Minomo Blacksmith Santoku Knife 165mm
Custom engraved knives may take several months to ship.
The Minomo Blacksmith Santoku Knife 165mm is crafted by Minomo Blacksmith in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, where three generations of blacksmiths preserve blade making techniques passed down since 1796. Each knife is individually forged, hammered, heat-treated, hardened and hand-honed from Aogami No.2 steel, known for excellent edge retention and superior sharpness.
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 |
Magnolia Wood |
| Blade HRC | 61-63 | Handle Shape |
Oval |
| Blade Finish | Kurouchi | Total Length | 305mm |
| Blade Length | 165mm | Weight | 120g |
| Spine Thickness at Heel | 2.3mm | Usage |
Multi-purpose |
| Edge | Double-edge (50/50) | Origin |
Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, 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 is recommended by the manufacturer.
- 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.
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: Beginning August 26, 2025, customers have reported anywhere from 20% to 80% import taxes due to changes in tariffs regulations.
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.
AS FEATURED ON YOUTUBE
Minomo Blacksmith: Three Generations Upholding 200 Years of Craft in Kumamoto
MEET THE FAMILY OF CRAFTSMEN BEHIND MINOMO BLACKSMITH
Nestled in the quiet mountain town of Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto, Minomo Blacksmith has shaped iron into tools of precision for over two centuries.
The forge, active since the late 1700s, continues today as a rare example of multigenerational blacksmithing, where three generations work side by side to preserve the craft. Despite floods, fires, and changing times, their workshop endures, driven by family, legacy, and a relentless commitment to quality.
The 8th-generation patriarch Yutaka still comes to the forge regularly, even at age 89. He is joined by his son Minoru (9th generation) and grandson Isamu (10th generation), who each bring different experiences but a shared respect for the work.
Minoru initially resisted passing the forge down, knowing how unstable a craftsman’s life could be. But when his son asked to work together while his grandfather was still strong, the answer became clear: keep the forge burning, together.
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 Minomo Blacksmith knives dishwasher safe?
No, Minomo Blacksmith 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 Minomo Blacksmith 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 Minomo Blacksmith knife rust?
Minomo Blacksmith 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). US customers please see our Important Notice for US Customers.
How do you sharpen a Minomo Blacksmith knife?
Check out the video below for more information on how Minomo Blacksmith artisans sharpen their baldes with a sharpening stone, and how to store it safely.