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