Kyohei Shindo Kurouchi Santoku Knife 170mm
The Kyohei Shindo Kurouchi Santoku 170mm is a Japanese kitchen knife hand-forged by Kyohei Shindo, a first-generation blacksmith in the city of Kami, Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Featuring a timeless kurouchi finish and versatile double-edged blade forged from Aogami No. 2 carbon steel, this knife offers both exceptional sharpness and durability. Kyohei Shindo knives are crafted specifically for real, everyday use, delivering outstanding performance at a reasonable price point.
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 |
130mm |
| Blade Material | Aogami No.2 | Handle Material |
Walnut |
| Blade HRC | 64 | Handle Shape | Octagonal |
| Blade Finish | Kurouchi | Total Length |
310mm |
| Blade Length | 170mm | Weight |
113g |
| Spine Thickness at Heel | 2.3mm | Usage | Multi-purpose |
| Edge | Double-edge (50/50) | Origin | Kochi, Japan |
| Handedness | Right hand, Left hand |
- Amakusa Red Sharpening Stone (natural stone)
- Grit: #500-#800
- Size: 150 x 45 x 30mm*
- Weight: 525 gr*
*This is a natural stone that comes directly from a quarry, so the size and weight of each stone may slightly vary.
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 SHARPEN?
- Use the FREE WHETSONE included with the knife for sharpening. It recommended by the craftsman.
- Remember to sharpen both sides evenly as this is a double-bevel knife.
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.
We offer FREE SHIPPING for all orders. We also ship worldwide from our warehouse in Japan.
After your order is confirmed, it may take up to 3-5 business days for dispatch from our warehouse.
You'll receive:
- An order confirmation email when we check payment.
- A shipping confirmation email with a tracking number once your order has shipped.
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.
As featured on Youtube
KYOHEI SHINDO KNIVES: HOW A SELF-TAUGHT BLACKSMITH BECAME THE BEST UP-AND-COMING ARTISAN IN KOCHI
Meet the artisan behind Kyohei Shindo Knives
Kyohei Shindo did not grow up in a forge. Born in Hokkaido, he studied at university in Okinawa, then moved to Kochi Prefecture with one specific goal: to make kitchen knives not as objects to be displayed, but working tools.
There was an obstacle. The blacksmith trade around him had no apprenticeship system and no formal way to train a successor. Rather than give up, Shindo took a job with a Tosa cutlery wholesaler to stay close to the craft, and on his days off he borrowed a corner of a working blacksmith's shop and taught himself to forge following the advice of all of those around him. In 2019 he went independent under his own workshop name at the age of 31 years old.
Today he forges, grinds, and sharpens every blade himself in Kami, Kochi Prefecture. The geometry follows a simple logic: thicker at the heel for stability, thinning toward the tip for control.
Shindo designs by feel rather than by spec sheet, judging a knife by how cleanly it moves through food and how light it sits in the hand, not by numbers alone.
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 knife, not to mass production or anonymous distribution.
Through our global +1.5 million YouTube community, we 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 Kyohei Shindo knives dishwasher safe?
No, Kyohei Shindo knives should not be washed in the dishwasher. 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 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 Kyohei Shindo knife rust?
Kyohei Shindo knives are made of Aogami No.2 (Blue Steel #2), a type of carbon steel. Thus, they are prone to rust, so be sure to dry your knife completely before putting it away and to store in a dry place to prevent corrosion.
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. 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.