Shibata Koutetsu Chromax Santoku with Rosewood Octagon 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 Shibata Koutetsu Chromax Santoku with Rosewood Octagon Handle is a compact Japanese kitchen knife built for speed, control, and clean cutting performance. This knife uses a Chromax semi-stainless core with stainless cladding, giving you a lively, fine-edged feel that many cooks appreciate while keeping maintenance more manageable than fully reactive carbon steel. In use, it feels light, agile, and highly precise, making it a strong fit for vegetables, herbs, fruits, and boneless proteins.
What makes this santoku stand out is the signature Koutetsu cutting feel: very thin behind the edge, easy through dense produce, and responsive in hand. The santoku profile is one of the most practical Japanese knife shapes for daily prep, and the rosewood octagonal wa handle adds a traditional look with a comfortable, secure grip. For cooks looking for a laser-like all-purpose knife that feels refined without becoming overly large or heavy, this is an excellent choice.
Chromax steel rewards good knife habits. Hand wash only, dry the blade promptly, avoid bones and frozen foods, and use a soft cutting surface to help preserve the fine edge. For maintenance, a light coat of Tsubaki oil can help protect the blade, and a few gentle passes on our leather strop can help extend edge life between full sharpening sessions.
Common Questions
Q: Is this knife suitable for home cooks?
A: Yes. A santoku is one of the best Japanese knife shapes for home cooks because it is versatile, easy to control, and excellent for everyday slicing, dicing, and chopping. This Shibata Koutetsu version is especially appealing if you want a very light, very sharp knife that feels fast on the board.
Q: What is Chromax steel, and is it hard to maintain?
A: Chromax is a semi-stainless steel that offers a crisp edge and very good cutting feel while being easier to live with than many fully reactive carbon steels. It still deserves care, though, so it is best to wipe it dry during use and avoid leaving moisture or acidic ingredients on the blade for long periods.
Q: How should I care for a high-performance Japanese santoku like this?
A: Wash by hand, dry promptly, store it safely, and use a knife-friendly board such as a Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board. If the edge starts to lose some bite, stropping can help, and our knife sharpening service is available when it is time for a professional refresh.
Specifications
- Brand: Shibata Koutetsu
- Maker / Sharpener: Takayuki Shibata
- Core Steel: Chromax semi-stainless
- Cladding Type: Stainless clad
- Blade Length: 161.5mm
- Overall Length: 300mm
- Blade Height at Heel: 46.6mm
- Spine Thickness (Heel): 2.1mm
- Spine Thickness (Mid): 1.98mm
- Spine Thickness (Behind Tip): 0.65mm
- Weight: 110g
- Handle Material: Rosewood octagonal wa handle
- Hardness (HRC): 65
- Bevel: Double bevel
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.
