OUL Blue #2 Nashiji Santoku // Walnut Handle // 170mm
The Santoku knife, meaning “three virtues,” is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife designed for slicing, dicing, and chopping meat, vegetables, and fish with ease. Its broad, short blade provides precision and efficiency, making it ideal for a wide range of cutting tasks in both professional and home kitchens.
This Santoku features a stainless-clad construction with an Aogami #2 (Blue #2) steel core, known for its excellent sharpness, edge retention, and ease of sharpening. A favorite among Japanese knife makers, Blue Paper Steel #2 offers a reliable balance of performance and workability.
The blade’s subtle nashiji (pear-skin) finish enhances food release while giving the knife a refined look. Paired with a Western-style walnut handle and an integrated bolster, this Santoku provides excellent balance, comfort, and precise, effortless cutting for everyday kitchen tasks.
Key Features:
-
Santoku 170mm (Three Virtues Knife) – Ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping vegetables, meat, and fish
-
Aogami #2 (Blue #2) Carbon Steel Core – Outstanding sharpness, edge retention, and easy sharpening
-
Rockwell Hardness: 62–63 HRC – High-performance cutting ability with excellent durability
-
San Mai Construction – Stainless-clad carbon steel core for balanced performance and easier maintenance
-
Stainless Nashiji (Pear Skin) Finish – Enhances food release while adding a refined traditional look
-
Blade Height: 47.75mm – Generous knuckle clearance for comfortable prep work
-
Blade Thickness: 4mm at Heel – Added strength and stability near the heel
-
Weight: 154.1g – Well-balanced feel for controlled, precise cutting
-
Western Walnut Handle with Integrated Bolster – Comfortable, familiar grip with excellent balance
-
Handcrafted in Sakai City, Osaka, Japan – Renowned center of traditional Japanese knife making
-
Brand: OUL – Modern craftsmanship rooted in Japanese tradition
Composition of Aogami #2 (Blue #2) Steel:
-
Carbon (C): 1.00–1.20% (Enhances hardness and edge retention)
-
Chromium (Cr): 0.20–0.50% (Increases wear resistance and toughness)
-
Tungsten (W): 1.00–1.50% (Adds strength and wear resistance)
-
Manganese (Mn): 0.20–0.30% (Improves hardness and grain structure)
-
Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.025% (Kept low to prevent brittleness)
-
Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.004% (Minimizes impurities for better toughness)
-
Silicon (Si): 0.10–0.20% (Enhances strength and durability)
Key Features of Blue #2 Steel:
-
High carbon content provides excellent sharpness and edge retention.
-
Tungsten and chromium improve wear resistance and toughness compared to White (Shirogami) steels.
-
Easier to sharpen than Blue #1 while still offering great durability.
-
Requires proper care as it is prone to rust due to high carbon content.
Aogami #2 is widely used in high-end Japanese kitchen knives, woodworking tools, and cutlery, prized for its balance of sharpness, durability, and ease of sharpening.
Recommended Uses:
-
Slicing vegetables with clean, smooth push cuts
-
Dicing onions, herbs, and root vegetables
-
Preparing boneless meats and poultry
-
Portioning fish and seafood
-
Everyday meal prep in home or professional kitchens
-
Ideal for cooks who prefer a slightly thicker, more powerful Santoku feel