Name: Sakai Takayuki Blue #2 Kurouchi Santoku
Brand: Sakai Takayuki
SKU: SAK-0008
Price: 151.0 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

First Impressions

This is a simple knife - and we mean this as a compliment. It's unfussy, has a good out of the box edge that you can easily refine further should you wish and pairs a classic handle and kurouchi blacksmith finish and in terms of grind and finish sits well in a competitive price bracket for many knife buyers.

Beauty

Classic looks for a kurouchi finished classic knife, the blue #2 core will darken over time as it develops a patina with use and the simple and unfussy walnut handle is a commonly used one on many Japanese knives.

It might be that this isn't necessarily the first knife at the top of a beauty list but it's about as traditional a construction and finish as you can get!

In Hand

It's a little rough around the edges of the heel and spine but nothing we wouldn't expect in this style and price bracket and not something that would hinder performance in any way. You may also notice a tendency on the last couple of mm on the edge by the heel to be a little rounded off instead of being a totally flat grind to the heel edge but again, it's not something we feel would impact performance.

Durability

A solid heat treat and commonly used blue #2 core clad in soft iron means this is going to retain an edge well and will be quick and easy to sharpen as you use it.

Ease of Care

Just follow our carbon steel care tips and perhaps consider look at a buying a carbon steel care kit to maintain and sharpen your knife and it will be a breeze keeping it in great condition.

Our Verdict

Definitely a solid choice if you're looking for a competitively priced carbon steel knife and you do have a good range of options in this category and price bracket.

While the finish is a little rougher around the edges than some knives in and around the price bracket it's comparable to most and this is definitely a knife you don't need to baby and can just enjoy the job of food prep!

If you're looking for a traditional steel and kurouchi finish at a reasonable cost then it's certainly one to consider.

Product Quick View

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

Product details

Blade Length: 170mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 323mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 45.3mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 2.38mm (Spine width above the heel)
Total Weight: 128 grams
Core Steel: Blue Steel #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: 61-62 (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Octagonal walnut
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: SAK-0008

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 magnoila santoku saya is a good fit for this knife.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Blacksmith Profile

Sakai Takayuki

Well known and respected, Sakai knives are created by a skilled team of craftsmen and as a company have been creating knives for more than 600 years.

View all knives from Sakai Takayuki

Sakai Takayuki Blue #2 Kurouchi Santoku