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FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING FROM JAPAN
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Nigara Hamono VG-XEOS Santoku Knife 185mm

Original price $417.99 - Original price $417.99
Original price
$417.99
$417.99 - $417.99
Current price $417.99

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Made in Japan

All products are crafted by real Japanese craftsmen with years of experience, as featured in our +1.8 million-subscriber YouTube Channel documentaries.

The Nigara Hamono VG-XEOS Santoku Knife 185mm a kitchen knife crafted by Nigara Hamono, a renowned Japanese knife manufacturer with over 350 years of blacksmithing tradition who especially focuses on the sharpness Japanese knives are known for.

The knife has an octagonal Natural Wood handle and the blade features an elegant Damascus finish with kasumi-inspired pattern and the signature of the smithy.

About the Blade Shape: A well-balanced, all-purpose kitchen knife, santoku knives are designed for versatility across meat, fish, and vegetables. The moderately flat edge supports efficient chopping and slicing, while the compact blade length offers excellent control for everyday prep. Typically double-edged and measuring between 165mm and 180mm, the santoku is a reliable choice for both home cooks and professional kitchens.

Blade Shape Santoku Handle Length 185mm
Blade Material VG-XEOS Stainless Steel Handle Material Natural Wood
Blade HRC 61-62 Handle Shape Octagonal
Blade Finish Damascus Total Length 315mm
Blade Length 185mm Weight 170g
Spine Thickness at Heel 2.2mm
Usage Multipurpose
Edge Double-edge (50/50) Origin Aomori, Japan
Handedness Right hand, Left hand

Specifications
Blade Shape Santoku Handle Length 185mm
Blade Material VG-XEOS Stainless Steel Handle Material Natural Wood
Blade HRC 61-62 Handle Shape Octagonal
Blade Finish Damascus Total Length 315mm
Blade Length 185mm Weight 170g
Spine Thickness at Heel 2.2mm
Usage Multipurpose
Edge Double-edge (50/50) Origin Aomori, Japan
Handedness Right hand, Left hand

Product Care Instructions

HOW TO USE?

  • Only cut food you can bite and chew with this knife since hard foods can chip the blade. Do not cut olive pits, bones, lobster shells, wood pieces or frozen food, which are especially bad  due to the cold making hard steel more brittle.
  • Do not use the knife in twisting motions.
  • Use wood or plastic cutting boards to avoid dull knives. Do not use glass,  granite or bamboo surfaces.

HOW TO CLEAN?

  • After each use, hand wash the knife with mild detergent and a soft sponge, rinse with hot water and dry by hand immediately. Do not use the dishwasher.
  • Wood handles may dry out over time and exposure to water. To prevent this, use some food safe mineral oil or beeswax.  

HOW TO STORE?

  • Wrap the blade in newspaper to reduce direct exposure to the air and prevent rusting if you keep knives in a drawer or travel case
  • If you are hanging the knife or using a knife stand, remember that the blade should point downwards.
  • If you are storing them in a drawer, keep the edge from touching anything else.
Shipping + Return Policy
Shipping Policy

All products are crafted, inspected, and shipped directly from Japan.

Please allow up to 5 business days for order processing before dispatch.

Click here for more info on our shipping policy.


Return Policy

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

Click here for more info on our return policy.

Customs Fees & Other Taxes

Import duties, VAT, or local customs taxes may apply once your order reaches your country.

These are set by your local customs authority and are not included in our product prices or free shipping. We suggest contacting the responsible institutions to find more information.

These fees are the customer's responsibility and thus must be paid upon delivery.

FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS: As of May 8, 2026, all U.S. orders are shipped DDP (Delivered Duties Paid). Customs duties and import taxes are included for US customers in the final price shown at checkout.

