Kurouchi Santoku Knife 165mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith displayed diagonally on grey background

Toshio Nakamura smiling while holding a handcrafted Japanese kitchen knife in his workshop

Kurouchi Santoku Knife 165mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith in box with sharpening stone and sticker

Toshio Nakamura hammering a handcrafted Japanese knife in his workshop

Hand holding Kurouchi Santoku Knife 165mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith on grey background

Nakamura Blacksmith master craftsman, Toshio Nakamura, inside the workshop full o machines and metal pieces examining a blade

Closeup on tip of Kurouchi Santoku Knife 165mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith displayed diagonally on grey background

Toshio Nakamura's son and apprentice inside Nakamura Blacksmith's workshop polishing a metal knife blade.

Closeup on handle of Kurouchi Santoku Knife 165mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith on grey background

Closeup on engraving on Kurouchi Santoku Knife 165mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith on grey background

Kurouchi Santoku Knife 165mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith displayed horizontally on grey background

Closeup on blade of Kurouchi Santoku Knife 165mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith displayed diagonally on grey background

Nakamura Blacksmith's Toshio Nakamura master artisan inside his machine and metal pieces workshop hammering a knife blade

Description

The Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 165mm 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: 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	Shirogami No2	Handle Material	Japanese Magnolia Wood
Blade HRC	60-62	Handle Shape	Oval
Blade Finish	Kurouchi	Total Length	310mm
Blade Length	165mm	Weight	80g
Spine Thickness at Heel	2mm	Usage	Multipurpose
Edge	Double-edge (50/50)	Origin	Miyazaki, Japan
Handedness	Right hand, Left hand

Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 165mm

Name: Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 165mm
Rating: 4.79 (19 reviews)

by Nakamura Blacksmith

$141.99 - $141.99

$141.99

$141.99 - $141.99

$141.99

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.

Free Whetstone

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

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

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	310mm
Blade Length	165mm	Weight	80g
Spine Thickness at Heel	2mm	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	310mm
Blade Length	165mm	Weight	80g
Spine Thickness at Heel	2mm	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

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 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 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. 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.

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.

KnifeBladeCraftsmanshipKitchen knifeKnivesThanksCharmDeliveryEdgePrice

5 stars: 16 (84%)
4 stars: 2 (11%)
3 stars: 1 (5%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

That was amazing but

I received my knife, but the tip of the knife was bending

Dear Anders Mogensen,

Thank you for your purchase and for your review! Thank you also for your feedback - 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. 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. For example, it is important to remember that these knives are strong against vertical impact, but weak against horizontal force, so take care to protect it from horizontal impact. 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

Great knife - quick freight

We ordered a Nakamura Blacksmith 165mm Santoku because we found the blacksmith endearing and I found his technique interesting. Forming a blade so quickly and thinly with so few strokes with a big electric hammer i had never seen before.

The knife arrived in less than two weeks from Japan to Sweden.

I was afraid it would be some drop shipping scam because the price was reasonable, even low for a handcrafted knife. But the knife arrived absolutely hand made. Roughly finished both in handle and blade. The blade is very thin and the sharpening was fine. It would not shave but ten strokes on a ceramic honing rod and it could. The blade is extremely thin and was slightly bent but i could straighten it by hand. The handle is coaraely finished and I was going to sand it but the rough texture fits the roughness of the blade so I left it to get polished from use.

As a vegetable cutting knife it is fantastic. A joy to use and a joy to look at. I have more expensive machine made blades but this one has a charm and soul they lack. The blade is thin enough that the blade deflects some when cutting onion. It is not suitable for heavy tasks but a beautiful slicer. The balance of the knife is good.

The stone that comes with it is medium coarse. Appears to be hard wearing and natural. I have sharpened another carbon steel blade on it to try it out and between the stone and a leather strop with diamond compound it got scary sharp.

This combined youtube channel and store is a great idea and I hope both the craftsmen and middlemen make a good living from it.

