DETAIL
This knife has a polypropylene handle.
■Hypothetical New Price■
EU: over 50 EUR (plus shipping and import fees)
AU: over 58AUD (plus shipping and import fees)
US: over 38 USD (plus shipping and import fees)
*All of the above prices are hypothetical estimates that I personally calculated. Actual retail prices may vary depending on the country and legal changes. While some brands or models may adjust prices by market or exchange rates, retail prices are generally set by the manufacturer or seller. These estimates are based on Tojiro, a brand widely sold in many countries, and are provided only as a reference.
■Item Description■
Condition : Blade edge has a rough finish / No box
Blade length : 5.7 inches (145mm)
Overall length : 10.7 inches (273mm)
Spine Thickness : 1.7mm
Item Weight : 3.7 oz (106g)
Blade Edge : Double-bevel
Blade Material : Carbon Steel (exact type unknown) with Stainless Steel
HRC : Unknown
Handle Material : Polypropylene
Country/Region of Manufacture : Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Others : Not dishwasher-safe
・About this item
This is a small Santoku knife made of carbon steel by KAI, the company known for its Shun series. The core is carbon steel, while the sides are stainless steel. The handle is made of polypropylene.
Unlike most KAI knives, which are usually very well finished, this one has a rougher finish. It was probably finished by a new employee who joined KAI in April 2025. Even in its current state, it can cut newspaper without any problem, but there was a slight snag during the cut. For this reason, I am offering it at a slightly lower price.
A small Santoku like this is very convenient for tasks such as preparing a meal for one person. Despite its compact size, it’s versatile and useful to have around.
・What is the meaning of the characters printed on the blade?
The right side of the blade has the Japanese characters for "San-ami" written on it. "San-ami" refers to a historical title held by those who served the shogunate between the 14th and 16th centuries and contributed to the development of painting and traditional performing arts in Japan.
・What is KAI?
KAI Corporation, located in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is one of the most renowned kitchen knife companies in Japan. They manufacture and sell a wide range of kitchen knives, from affordable options to high-end knives like the Shun series. Additionally, they offer various other cutlery items, including nail clippers, scissors, and peelers.
Their products are often sold at unfairly low prices by unauthorized resellers, but in reality, they are not that cheap. Many of their items are well-made, honest products crafted with care.
・Who I would recommend this knife to.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a Small Santoku knife with a carbon steel core sandwiched between stainless steel. For maintenance, a whetstone is ideal, but a honing rod or pull-through sharpener can also be used.
*Please be aware that the blade edge and its surrounding areas of this knife are prone to rust. If left wet, it will rust.
