Name: Toshihiro Wakui V2 Tsuchime Santoku
Brand: Toshihiro Wakui
SKU: TOSH-001-##
Price: 235.0 GBP
Availability: InStock

First Impressions

The V2 Tsuchime is an impressive knife, it's thin behind the edge with a slight convex grind to aid food release.

Beauty

Simple classic looks with the kurouchi finish that has subtle round tsuchime marks across the cladding and a subtle kasumi finish compliments it nicely. It's a traditional look popular with many blacksmiths.

In Hand

The spine and heel area of the blade have been nicely rounded which is always a good touch that adds to the comfort of a knife in use and shows a level of attention to the finished product that we like.

The oval chestnut handle, while comfortable does have a small ridge where the plastic ferrule is fitted and while it doesn't have any meaningful impact on comfort or usability it's worth noting. In the longer term you may wish to replace the handle for a nicer fit but it's not something to worry about in the bigger picture.

Durability

Takefu's V2 high performance steel has been designed to have similar properties to White #2 but with the addition of chromium which helps allow for easier heat treats to high levels of hardness so the 64HRC of the V2 line offers excellent edge retention while remaining quick to take an edge during sharpening.

The core is protected by a traditional soft iron cladding.

Ease of Care

This knife is easy enough to care for and sharpen if you follow our carbon steel care tips. For longer term care, we recommend a carbon steel care kit.

It is a reactive core steel so ensure you wash and dry between uses.

Our Verdict

An immediate favourite, the V2 from Wakui-san is a quality knife in every respect and hits a lot of positive points for edge performance, looks and overall finish quality of the blade at a very competitive price point.

Easy to recommend for those who enjoy reactive carbon steels and small batch made knives.

Product details

Blade Length: 171mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
Total Length: 312mm (Blade tip to handle end)
Blade Height: 52.8mm (Heel to spine)
Blade Thickness: 3.70mm (Spine width above the heel) 2.10mm (Measured halfway along spine) 0.95mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
Total Weight: 136 grams
Core Steel: V2
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: 64≦ (HRC)
Handle Style: Japanese
Handle Material: Oval chestnut with black plastic ferrule
Left or Right handed: Either (Double Bevel)

Product SKU: TOSH-001-##

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

Due to the height of this knife, only the santoku size blade guard is compatable.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Toshihiro Wakui

Toshihiro Wakui is a Sanjo based blacksmith who after spending his early years as an apprentice with Yoshikane Hamono began working on his own in his workshop making knives that offer an excellent balance of performance and value.

Toshihiro Wakui V2 Tsuchime Santoku