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