Dear Emil Eriksson,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your detailed review. We are glad to hear that you are happy with your order and are finding good use for it. Nakamura Blacksmith will be pleased to hear that you appreciate their hard work. It is our mission to help preserve traditional Japanese crafts which have been passed down for generations, and we really appreciate support from customers like you. Thanks again.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

great looking sharp knife full of rustic charm

great looking sharp knife full of rustic charm and beauty!! it so much represents the excellent craftsmanship of the Japanese artisans!! Wonderful buy!! will buy other knives from this store again!!!!!

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into Nakamura Blacksmith's traditional handcrafted knives. Looking forward to serving you again soon!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

The knife is just as advertised and really light

The knife is just as advertised and really light. I love it so far. Also kudos to customer service for promptly answering my questions about a US Post Office problem with delivery. Thanks!

Hi Richard, we're thrilled to hear you love the Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku! Thank you for your kind words and appreciation for our customer service. We’re here anytime you need us.
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Great knife for it's price

Great knife for it's price. Good health to the creator and thanks for the good delivery service to Ukraine

Hi Rostyslav, thank you for your kind words! We're glad you're happy with the Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku and our delivery service. Enjoy your new knife, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

I love my knife!

At first, I was disappointed by the thinness of the blade, but after watching your videos, I began to understand the reason for the comment... And it's true, the edge is phenomenal and it's very easy to sharpen. Thank you to this remarkable craftsman! I am therefore very happy.

Dear Cyril,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with the knife in the end. This knife is certainly thinner than knives many customers are used to - but they are designed this way on purpose to be easy and practical to use. We are glad you find this to be the case! We hope it lasts you for years to come.

Greetings from Japan,
Kei

Amazed by the quality

This was my first ever order with yourselves, I was very impressed with the delivery time, but more importantly I love the quality of the knife, especially the sharpness and the blacksmith look to it, compared to the highly polished types.
In my case money was a massive reason why I went for this knife, but now I have one I am saving up to get more from the same producer.

Dear Mr Simon Giles,

Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen! We are relieved to hear that the item arrived promptly and without issue, and that you are satisfied with your knife. We hope it will serve you well for years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

My favorite knife

I have several knives Bob Kramer, Henkel I’m professional Chef for over 40 years best knife I’ve ever used I shall purchase more

Dear Alfred Katopodis,

Thank you so much for your review and for supporting Nakamura Blacksmith with your purchase! We are thrilled to hear that you are satisfied with your knife, and will be sure to send your feedback over to the craftsman.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Great knives

This is a great knife. I have 40 plus kitchen knives and i keep going back to the small to medium hand made. I choose to support the small craftsmen. They are keepers of our heritage. Even if I am only half Japanese it is part of my heritage. Thank you for honoring this.

Dear Roy,
Thanks so much for the review, and we are happy to hear you are enjoying your knife and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into these traditional blades! We will let Nakamura Blacksmith know you are happy with your order.
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 165mm

Dear John Kaplanis,

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

Greetings from Japan,
Kei

Excellent knife!

I ordered a knife and it arrived promptly. It is 100% my new favorite kitchen knife.

Dear Mark Lowry,

Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Nakamura Blacksmith! We hope you will continue to enjoy using it for years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Perfect Knife

The knife is beautiful, perfectly sharp and with a great shape and blade thinness.

Gilles,

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

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 165mm review

The transaction was smooth. Shipment and delivery were fast. The knife itself seems very flimsy and I can bend the knife with two fingers like a tin. I don't know if the one I received was an exception or not as there is nothing to compare against. The blade edge and the kiriba is all bent so I won't be able to use a sharpening stone on kiriba area. So I use tagane and hammered for about half an hour to somewhat straighten so that I can use the sharpening stone. On the mine (spine) side the thickness is quite uneven due to mechanical hammering during the manufacturing process so will not be able to tell if the knife blade is straight or not especially towards the tip which is tapered. The tip was sort of tsuru kubi due to a slight dimple about one inch from the tip. Unless the knife I received was a defective one, I will not recommend. I've been using this knife for about 10 days and it keeps its sharpness but I have to keep bending the blade to make it straight.

