Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku
Hatsukokoro

Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku

£105.00

Currently out of stock (When is it back?) (0)

£105.00

Style, value for money and a laser profile, the santoku is a great all rounder for anyone looking to begin a Japanese knife collection with a thin and easy to care for knife.

Please note that we have a mix of stock for this particular knife where Hatsukokoro have changed the blade markings from the photographed version to an engraved kanji instead. If you have a preference please contact us before ordering to check which is available.

 
Product Code: HAT-023

About this range

First Impressions

The VG5 like the other knives in the Hayabusa series from Hatsukokoro which are made in a variety of steels  (SG2, ZDP189 and HAP40) all share a common profile and an impressive thin grind so even at the lower price point of the VG5, it's a sharp knife with a thin laser profile that cuts well right out of the box.

Beauty

It's a subtly finished knife with a quality migaki finish on the stainless cladding that runs down to the core steel. Paired with the black pakka wood full tang handle it's a very Japanese take on the familiar Western chef knife design.

In Hand

Depending on your selection the Hayabusa VG5 is available fitted with either a traditional octagonal wooden wa or full tang yo handle.

The full tang yo handle is comfortable and a typical shape many people will be used to and while we'd perhaps like a little more smoothing along the spine and around the heel of the blade to make it a bit more comfortable. At the price point this is not an unusual compromise to find and it's something that can easily be done at home with some high grit sandpaper if it really bothers you.

Durability

VG5 is a stainless steel and this range is hardened to about 59-60HRC so it's hard enough to offer good edge retention, it's also going to be quite forgiving and have a lower risk of chipping in less practiced hands so it's an ideal first Japanese knife in this respect.

Ease of Care

Just follow our normal care instructions and you'll be good. As it's a slightly lower hardness than a lot of the knives we stock you might find that with regular use at home that giving it a quick sharpen on a whetstone and finish with a honing rod/strop every couple of weeks will give you the best results for keeping that thin edge singing. 

You can add a Japanese knife care kit to your order which would give you the tools required for the job. 

Our Verdict

We did find the petty knives in the range would perhaps benefit from thinning a little on a whetstone to bring the true sharpness up a bit but as you move to the larger knives (santoku, gyuto etc) the bevel and overall grind is much closer to a laser out of the box and performs very well.

Great value and unfussy the VG5 is a perfect sidekick in any collection and ideal for those who want sharpness but not to have to worry about being a little heavier handed.

Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku - product quick view

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Knife Measurements - Hatsukokoro Hayabusa VG5 Santoku

  • Blade Length: 182mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Length: 300mm (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 47.2mm (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 1.7mm (Spine width above the heel)
  • Total Weight: 157 grams

Range Specifications

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.

Sayas, guards and knife protection

Protection & care for this knife

We recommend a magnolia santoku saya for this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Hatsukokoro

Based in Seki city, Hatsukoroko employ a range of techniques and work with a selection of master blacksmiths working entirely by hand and for some ranges, they make use of modern machinery to combine craft with extreme precision.

How to choose the perfect knife

We've helped thousands of customers choose their perfect knife since 2011 and we're here to help you too.

Read our guide to choosing a Japanese knife and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

Read our knife guide