A hand-forged santoku from Nishida Hamono. The core steel is Shirogami#2 with a cladding of softer iron. The edge is thin and sharp, but the blade has a rough finish overall. Compared to other light and delicate knives, this series feels more like a workhorse, with a significantly higher blade height and weight.

Santoku with a 190 mm blade.
Blade height: 57 mm
Weight: 187 grams
Steel: Shirogami#2 with an iron cladding.
Handle: Oval with a simple bolster made of black PVC.

Note: Shirogami#2 is not stainless. The cladding around the core steel is also made of iron and is not stainless. Always dry the edge thoroughly after use to prevent rust, and it’s a good idea to apply a little oil to the blade. This enhances the shine and helps protect against rust. Since the steel is reactive, a patina will form fairly quickly. Cutting proteins will produce a blue and green patina, while vegetables will result in more of a gray and brown patina.