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Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 150mm

Original price $130.99 - Original price $130.99
Original price
$130.99
$130.99 - $130.99
Current price $130.99

Blade thickness: normal
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Made in Japan

All products are crafted by real Japanese craftsmen with years of experience, as featured in our +1.7 million-subscriber YouTube Channel documentaries.

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Free Whetstone

It includes a FREE Amakusa Red Whetstone for sharpening, as recommended by the artisan.

The Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 150mm is a hand-forged Japanese kitchen knife crafted by Toshio Nakamura, a master blacksmith who has been crafting traditional Japanese knives for close to 70 years. This handcrafted double-bevel knife is crafted from Shirogami (White) No. 2 Steel, a very traditional steel prized by blacksmiths and knife enthusiasts alike for its great edge retention and legendary sharpness.

The knife has a light Japanese magnolia wood handle, and the blade is engraved with the signature of the smithy.

About the Blade Shape: The santoku is a multi-purpose knife, and this 150mm blade is especially handy for cutting veggies. You can choose from a normal or thick blade. Thicker blades are more durable and suited for heavy-duty tasks, while thinner blades are better for precision cutting and slicing due to their ease of maneuverability.

Blade Shape Santoku Handle Length 130mm
Blade Material Shirogami No2  Handle Material Japanese Magnolia Wood
Blade HRC 60-62 Handle Shape Oval
Blade Finish Kurouchi Total Length 280mm
Blade Length 150mm Weight 65g (normal)
110g (thick)
Spine Thickness at Heel 1.5mm (normal)
2.5 (thick)
Usage Multipurpose
Edge Double-edge (50/50) Origin Miyazaki, Japan
Handedness Right hand, Left hand

Specifications
Blade Shape Santoku Handle Length 130mm
Blade Material Shirogami No2 Handle Material Japanese Magnolia Wood
Blade HRC 60-62 Handle Shape Oval
Blade Finish Kurouchi Total Length 280mm
Blade Length 150mm Weight 65g (normal)
110g (thick)
Spine Thickness at Heel 1.5mm (normal)
2.5 (thick)
Usage Multipurpose
Edge Double-edge (50/50) Origin Miyazaki, Japan
Handedness Right hand, Left hand

Free Whetstone Details
  • 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.

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 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.
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.

Please note: Made-to-order items, such as Bizen Osafune Swordsmith and Shirou Kunimitsu Tamahagane knives, as well as custom-engraved knives are non-refundable. All sales are final.

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: Nakamura Hamono Seisakusho
  • Address: 1053 Miyakojimacho, Miyakonojo, Miyazaki 885-0083

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 Nakamura Blacksmith main artisan holding a knife

Nakamura Blacksmith

Master blacksmith Toshio Nakamura has spent over 70 years perfecting the art of blade-making, crafting each of his knives with unmatched skill and dedication.

Unlike mass-produced blades, every knife here is forged by hand and carefully shaped, tempered, and polished for exceptional sharpness and durability. Farmers, chefs, and collectors alike trust Nakamura's custom work.

Now joined by his son, this smithy continues to blend traditional techniques with custom designs, making Japanese artisan knives that are practical and last for generations.

Whether you're looking for a custom Japanese knife, a durable tool for everyday use, or simply want to witness true craftsmanship in action, the Nakamura Smithy welcomes you.

Sharpness you can feel. Tradition you can trust.

Learn more

Watch Nakamura Blacksmith hand-forge traditional knives

Nakamura Blacksmith hammering a blade inside his workshop

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 +1.5 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 Nakamura Blacksmith knives dishwasher safe?

No, Nakamura Blacksmith 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 Nakamura Blacksmith knife rust?

Nakamura Blacksmith knives are made of Shirogami No.2 (White 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. 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 do I sharpen my Nakamura Blacksmith knife?

Caring for your Nakamura Blacksmith knife will make it last for decades. We recommend sharpening the blade following the instructions in the video below using your whetstone included FREE with your purchase.

KnifeKnivesCraftsmanshipDeliveryPriceFood preparationHandPurchaseStoryWeight
  • 5 stars: 22 (88%)
  • 4 stars: 1 (4%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 2 (8%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
A
Arne Örtenholm (Sweden)
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Knife

Nice item BUT it is a cut in edge of cut. Not ok!

Dear Arne Ortenholm,

We are terribly sorry for your negative experience. We take our customers' satisfaction seriously and would appreciate if you could reach out to us via email to see if we can reach a satisfactory solution for you. You can contact us at ​​japanesefoodcraftsmanshop@gmail.com

Thank you and once again we apologize for the inconvenience.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

C
Chin chia Hsu (Taiwan)
What a great Knife!!!

