Masutani Hamono V1 Tsuchime Santoku

£90.00

The minute you open the box you'll be in love with the unique hammered finish and the striking rosewood handle that combine to give a look that's definitely Japanese but with the comforting style of a rugged Western handle.

It's a superb all rounder and if you're not rushing to buy it by the time you've finished reading we'd be amazed!

Product variants

Currently out of stock

Product Code: MASU-007-##

Knife & Range Specifications

Knife Measurements

Blade Edge Length: 170mm / 6.69" (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Knife Length: 294mm / 11.57" (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 46.5mm / 1.83" (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 1.8mm / 0.07" (Spine width above the heel)
Total Weight: 136 grams / 4.8 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: VG1
Cladding Steel: Stainless
Blade Finish: Polished | Tsuchime
Hardness: 60 (HRC)
Handle Style:
Handle Material: Various
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.

Masutani Hamono - VG1

Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

Out of the box, the knife benefits from Masutani-san's 30+ years of skill and experience as a sharpener andand it's clear from the second you look at them that there's an extraordinarily good value knife in every box and they're hard to beat for quality at this price point.

Beauty

The hammer finish combined with the half-tang Western style handle mix Japanese blade style with the Western handle nicely and would look great on your knife rack and in the kitchen.

Each knife has a unique pattern so there's plenty of variety and you'll know nobody else has one quite the same as yours!

In Hand

There's some crossover between East and West with the handles on the Masutani knives - most feature a Western shape and style handle but instead of a more typical full tang and three rivets, they're designed to use a more typically Japanese half tang and only two rivets which helps to lower the weight of the knife and make it more responsive with a balance point further along the blade.

The fit and shape of the handle is very comfortable and smoothly polished so it feels great in hand.

Durability

You definitely won't have any issues with durability, the V1 is a solidly constructed and finished knife and the use of stainless cladding around the VG1 core means it will be easy to maintain and hone as you use it.

This knife will be a true workhorse in your kitchen for years to come.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

Quick rinse and dry after use and this knife will last you a lifetime, just follow our Japanese knife care tips.

Our Verdict

Absolutely incredible value for money.

At this price, you're getting a lot of skill and experience going into the making of the knife and the fit and finish are good. Out of the box it's already sharp but if you like, you could hone it further and you'd have a great knife for your collection or as a great present for a keen chef.

We're already wondering why you've not added this to your basket!

Meet the maker

Masutani Hamono

Masutani Hamono is a family-run workshop based in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, a region with more than 700 years of knife-making heritage. Founded by Takayuki Masutani, who learned his craft under his father, master blacksmith Katsuto Tanaka of Ryusen Hamono, the workshop produces high-quality and affordable kitchen knives that combine tradition with modern techniques.

Masutani blends hand-finishing skills with advanced steel technology to create blades that are exceptionally sharp, easy to maintain, and perfectly balanced for daily use. Working primarily with VG10 and other stainless steels, the workshop offers a wide selection of gyuto, petty, santoku, and nakiri knives for both professional chefs and home cooks.

Masutani Hamono’s precise craftsmanship and approachable design reflect the Echizen spirit of creating practical and beautiful knives for every kitchen.

View all Masutani Hamono products