Kikusumi NATUR Sakura 16.5 cm Santoku Kitchen Knife Japanese G3 Steel Nashiji Finish

Kikusumi NATUR Sakura 16.5 cm Santoku Kitchen Knife Japanese G3 Steel Nashiji Finish

SIZE & SPECS

Weight: 4.8 oz / 135g
Blade Length: 6.5” / 16.5 cm
Blade Width 3 mm
Handle Length: 5” / 13 cm
Total Length: 12.6” / 32 cm
Material: Japanese Sakura Wood + G3 Steel
100% Made in Japan

SANTOKU – WHO’S IT FOR?
NATUR 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.  The extra width of the blade means it is exceptional at peeling vegetables like carrots and daikon or fruit like apples and pears.

WHY JAPANESE ARTISAN FORGING IS BETTER

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 Tosa, Japan offers a superior blend of tradition and modern knife making than those made elsewhere.  Using a technique called mai-kozuchi or dancing hammering to stretch, bend, yield and spread the hot blade improves its both cutting performance and blade sharpeness once complete. Under a microscope this evenness of spread can be verified. Factory made knives cannot compete with this even if the steel is the same. G3 steel is a breakthrough in metallurgy that combines the performance of high-carbon steel with the convenience of a semi-stainless steel.  Simply dry after use and it won’t rust.  No need to oil blades. G3 steel is easy to sharpen and holds it edge better than stainless steels.  Similar in performance to shirogami #2 but without the high maintenance so you can enjoy cooking more.

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 decades.  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.

SAKURA HANDLES

We created these as mono-handles so the pure beauty of the Sakura wood shines through.   Sakura is considered a high-end wood in Japan used for musical instruments & furniture.  Sakura is iconically associated witht the Spring sakura blossom festivals.  The texture is dense and smooth. The wood surface is finished beautifully with traditional Japanese polishing techniques.  Sakura wood is resistant to cracking and is less likely to warp or be deformed thanks to its tough viscoelasticity. A high oil content and resin sealed handle resists water.

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 sakura forest in is managed carefully to avoid overharvesting because it is considered to be such a valuable source of the wood.  Today responsible forest stewardship is an important element of sustainable growth and Kikusumi sakura handles fulfill this goal of using resources responsibly.

FINE DETAILS

Each Sakura octagonal mono-handle is finished with a tradtional yakking (burned) logo just like it was done back in the Edo period.  Blades receive 3 beautiful kanji engravings that express its orgins.  菊 炭 KIKUSUMI   銀三 G3  土佐TOSA