Hatsukokoro Kanetsugu Santoku Chromax Migaki 170 mm [Ebony] is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife from the new Hatsukokoro Chromax series, designed for everyday preparation of meat, fish, and vegetables. Its wide, exceptionally thin blade makes chopping, dicing, and precise slicing remarkably smooth, combining excellent cutting performance with a compact, maneuverable design.

The knife's standout feature is its ultra-thin laser geometry, which allows smooth, precise cuts with very little effort. The semi-stainless Chromax steel (64–65 HRC) provides exceptional edge retention, while the refined migaki finish and elegant ebony wood handle complete its clean, minimalist appearance.

Combined with its exceptionally thin geometry, the compact santoku profile makes this knife an excellent choice for home cooks and professional chefs who value precision, control, and versatility in everyday food preparation.

BLADE SHAPE:

Santoku is one of the most popular Japanese all-purpose kitchen knives. Its name translates to "three virtues", traditionally referring to its versatility when preparing meat, fish, and vegetables.

At 170 mm (6.7"), this santoku offers an excellent balance between cutting performance and maneuverability. Its shorter blade is easier to handle than a longer gyuto, making it particularly comfortable for everyday cooking and working on smaller cutting boards.

The wide blade provides generous knuckle clearance and makes it easy to transfer chopped ingredients from the cutting board. Its relatively flat cutting edge is ideal for controlled chopping and push-cutting, while the gently curved belly allows some rocking motion.

STEEL:

The blade features a core of Chromax steel, an exceptionally hard Japanese knife steel (64–65 HRC) known for its excellent edge retention, relatively easy sharpening, and good corrosion resistance.

Chromax is classified as semi-stainless steel. It is significantly more corrosion-resistant than traditional Japanese high-carbon steels, but it is not completely stainless. The exposed steel can develop a natural patina over time, particularly when exposed to acidic ingredients such as fruit and vegetables. We recommend washing the knife by hand and drying it thoroughly after use.

Despite its impressive hardness, Chromax is relatively easy to sharpen on whetstones. It can achieve a very fine, long-lasting cutting edge, making it an excellent choice for users who want outstanding cutting performance without the demanding maintenance associated with traditional carbon steels.

Chromax steel composition: Carbon (C) 1%, Chromium (Cr) 5%, Manganese (Mn) 0.9%, Molybdenum (Mo) 1.2%, and Vanadium (V) 0.5%.

LAMINATION:

The hard Chromax steel core is protected by two outer layers of softer steel. This construction is known as san-mai, meaning "three layers" in Japanese.

The softer outer layers support and protect the harder, more delicate core from external impacts, contributing to the blade's overall durability.

GEOMETRY:

The knife features a double-bevel (symmetrical) blade, making it suitable for both left- and right-handed users.

Its exceptionally thin, so-called laser geometry minimizes resistance as the blade passes through ingredients, allowing smooth, precise cuts with very little effort.

The combination of a wide blade and thin geometry is particularly effective for chopping vegetables and preparing delicate ingredients. The fine edge passes through food with minimal wedging or crushing, making it especially useful for clean, controlled cuts.

Due to its thin geometry and high steel hardness, the knife should not be used for chopping bones, cutting frozen food, or other tasks that require a more robust blade. Avoid twisting the blade or applying sideways pressure during cutting.

BLADE FINISH:

The blade features a refined migaki finish, combining the softly matte appearance of the outer cladding with a more pronounced polish on the exposed Chromax core.

The contrast between the two surfaces highlights the transition between the steel layers and emphasizes the blade's clean, elegant lines. Its understated appearance pairs beautifully with the dark ebony wood handle.

HANDLE:

The knife features a traditional Japanese octagonal wa handle made from ebony wood. Ebony is a dense, hard, and durable wood, recognizable by its deep, dark color and elegant natural grain patterns.

The octagonal shape provides a comfortable, secure grip for both left- and right-handed users, allowing excellent control during precise cutting tasks. Its minimalist design complements the knife's lightweight construction and refined blade finish.

ABOUT THE SERIES:

Hatsukokoro Chromax is a new series of Japanese kitchen knives combining exceptionally thin blade geometry, high-performance Chromax steel, and a refined finish.

The series is designed for cooks who appreciate lightweight, precise blades that move effortlessly through ingredients. An excellent choice for experienced home cooks and professional chefs looking for outstanding cutting performance in everyday kitchen work.