I initially discovered the stories behind these handcrafted knives through a YouTube program. After actually receiving them yesterday, I felt even more deeply that the process from raw materials to the finished knife embodies a wealth of technical expertise, craftsmanship, and dedication to forging! I hope that purchasing these knives will greatly support the knifemakers! I will definitely continue to buy from them in the future!

P
P.A.

Leggero e taglia il foglio di carta senza difficoltà.

K
Karen Vincent (United States)
normal
Terrific knife !

I love the way it cuts but I do wish it was easier to care for. Still, it really knocks out the work when dealing with a lot of chopping!

Karen Vincent,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your honest review! The main drawback of traditional Japanese carbon steel knives is that they require a bit more TLC than modern stainless steel knives. However, if you are someone who does a lot of cutting work in the kitchen, you may just find that the sharp edge and ease of use is well worth the extra care!

Thanks once again for supporting Japanese craftsmanship!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

P
Patrick (French Polynesia)
thick
Knives I love to use

I ordered a 150 mm santoku knife (crafted by Master Toshio Nakamura) and then a 165 mm curved bunka (handcrafted by Masters of Nakamura Hamono family). The 2 knives are both well balanced and great to use.
I also appreciate the sharpening stones that come with the knives.
Thank you all for your commitment !

Dear Patrick,

Thank you for your review and for supporting Nakamura Blacksmith wand Nakamura Hamono with your purchase! It is great to hear that you are pleased with both knives. We hope they and the sharpening stones serve you well for years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman team

R
Roy (United States)
normal
You get what you pay for.

You may pay a little more but you get quality. Something handmade with tradition deserves a little higher price. You get what toy pay for.

Dear Roy,

Thank you for your positive review and for supporting Japanese craftsmanship! We are so glad to her that you value the time and effort that go into each handmade piece. We hope your knife serves you well for years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

P
Przemyslaw Kawka
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Feedback on My Order

Yes, I have received my order safely, and I am very happy with it. The knife exceeded my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised by its weight — it is light, perfectly balanced, and feels very comfortable in the hand. I personally really enjoy working with this knife; it makes food preparation smooth and enjoyable.

As a small suggestion, it might be helpful to include a short guide on how to properly sharpen the knife on a whetstone so it can serve well for many years. I believe this would be especially valuable for customers who are new to traditional Japanese knives.

Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase and truly appreciate the craftsmanship.

Thank you again, and please share my appreciation with the team.

Dear Przemyslaw Kawka,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for supporting Nakamura Blacksmith! Thank you also for your positive review. We are so happy to hear that you are satisfied with and enjoy using your knife. Regarding your feedback, we do include a pamphlet about the craftsman with a QR code link to a instructional video on how to sharpen the knife with the included whetstone. We are terribly sorry if for some reason your item somehow shipped without it! We will be happy to send it to you via email in case it is of use to you! Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmanship!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

G
Gunnar Storheim (Norway)
normal

Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 150mm

Dear Gunnar Storheim,

Thank you for your positive review and for supporting Nakamura Blacksmith with your order! We hope you have many chances to make delicious dishes with your knife!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

R
Rodney

The “free” shipping costed almost as much as the knife and the knife just wasnt nice enough to be worth the effort.

Dear Rodney Neal,

Thank you for your honest review. We are so sorry to hear about your negative experience with US customs. While we do offer free shipping worldwide, customs duties are determined by customs officials in each country upon each delivery, and are therefore unfortunately very difficult for us to predict and therefore it is not something we can easily begin to include in our prices. We are doing our very best to make the new US customs regulations as clear as possible to customers, and we appreciate any feedback as to how we can make this even clearer and more transparent. Thank you once again for your support and for your honest feedback.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team.

J
Jaakko Puhakka (Finland)
normal
Hello

Keep in mind that the primary function of the knife I bought is to cut vegetables and herbs. This duty he performs first-class.

Dear Jaakko Puhakka,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with it!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

C
Customer Baruch (Israel)
normal
great

great knife !!!!!

Dear Customer Baruch,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with it!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

W
W.W.

Highly recommend this knife…..well balanced and razor sharp!

G
Gilles (France)
Impecable

Bonjour à toutes et tous j'ai bien reçu mon couteau Japonais très bien dans les délais livraison impeccable!( Pourriezvous me confirmer que la Pierre est bien une Pierre à eau?merci) Et à titre indicatif pour les prochains clients Français les droits de douane sont de 30€.