EU GPSR & Safety Information

Manufacturer Information:

  • Company Name: Nigara Forging Co., Ltd.
  • Address: Aomori, Hirosaki, Kinzokuchō, 4−1

EU Responsible Person:

  • Company Name: TerrainQ Solutions UG
  • Address: Franz-Ehrlich-Straße 12 12489 Berlin, Germany
  • Phone: +4917643242825
  • Email: info@cert-rep.com

Product Information:

  • Product Type: Japanese Kitchen Knife
  • Intended Use: Food preparation and kitchen use only
  • Country of Origin: Japan

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Extremely sharp blade. Handle with care. Keep out of reach of children at all times. Do not use if the blade is chipped or the handle is cracked or loose. Inspect before use. Hand wash only — do not place in dishwasher. Use only on appropriate cutting surfaces. When sharpening, place on a stable surface atop a damp mat or cloth to prevent slippage and resulting injury during sharpening. Wash hands after sharpening.

About this artisan

Portrait of all members of Nigara Hamono

Nigara Hamono

In the castle town of Hirosaki, Aomori PrefectureNigara Hamono thrives as a workshop where seasoned masters and passionate young artisans work side by side.

Nigara Hamono boasts over 350 years of craftsmanship, dating all the way back to the Edo period when the family served as official swordsmiths to the Tsugaru clan. Under shogunate command, they even forged cannons — a rare legacy that evolved from weapons of war to instruments of art. Their mastery lives on in exceptional kitchen knives, shaped by centuries of forging expertise.

Honored with national recognition, including the Prime Minister’s Award for swordsmithing, their blades stand among Japan’s most revered, with works enshrined at Meiji Shrine and Ise Grand Shrine.

Today, under eighth-generation master Tsuyoshi Yoshizawa, Nigara creates knives that go beyond utility, uniting tradition with innovation.

Certified craftsmen meticulously forge and finish every piece by hand, with a commitment to inspire through quality and design while relentlessly pursuing ultimate sharpness and ease of use.

Learn more

Nigara Hamono: From official swordsmiths for the shogun to modern day kitchen knives

Nigara Hamono craftsman working in the workshop while sparks are flying when cutting the blade

Why buy from us?

Japanese Food Craftsman focus on introducing and supporting Japanese artisans, helping them continue their craft and preserve traditional culture for future generations.

When you purchase through us, your support goes to the maker behind the knifenot to mass production or anonymous distribution.

Through our global +1.8 million YouTube communitywe share the stories, techniques, and philosophy of these craftsmen with viewers around the world.

The knives we offer are selected through direct relationships and transparent storytelling, not catalogs. Choosing this knife means supporting real people, real skills, and craftsmanship meant to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nigara Hamono knives dishwasher safe?

No, Nigara Hamono knives should not be washed in the dishwasher due to their artisanal crafting process. To prevent damage to your knife and ensure it lasts you for years to come, please wash the knife by hand with a mild detergent and gentle sponge.

How should I care for my Nigara Hamono knife?

After each use, be sure to wash the knife by hand using a mild detergent and gentle sponge. Rinse clean and wipe with a soft dish towel until completely dry. Store in a dry place.

Will my Nigara Hamono knife rust?

Nigara Hamono knives are crafted using stainless steel, making them rust resistant and low maintenance when compared to carbon steel knives. However, rust can still occasionally form even on stainless steel knives, so be sure to dry your knife completely before putting it away and to store in a dry place to prevent rust from forming.

How much will shipping cost?

All prices include FREE international shipping. Please allow up to 5 weeks for shipping, depending on your country of residence. Please see our Shipping Policy for details.

Please note: Our products ship directly from Japan to you. You may be required to pay customs duties and/or customs clearance fees upon delivery (if applicable in your country).

FOR U.S. CUSTOMERSAs of May 8, 2026, all U.S. orders are shipped DDP (Delivered Duties Paid).Customs duties and import taxes are included for US customers in the final price shown at checkout.

How to sharpen your Inoguchi Hamono knife?

Check out the video below in order to know how to sharpen premium knives, such as Nigara Hamono, for better performance and long lasting duration.

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