Takamura Chromax Santoku 170mm
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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.
Takamura Chromax Santoku 170mm – Laser Sharp Performance
There are famous blacksmiths, and then there is Terukazu Takamura. Forging out of Echizen, Japan, Takamura Hamono is known for thin grinds, excellent fit and finish, and knives that punch well above their price point. The Takamura Chromax Santoku 170mm is one of the best examples of that philosophy: light, thin, sharp, and built for serious daily kitchen work.
The santoku profile is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife shape designed for vegetables, proteins, and general prep. This Takamura Chromax Santoku feels fast in the hand, moves cleanly through food, and offers the kind of laser-style cutting performance that made Takamura a favorite among professional cooks and knife enthusiasts.
Chromax is one of our favorite steels for customers who want the cutting feel and edge retention of a high-hardness Japanese knife with better stain resistance than traditional carbon steel. It is semi-stainless, meaning the exposed edge can still develop a patina over time, but it is much easier to maintain than fully reactive carbon steel. With a stainless hammered cladding and a thin grind, this knife gives you excellent food release, impressive edge life, and a refined look without feeling overly delicate.
For best performance, hand wash and dry immediately after use. Do not put this knife in the dishwasher, and avoid twisting through dense frozen foods or hard bones. For maintenance, occasional stropping on a quality leather strop can help keep the edge crisp between sharpening sessions. For long-term care, especially around the exposed semi-stainless edge, a light coat of tsubaki oil can help protect the blade during storage.
Common Questions
Q: Is the Takamura Chromax Santoku good for home cooks?
A: Yes. This is an excellent choice for home cooks who want a serious Japanese knife that feels noticeably sharper and thinner than most Western chef knives. It rewards good technique but is still practical for everyday prep.
Q: Is Chromax stainless steel?
A: Chromax is best described as semi-stainless. It resists staining better than traditional carbon steels, but the cutting edge can still patina with use. Drying the knife after washing is the easiest way to keep it looking and performing its best.
Q: What is this knife best used for?
A: This santoku is ideal for vegetables, boneless proteins, herbs, and general meal prep. Its thin grind makes it especially enjoyable for push cuts, slicing, and precise vegetable work.
Q: How do I keep the edge sharp?
A: Use a knife-friendly cutting board, avoid hard surfaces like glass or stone, and touch up the edge with a leather strop between sharpenings. When it eventually needs a full edge refresh, professional sharpening is recommended for best results.
Specifications
- Brand: Takamura Hamono
- Blacksmith: Terukazu Takamura / Takamura Hamono
- Knife Type: Santoku
- Core Steel: Chromax semi-stainless steel
- Cladding Type: Stainless hammered tsuchime cladding
- Blade Length: 170 mm
- Blade Height at Heel: 48 mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 1.5 mm
- Weight: 5 oz
- Handle Material: Western handle
- Hardness: HRC 64-65
- Edge Grind: 50/50 double bevel
- Origin: Echizen, 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.
