Kagekiyo - Blue #1 Santoku Kuroro

Name: Kagekiyo - Blue #1 Santoku Kuroro
Brand: Baba Hamono
SKU: BABA-008-##
Price: 355.00 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

£355.00

With its slightly hollow grind, the incredibly thin edge on the Kagekiyo santoku is a sight to behold and a joy to use. This is an all rounder you'll be reaching for time and again for the highest level of performance.

This knife is finished with an equally stunning part Kiso traditional black lacquer and oak handle.

Product variants

Currently out of stock

Product Code: BABA-008-##

Knife & Range Specifications

Knife Measurements

Blade Edge Length: 168mm / 6.61" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Knife Length: 314mm / 12.36" (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 45.4mm / 1.79" (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 3.68mm / 0.14" (Spine width above the heel) 2.36mm / 0.09" (Measured halfway along spine) 1.7mm / 0.07" (Measured 15mm from tip)
Total Weight: 128 grams / 4.52 oz

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 finishes.

Range Specifications

Core Steel: Aogami Blue #1
Cladding Steel: Soft Iron
Blade Finish: Migaki | Polished
Hardness: 64±1 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese (Wa)
Left or Right handed: Suitable for both (Double Bevel)

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

Kagekiyo - Blue #1

Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

The first impression of the Kagekiyo Blue #1 is that it's a jaw dropping range of knives. From the stylish black presentation box, the moment you pick up one of the knives you'll see the skill of Tanaka Uchihamono forging and Baba Hamono's in house sharpening up close.

With an almost flat grind on most of the range and an amazingly thin edge these are high performance knives of an exceptional standard made in a very traditional Sakai shape and style.

Beauty

Superlatives abound!

This range hits many of the sweet spots for us, the diagonal migaki hairline running down the carbon cladding to a subtle kasumi finish and the very obvious attention to detail in the finish of the bevelled spine and rounded heel are wonderful.

That such fantastic blades are then paired with handles made by master craftsmen too seems only fair and the dark oak handles with traditional black Kiso lacquer applied to the sides just evelates an already beautiful knife to another level.

In Hand

The Blue #1 is a fraction heavier across the range than the similar profile White #1 but remains a well balanced and relatively lightweight selection of knives that are nimble and capable of intricate work as well as daily tasks.

Durability

The heat treat of the Blue #1 to 64±1 offers excellent edge retention and durability although as you might expect from such a thin edge profile you would need to be fairly precise in your cutting technique but if you are, this is a range that will hold an edge for significant periods between sharpening.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

This range is a full carbon knife with a Blue #1 core steel clad in carbon so will be reactive across the blade.

Please follow our carbon care tips and we recommend a carbon steel care kit for longer term maintenance.

Our Verdict

We're delighted to stock Kagekiyo knives, from the moment we met Baba Hamono we enjoyed hearing about their philiosophy, company and how they work to preserve Sakai knife making traditions and styles.

The Blue #1 is forged by Tanaka Uchihamono and then sharpened in house by Baba Hamono's team and the result is an extremely high quality range of knives made in a traditional Sakai style and profile that are fantastic value for money given their quality.

If you prefer an alternative steel with a slighly lower heat treat but similarly high quality finish, we also recommend the Kagekiyo White #1.

Meet the maker

Baba Hamono

Founded in Sakai City in 1916 by Kuniharu Baba, Baba Hamono are a company who work with a selection of Sakai based craftsmen and workshops to promote the high quality and traditional style of knife making in the area.

They not only work with some of the best blacksmiths in the Sakai area on their knives but they also have a strong philosophy and commitment to helping pass on the craft and skills to the next generation and in 2017 established their own workshop to train young craftspeople who learn from the masters.

View all Baba Hamono products