Kai Shun Classic Santoku 140mm (5.5")
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✔︎ No import fees & duties - worldwide |
- Description
- Specifications
- Knife Care
- Shipping
A compact kitchen companion, the Kai Shun Classic Santoku makes every task effortless—from preparing breakfast to tackling everyday meal prep. Its balanced design ensures precise, controlled cuts in every situation.
BLADE SHAPE:
This smaller version of the Kai Shun Classic Santoku combines versatility and portability. The compact Santoku is the perfect kitchen companion, at home or on the go – from slicing butter and cheese for breakfast, preparing a quick lunch or dinner, to use while camping, sailing, or hiking. Its shorter length and lightweight construction make it perfect for medium-sized ingredients—like bell peppers, small potatoes, or apples—allowing precise cuts while keeping the knife stable and easy to handle.
Special attention has been given to the choil, spine, and heel tip—all are smoothly rounded to prevent hand fatigue and reduce the risk of accidental nicks during handling. This thoughtful design makes extended prep work safer and more comfortable.
For safe transport outside the kitchen, we recommend using a plastic saya.
STEEL & LAMINATION:
The core of the blade is crafted from VG-MAX steel, hardened to 61 (±1) HRC for outstanding sharpness, strength, and edge retention. It is clad in 32 layers of softer stainless steel (16 per side) using the traditional san-mai technique, providing flexibility, protection for the hard core, and a distinctive wavy Damascus pattern. This combination of strength, durability, and beauty makes the knife both functional and visually striking.
HANDLE:
The slim, elegant handle is made of durable pakkawood in a traditional Japanese chestnut (D-shape) design, slightly offset to the right for optimal control and comfort for right-handed users. A small ridge on the handle provides stability and a secure pinch grip, while the integrated tang ensures excellent balance. The addition of resin improves moisture resistance and longevity, making it suitable for long-term use in busy kitchens.
SMITHY:
KAI has been producing high-quality cutlery for over 115 years, combining traditional Japanese blacksmithing with modern innovations. Each knife is crafted to provide precision, durability, and elegance, embodying the finest standards of Japanese culinary tools.
Blade shape: Santoku
Steel type: VG-MAX
Blade construction: San-mai / Damascus
Hardness (HRC scale): 61 (±1) HRC
Overall length: 265mm (10.4")
Blade length: 140mm (5.5")
Blade height: 41mm (1.6")
Spine thickness: 2.2mm (0.09")
Weight: 138g (4.9 oz)
Handle length: 115mm (4.5")
Handle type / wood: Western / Pakka Wood
Kanji on the blade:
Blacksmith: Kai Shun
Location of the smithy: Seki / Gifu Prefecture / Japan
☝️ Japanese kitchen knives in our store are handmade from natural materials. Slight variations in color, texture, weight and other dimensions are possible. We try to give a good photographic representation of our products, however computer screen resolution and colors do vary, so products might not look exactly as they are seen on screen.
Blade wear depends on the quality of steel, usage and maintenance of the blade. Japanese knives are made of high-quality steels. Follow these tips to keep your Japanese knife in top-notch shape:
✔ Use a wooden, plastic or rubber cutting board.
✔ After use, wash the knives and wipe them dry.
✔ For storage, use a knife holder or a protective knife sheath (saya).
✔ A good cutting technique is your best bet to prolong sharpness.
✔ Use sharpening stones to sharpen the knife.
❗️Don’t leave the knife in the sink. Wash it by hand.
❗️Don’t wash the knife in the dishwasher.
❗️Don’t use the knife on glass, ceramics, marble or steel surfaces.
❗️Don’t scrape the food off the cutting board with the edge of the blade. Use the spine of the knife instead.
❗️Knife is a tool intended for specific use - cutting food. It is not a can opener, screwdriver, trowel, wire cutter, hammer etc.
→ For more details, read our guide
on Maintenance of Kitchen Knives.
🤙 Contact us if you need some help. We reply within 1 business day.
SHIPPING RATES:
- €10 - flat worldwide rate with DHL Express (express delivery, 2-5 business days).
- FREE - all orders over €300 (DHL Express).
EXCEPTIONS:
See our Shipping page for more details.
DUTIES AND IMPORT TAXES:
We ship all orders DDP (duties & taxes paid). This means you will not be charged for any import fees and taxes (including VAT). All our prices are final. The price you see at checkout is the final price, no hidden costs.
DELIVERY TIME:
- Europe: 1-2 business days
- US & Canada: 2-4 business days
- Rest of the World: 3-5 business days
RETURNS:
Our return policy lasts 30 days. If more than 30 days have gone by since the day you received your order, unfortunately we can’t offer you a refund or exchange.
→ Read our SHIPPING & RETURNS policy for more info. We strive to solve any issues fast and with as little hassle for you. If you have some additional questions, please contact us.
Each knife comes with:
✔️ Instructions and knife care leaflet.
✔️ A preventive Band-Aid – the knives are very sharp! 😉
✔️ Original box from the blacksmith, which we wrap in an old Japanese newspaper sheet – so every knife is ready to be passed on as a gift as soon as it hits your doorstep!
✔️ We also offer a special gift wrapping option with the traditional Japanese washi paper.
QUIZ
Still doubting which type of Japanese knife should best fit your needs?
We created a 5-steps quiz to help you find the perfect knife based on your cooking skills and the type of food you prepare.
