Shibata Koutetsu Chromax Santoku 165mm

The Shibata Koutetsu Chromax line is hand-forged in Takefu, Japan. Each knife is crafted from Chromax steel. Chromax is similar to R2 powdered steel, with excellent edge retention but with a slightly tougher feel. This line feature stainless cladding with textured sides to allow for better food release and are hand sharpened by master craftsman Takayuki Shibata.

The fit and finish on these knives is of the same top of the line caliber as the SG2 Koutetsu knives. They are finished with octagonal rosewood handles.

Why we love them: Shibata knives are super lightweight, true lasers that need to used to believe their performance.  Chromax steel is super responsive to sharpening making for easy maintenance.

About this shape

Santoku, which means ‘three virtues’ in Japanese, is an all-purpose knife with a taller blade profile than a gyutou. Its three virtues are the knife’s ability to cut fish, meat and vegetables. Santoku have a flatter ‘belly’ than gyutou and can be used comfortably with an up and down chopping motion rather than a ‘rocking’ type cut.