpener: Kei Kobayashi
• Line: R2/SG2 Damascus
• Shape: Santoku
• Construction: San Mai laminate
• Core Steel: R2/SG2
• Cladding: Stainless Damascus
• Grind: 50/50
• Finish: Migaki (Polished)
• Blade Length: 170mm
• Overall Length: 300mm
• Spine: 2mm
• Blade Height: 50mm
• Weight: 128g
• HRC: 62-63
• Handle Type: Octagonal Wa
• Handle Material: Rosewood