Name: Nakamura Hamono Kaishin White #2 Kurouchi Santoku
Brand: Nakamura Hamono
SKU: NAKAM-023
Price: 135.0 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

First Impressions

The "Kaishin" ranges (in various steels and finishes) make an excellent first impression, they're ground very thin behind the edge and this gives very good cutting performance right out of the box and it's clear the attention to detail and quality of finish is something Nakamura Hamono care deeply about.

In this White #2 line, there's a pronounced distal taper along the spine and thicker overall profile compared to their other ranges.

Beauty

At this price point, it's great to see knives finished to this standard with a kurouchi finish across the soft iron cladding that gives way to a very nicely done misty kasumi running down to the core steel.

The oval rosewood handle compliments the dark blade finish nicely and overall it's a great looking range of knives.

In Hand

The thicker spine above the heel has a nice feel and balance on the larger knives while the shorter petty options are well balanced and robust and all feel nimble in hand offset by the reasonably lightweight oval handles.

Durability

The White #2 core steel is heat treated to around 62-63HRC which we always find is a great middle ground offering durability and robustness without feeling fragile but also offering a good level of edge retention.

Ease of Care

Carbon steel clad in soft iron is reactive and will devleop a lovely patina along the edge with use. White #2 is a common and popular choice for many because it offers good performance levels while being easy to sharpen and care for.

For long term use and care, follow our carbon steel care tips and look after your blade with a carbon steel care kit.

Our Verdict

We're big fans of Nakamura Hamono knives, and despite them being a relatively young company it's evident across all their ranges that the focus on quality finishes and edge performance is something they take very seriously.

The White #2 range is excellent value for money, given the standard of the finish, the sharpness right out of the box and overall performance these are a range of knives that would be an excellent first knife purchase if you are looking to get into the world of Japanese carbon steels or if you're looking to add another knife to your collection without breaking the bank.

Highly recommended.

Product Quick View

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Product details

Blade Length: 170mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 310mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 46.1mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 4.92mm (Spine width above the heel) 2.95mm (Measured halfway along spine) 1.82mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
Total Weight: 146 grams
Core Steel: White #2
Care Tip – Reactive Carbon Steel

The core (and on some ranges, the cladding steel too) of this knife is made using a carbon steel which can react with moisture and acids in your food and so is not stainless or rust-proof.

Read our carbon steel care guide

View all carbon steel knives

View all non-reactive knives

RECOMMENDED Carbon steel care kit
Cladding Steel: Soft Iron
Hardness: 62-63 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Rosewood
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: NAKAM-023

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Protection & care for this knife

The magnolia, black sand and black wooden saya and santoku size (22x5cm) blade guard fit this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Nakamura Hamono

Based in Chiba and founded in 2015, Nakamura Hamono is a brand founded by sushi chef Mr Nakamura and who work with a selection of blacksmiths and workshops in the Sakai area to create their various lines of knives of which a common style is their thin edge and high quality finishing.

Nakamura Hamono Kaishin White #2 Kurouchi Santoku