Online Sakai Takayuki Blue #2 Kurouchi Santoku

First Impressions

This is a simple knife -and we mean this as a compliment. It’s unfussy, has a good out of the box edge that you can easily refine further should you wish and pairs a classic handle and kurouchi blacksmith finish and in terms of grind and finish sits well in a competitive price bracket for many knife buyers.

Beauty

Classic looks for a kurouchi finished classic knife, the blue #2 core will darken over time as it develops a patina with use and the simple and unfussy walnut handle is a commonly used one on many Japanese knives.

It might be that this isn’t necessarily the first knife at the top of a beauty list but it’s about as traditional a construction and finish as you can get!

In Hand

It’s a little rough around the edges of the heel and spine but nothing we wouldn’t expect in this style and price bracket and not something that would hinder performance in any way. You may also notice a tendency on the last couple of mm on the edge by the heel to be a little rounded off instead of being a totally flat grind to the heel edge but again, it’s not something we feel would impact performance.

Durability

A solid heat treat and commonly used blue #2 core clad in soft iron means this is going to retain an edge well and will be quick and easy to sharpen as you use it.

Ease of Care

Just follow our carbon steel care tips and perhaps consider look at a buying acarbon steel care kitto maintain and sharpen your knife and it will be a breeze keeping it in great condition.

Our Verdict

Definitely a solid choice if you’re looking for a competitively priced carbon steel knife and you do have a good range of options in this category and price bracket.

While the finish is a little rougher around the edges than some knives in and around the price bracket it’s comparable to most and this is definitely a knife you don’t need to baby and can just enjoy the job of food prep!

If you’re looking for a traditional steel and kurouchi finish at a reasonable cost then it’s certainly one to consider.