Jikko Knives White #2 Santoku
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Supremely understated, the sandblasted finish of the cladding steel gives a satin look that offsets the high polish of the cutting edge to create a classic looking Japanese knife.
There's a lot to like about Jikko knives and the White #2 range is a strong example of their eye for subtle design and performance.
About this range
First Impressions
Out of the box the edge felt well finished and easily cut through a range of foods and over time retained a good edge. Jikko are well known for their attention to detail when it comes to the performance of their knives and the standard of finish of the cutting edge and blade shape is impressive.
One thing that has separated Jikko from many of the other manufacturers is their “hatsuke” method. “Hatsuke” is a proprietary finishing method used to give the blades a finer angle. Jikko claims that their knives are sharper and at the same time remain sharper for longer.
The “hatsuke” method was developed after years of research and Jikko believes that they have managed to find the perfect blade angle to give their knives an even balance of sharpness and edge retention. We do feel however that this range could get much sharper than it is out of the box.
Beauty
If you're a fan of classic Japanese shape and style but want something that is understated then the White #2 range is absolutely one to consider.
The magnolia and buffalo horn handle combined with the plain matt finish of the blade with the traditional kanji characters will appeal to those who value performance with a subtle finish. The fit and finish is superb, the spine is rounded and the handle is well fitted.
In Hand
Light and classic shape with a Japanese wa handle and a slightly taller than standard (but not massively so) blade profile meant the White #2 is easy to use and comfortable across a wide range of tasks. The edges are well rounded for comfort when using a pinch grip.
Durability
The high carbon content of the White #2 steel of the cutting edge should retain an edge for a long time and can be easily kept wickedly sharp with a ceramic honing rod easily with minimal effort.
Just keep to our normal care instruction for carbon steel and you should have no problems keeping this knife in top condition for years to come.
Ease of Care
This knife is a high carbon steel which means it's reactive and over time it will develop a patina, but it's a perfectly normal property of carbon steel and apart from rinsing your blade and drying after use (and never putting it in a dishwasher) there's not much additional care required beyond the normal instructions.
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.
Our Verdict
The White #2 range sits somewhere around mid price for many Japanese knife ranges and we think that's good value for the out of the box sharpness, quality of steel and finish and the experience that goes into making the knives. If you're looking to step up to an understated but very solid performer then we'd be happy to recommend this one.
Jikko Knives White #2 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 - Jikko Knives White #2 Santoku
- Blade Length: 168mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
- Total Length: 317mm (Blade tip to handle end)
- Blade Height: 43mm (Heel to spine)
- Blade Thickness: 2.8mm (Spine width above the heel)
- Total Weight: 121 grams
Range Specifications
- Core Steel: White #2
- Cladding Steel: Stainless
- Hardness: 61-62 (HRC)
- Handle Style: Japanese
- Handle Material: Magnolia wa handle
- Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)
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.
Meet the maker
Jikko Knives
Established in Sakai in 1901, Jikko's blacksmiths have a long history of designing and creating high quality knives that marry subtle design and excellent edge retention.
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!
