Kikusumi NATUR Aomori Hiba Santoku Knife 18 cm

Kikusumi NATUR Aomori Hiba 18 cm Japanese Santoku Knife Polished Stainless Steel

Weight: 3.5 oz / 100g
Blade Length: 7” / 18 cm
Blade Width 3 mm
Blade Height 2.2” / 4.5 cm
Handle Length: 5” / 13 cm
Total Length: 12.6” / 32 cm

SANTOKU KNIFE

NATUR 18 cm Santoku is a versatile cutting tool capable of handling most basic kitchen cutting tasks.  Santoku means “three virtues” in Japanese and is capable of slicing, dicing and mincing.  Fit with a blade shape shorter in length but wider than a Western chef knife – the strength of the Santoku is its light weight and easy maneuverability.  Professional chefs will choose a santoku blade to handle both detailed and greater volumes of prepping to improves work efficiency.

NATUR SERIES
The NATUR collection is 100 % forged and handcrafted in Japan for those who love the craftsmanship and values of the artisan tradition. Traditional & modern forging combined to produce high quality steel accented with natural woods and detailed refinements. NATUR series of knives are built with sustainably harvested woods that will last a lifetime.  NATUR captures the best qualities of the forging spirit in a knife that is authentically artisan in every detail.  It offers the cook a remarkably precise cutting tool with a rustic yet refined aesthetic.

AOMORI HIBA HANDLES

We created these as mono-handles so the pure beautiful grain of Aomori Hiba wood shines through. Aomori Hiba is considered a prestigious wood in Japan sought after by sushi chefs and temples. Aomori Hiba has been used to build temples, shrines, castles, and other important works of Japanese architecture throughout many generations. Japanese chefs have long utilized the knife friendly, mold & bacteria-resistant qualities of hiba wood for their cutting boards. Aomori Hiba handles are precision-crafted from carefully selected hiba lumber then carved and sanded naturally by our skilled Japanese craftsmen.  They are self-preserving so do not require oiling. The quality of wood & attention to detail is what make Aomori Hiba handles an exceptional choice.

SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED WOOD
At Kikusumi we are committed to a future where we grow our resources and replace them.  This means we grow our resources and replace them.  When sourced responsibly, wood can play a big part in helping tackle climate change as healthy forests help offset carbon emissions. The hiba forest in the northern prefecture of Aomori has been protected and managed carefully since 1661 because it is considered to be such an important source of the wood.  Today responsible forest stewardship is an important element of sustainable growth and Kikusumi Aomori Hiba handles fulfill this goal of using resources responsibly.

ERGONOMIC

Octagonal wa handles are ideal for both left and right hand cooks.  They mirror the contours of the hand which is why they have superior ergonomics.  Flexible grip holds are another reason – whether straight cuts or peeling ‘katsura’ cutting the octagonal handle beats the western grip handles on skill performance.  Ergonomic & ambidextrous make them the ideal handle crafted by Kikusumi artisans.

VG5 STAINLESS STEEL

At Kiksusumi we work with only the best forgers and artisans and the NATUR series represents this well. The quality of a knife depends not only on the type of steel but also the quality of the forging.  Blades forged 100% in Seki, Japan offers a superior blend of tradition and modern knife making than those made elsewhere.  VG5 steel combines the performance of high-carbon steel with the convenience of a stainless steel.  Simply dry after use and it won’t rust.  No need to oil blades.  VG5 steel is easy to sharpen and holds it edge for easy maintenance.

FINE DETAILS

Each Aomori Hiba octagonal mono-handle is finished with a tradtional yakkin branded logo just like it was done back in the Edo period. Each handmade Japanese knife blade receives 2 beautiful kanji engravings that express its orgins.  菊 炭 KIKUSUMI  +  SEKI.