Hikari Ko Santoku SLD Kurozome Damascus 150mm (5.9")

The Hikari Ko Santoku SLD Kurozome Damascus 150mm (5.9") is a sleek Japanese knife built for precision and everyday use. Its ultra-thin, razor-sharp SLD steel blade glides effortlessly through vegetables, herbs, and meats, while the wide, compact profile ensures controlled cuts—even on smaller boards. The unique 51-layer Damascus pattern, enhanced with delicate etching, creates a stunning contrast and catches the light beautifully. Paired with a durable octagonal bubinga handle, it offers a secure, comfortable grip for both left- and right-handed users. High performance, striking design, and effortless handling—all in one knife.

BLADE SHAPE:
Ko-Santoku is a smaller version of Santoku so if you guessed that “ko” means small or short, you nailed it. Ko-Santoku, 150mm long, is a love child of the Santoku and Petty knife. The slightly curved belly allows for gentle rocking, and the rounded tip adds precision for more delicate prep work.

STEEL:
SLD steel by Hitachi is a high-performance tool steel known for outstanding edge retention, toughness, and semi-stainless corrosion resistance. Originally made for industrial blades, it’s now trusted in Japanese kitchen knives for its 60–62 HRC hardness and low-maintenance sharpness—perfect for serious home cooks and professionals alike. Because SLD isn't completely stainless, clean it and dry it off when you're done using it.

SLD Steel Composition - Carbon (C) 1.5%, Silicon (SI) 0.3%, Manganese (Mn) 0.4%, Chromium (Cr) 12%, Molybdenum (Mo) 0.9%, Vanadium (V) 0.3%

LAMINATION:
The core layer, consisting of the harder SLD stainless steel, was sandwiched between 50 layers of softer, more pliable steel. This technique is called san-mai and is used to protect the hard core from outside factors and physical impacts, which could otherwise lead to breakage.

GEOMETRY:
It has a double bevel (symmetrical) blade. The cutting edge is sharpened to a 50/50 angle and stays sharp even after hours of constant use.

BLADE FINISH:
The Hikari line features a unique Damascus pattern, showcasing the beautiful spiral of intertwined steel layers. Each blade is etched to enhance contrast, highlighting the reflections and interplay of light across the different steel surfaces.

For those seeking a more dramatic look, the Kurozome Damascus finish is the ultimate choice within the Hikari SLD range. “Kurozome,” meaning “black dyed,” adds a rich, dark tone to the Damascus cladding while perfectly contrasting with the bright, razor-sharp SLD core.

The result is a finish that is both traditional and sophisticated—visually captivating, impeccably executed, and a true testament to craftsmanship.

HANDLE:
The knife features an octagon Japanese (Wa) style handle made out of bubinga wood. The octagon shape of the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, allowing for precise control during use. Bubinga is a durable and dense tropical wood, known for its distinct brown color with dark patterns. Its strength and stability make it popular for crafting knife handles, furniture, and musical instruments. It has a beautiful texture and polishes well, giving it a smooth and elegant appearance.