Cher Gilles,
Merci pour votre achat et pour votre avis positif ! Oui, la pierre à aiguiser fournie avec votre couteau s'utilise avec de l'eau. Si vous ne savez pas comment l'utiliser pour aiguiser votre couteau, veuillez regarder cette vidéo : https://youtu.be/t-OzjOaqMPM?si=p5MTuun3NcGVvVL-
N'hésitez pas à nous contacter si vous avez d'autres questions !
Salutations du Japon,
L'équipe Japanese Food Craftsman

W
Wilson (United States)
normal
nakamura santoku 150mm

After watching a YouTube video on the Nakamura foundry I decided to buy this chefs knife. It arrived safe and in a timely manner. It also came with a very nice Whetstone. It is extremely sharp. The only question that I have is regarding tempering. When staining the raw wood handle, I noticed a slight bend in the blade. In straightening the bend, I found that the whole blade bends very easily. As this is my first Japan forged Santoku, I am wondering whether this is normal? Perhaps a step was missed in the process? I have no other knives that are t his malleable. Please advise. I will give a 5 star rating based on everything else.

Dear Wilson,

Thank you for your purchase and for your positive review! As we mentioned via email, thin knives made from soft iron in this price range (so on the less expensive side of the spectrum) tend to have blades that are thin and easily bendable, so this is completely normal. The knife nevertheless has a strong steel core (white steel Shirogami #2).

Traditional handcrafted Japanese kitchen knives will certainly be very different from the commercial stainless steel knives many of us are used to, and require a little bit of TLC and time to get used to. So please do feel free to contact us again should you have any questions about how to properly care for/use your knife!

Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen!
Greetings from Japan, The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

K
Kenneth Chang
Nakamura Knife

I'm so happy with the knife from Nakamura san!!! Easy to order and fast delivery! Highly recommend!

Dear Kenneth Chang,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with it!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

S
Scott Sablan (United States)
normal

Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 150mm

Dear Scott Sablan,

Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Nakamura Blacksmith!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

S
Steffen Bloetner (United States)
thick
My best knife

Received this beautifully handcrafted knife and I love it.

Dear Steffen Bloetner,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad you are happy wih your knife and hope you have many chances to create delicious dishes with it! And of course, thank you for supporting Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

K
Ken Ostermeier (United States)
normal

Great knife

Dear Ken Ostermeier,

Thank you so much for your review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen! We hope it serves you well for years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

R
R Cline (United States)
Santoku 150mm

Wonderful handmade knife, very light, easy to handle and quite sharp, amazingly fast delivery, ordered 6/13 delivered 6/23/25. It has already become my favorite knife. I will be ordering more for myself and family. I also want to thank Japanese Food Craftsman for their YouTube channel allowing the world to see the process of making these fine blades, and more importantly the skilled smiths who craft them. Praying blessings and continued success for the channel and the craftsmen and women who create such useful and beautiful works of art.
R Cline KY USA

Dear R Cline,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your review. We are always so happy to hear that customers appreciate the hard work and tradition that goes into our craftsmen's products. We are also glad to hear that you are enjoying our YouTube channel! Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen and women!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

G
Gerard (New Zealand)
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Prompt and at a good price

I take great pleasure in supporting a craftsman directly, and I am very pleased with the life. I feel it has a life of its own

Dear Gerard,

Thanks so much for your review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen. We and Nakamura Blacksmith appreciate your support and hope you will enjoy your knife for years to come.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

g
gary mcbride (United States)
thick
Love the Knife and the story that goes with it

This Knife is enjoyable to use and knowing the passion that went into creating it is just as important to me. This was order #1970

I do have questions about 2 more orders that I have yet to have info on when they will arrive here. these are orders #1973 and #1977 thx

Dear Gary Mcbride,

Thank you for your review and for your purchase! The craftsmen are currently working on your remaining orders and we will be in touch as soon as they are ready for you. We do apologize for the delay. Thank you for your understanding and for supporting Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

D
David (United States)
thick
A knife from my friend in Japan.

That’s what it feels like. I look at my knife holder and see three carbon steel knives…all very easily honed and razor sharp. Nicely balanced. Well mannered on the playground. And they do like to play…being an excellent size. Instead of the sticker on the handle they should sign their name right on that bright wood handle with a “woodburning” tool. That would be awesome…like my friends over there made it just for me.

Dear David,

Thanks so much for the review, and we are happy to hear you are enjoying your knife! Thank you as well for your suggestion - we will be happy to let the blacksmith know! We appreciate your support for local Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

s
steve woods (United States)
normal
Best knives for my kitchen

I’ve seen them on YouTube and love the show .
I’ve ordered two different knives from two makers.
I make knives here in the USA but the style I don’t make is what came.
Yes they came on time from Japan.
The tracking was awesome .
They let me know when they shipped and to my delivery .
I will be watching out for more videos showing more makers and will order more.
Steve W USA

Dear Steve Woods,

Thank you so much for the review, and we are so glad to hear that you are happy with your knives. It is great to hear that as someone who makes knives themselves you are able to appreciate the differences in western and traditional Japanese knives. The craftsmen always appreciate your support in keeping their craft alive. We look forward to helping you again!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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