Dear George Nishimura,

Thank you for your purchase and for your review! Thank you also for your feedback - thin knives handcrafted 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. Your knife nevertheless should have a strong core and be strong against vertical impact (although, as you have noticed, weak against horizontal force). Some unevenness and irregularity is to be expected in handmade items, but we will certainly forward your feedback on to the smithy, in case this is an area that can be further improved. Thank you once again for supporting Japanese craftsmen.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Expertly crafted and razor sharp.

This is my first Japanese kitchen knife that is handmade, and I instantly wanted one after seeing the forge videos on YouTube. It is a great concept to allow customers to see the work that goes into the product they buy. The blade of this knife is very thin, the knife is very light, and the balance point is perfect. Test cuts with this knife are like nothing I have ever experienced. I don't know if mine has an imperfection as I have no comparison, but I thought the handle profile was round, but mine is shaped like a sideways teardrop for 3/4 of the handle closest to the blade(and so is the metal cap). However, I am right handed, and the "tail" of the teardrop shape fits right in the bends of my fingers when I hold it, so if it was a mistake, it worked out perfect! Handcrafted items are always unique, so I don't consider it a defect. I appreciate the work bladesmith put into this knife and I look forward to many years of use. I attempted to upload photos with my review, but the upload in the review link was not working.

Dear M. Riley,
Thank you so much for your purchase and for your review! We are so happy to hear that you are happy with your knife - that it is sharp and easy to use! Regarding the shape of the handle, without a picture it is difficult to say whether the shape is the intended shape or not, but as you mentioned, all handmade items do have some degree of variation. That's what makes them uniquely special! So as long as it is easy for you to use, I would say that this is a unique piece fit just for you!! If you have any problems using it going forward, please do get in touch and we will see how we can help. Thank you for letting us know about the photo upload link - if it does not work for other customers as well we will look into it from our end! Thank you!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Beautiful craftsmanship!

I received my order in record speed. The Japanese Post is amazing. The knife is such a beautiful piece. Its razor sharp!

I love the videos guys!

Thanks!

Dear Anthony Henderson,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your kind review! We are pleased to hear that you are happy with your knife, and hope it serves you well for years to come! Of course, we are also glad to hear you are enjoying the videos. Stay tuned for more to come!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Super sharp

Superb handcrafted knife from Mr Nakamura. It is very light, super sharp and I can’t wait to use it for cooking. Happy to have been able to buy directly from Japanese artisans whose know-how is no longer to be proven.
kind regards from France.
Djaniv

Dear Jean-Yves,

Thank you for your purchase and for your review! We are glad to hear that you are pleased with the knife! We hope you enjoy cooking with it for years to come.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Fantastic Knife!

Ordered from Germany. It's fantastic!

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

Great kitchen knife

Love the knife and craftsmanship. Only needed a quick touch up on the edge to be super sharp. Love it

Dear Timothy Bradshaw,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with it! Above all, thank you for supporting Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Absolutely worth the wait.

While the blade is much thinner than I was expecting, for what I paid for the knife it is very beautiful. It came with a REALLY COOL sharpening stone! And just sharpening the knife, which was already pretty sharp, is therapeutic! You get what you pay for and with this knife I am very pleased. Another great knife that I will use and own for the rest of my life. Would absolutely recommend.

Dear Dwayne Koblitz,

Thank you so much for your review and for your patience as the craftsman worked on your order. We are thrilled to hear that you are happy with your knife, and Nakamura Blacksmith will be happy to hear so, too! We hope you enjoy it for years to come.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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Description

Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 165mm

Shipping Policy

Return Policy

About this artisan

Nakamura Blacksmith

Watch Nakamura Blacksmith hand-forge traditional knives

Why buy from us?

Frequently Asked Questions

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