Kawamura Santoku Damascus is a multi-purpose Japanese kitchen knife and will serve all those looking for an agile knife with a slight emphasis on vegetable preparation. Santoku knives are the most commonly used knives in Japanese home kitchens and have in recent years conquered the rest of the world too.

The hand-forged blade is laminated using the san mai method from 45 layers, the core is made out of stainless AUS-10 steel (making maintenance a breeze) and wrapped in layers of Damascus steel. The top part of the blade is adorned with hammer prints (also called tsuchime), which are not just aesthetically pleasing but also prevent the food from sticking to the blade.

The blade is double bevel (for explanation read this article) and sharpened symmetrically (50/50). It's fitted with a traditional D-shaped Japanese (wa) handle, made out of burnt chestnut wood with a buffalo horn ferrule, giving the whole knife a bit of a rustic look.

To sum it up - if you’re looking for a versatile kitchen knife that delivers in the looks department and is easy to take care of, you might have found the right candidate. Due to its visual characteristics, it screams Japan and would as such make for an excellent present for a loved one who likes to cook and enjoys everything Japan.

ABOUT THE BLACKSMITH:

Sakai Kikumori has been producing kitchen knives with skilled craftsmen since 1926, when it was founded by Kawamura Hamono as a wholesaler of Sakai-made blades. Based in Sakai, the historic heart of Japanese cutlery, Kikumori works closely with local artisans to create high-quality, handmade knives. Though a smaller player in the region, their size allows for flexibility and innovation—with a strong focus on the people who use their knives. Their mission is simple: to bring joy to kitchens by making cooking more enjoyable and meals more meaningful.