Kurouchi Santoku Knife 180mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith displayed diagonally on grey background

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

Hand holding Kurouchi Santoku Knife 180mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith on grey background

Toshio Nakamura hammering a handcrafted Japanese knife in his workshop

Closeup on tip of Kurouchi Santoku Knife 180mm 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 handle of Kurouchi Santoku Knife 180mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith on grey background

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

Closeup on engraving on Kurouchi Santoku Knife 180mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith on grey background

Kurouchi Santoku Knife 180mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith displayed horizontally on grey background

Closeup on engraved blade of Kurouchi Santoku Knife 180mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith displayed diagonally on grey background

Closeup on reverse side of Kurouchi Santoku Knife 180mm crafted by Nakamura Blacksmith displayed diagonally on grey background

Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 180mm

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

Description

The Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 180mm 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 180mm blade is handy for cutting everything from meat to fish to 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	320-330mm
Blade Length	180mm	Weight	100g (normal) 135g (thick)
Spine Thickness at Heel	2,2mm (normal) 2.7 (thick)	Usage	Multipurpose
Edge	Double-edge (50/50)	Origin	Miyazaki, Japan
Handedness	Right hand, Left hand

Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 180mm

Name: Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 180mm
Rating: 4.68 (28 reviews)

by Nakamura Blacksmith

$152.99 - $152.99

$152.99

$152.99 - $152.99

$152.99

Quantity

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	320-330mm
Blade Length	180mm	Weight	100g (normal) 135g (thick)
Spine Thickness at Heel	2,2mm (normal) 2.7 (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	320-330mm
Blade Length	180mm	Weight	100g (normal) 135g (thick)
Spine Thickness at Heel	2,2mm (normal) 2.7 (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 Nakamura Blacksmith.
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 +1.8 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.

KnifeDeliveryHandPurchaseBlacksmithDhlEye‐catcherImpressionPackagePresentation

5 stars: 25 (89%)
4 stars: 1 (4%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 2 (7%)

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Very nice workhorse

Very nice knife. I took the thin blade. The knife therefore is very light and handy. You kann feel the the dozen years of knowledge that went into this knife. It's meant as workhorse and not as collectors knife.

Hi Patrick, thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you appreciate the craftsmanship and the lightweight feel of the Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku. It truly is built for daily use and seasoned with years of expertise. Enjoy your new workhorse in the kitchen!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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Bought as a gift and so far he’s very happy,

Bought as a gift and so far he’s very happy, super sharp. What amazed me was the time it took to freight it to us, super fast.

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Another fantastic knife

Another fantastic knife..These will last a lifetime if looked after

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Beautiful knife

Thank you. It is a beautiful knife. The presentation and packaging are exceptional. I look forward to the next purchase.

Hi Zoltan, thank you for your review and for supporting Nakamura Blacksmith with your purchase! We're thrilled you love the knife and appreciate the presentation. We look forward to assisting you with your next purchase!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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My best knife ever

The best knife I've ever had! It is super sharp, and stays sharp for ages. It cuts clean and true. Thanks a lot.
(Just a note for other European buyers – Belgian customs stung me for an additional 53,70€.)

Hi Simon,

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear that you love your Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku. We hope it continues to serve you well in the kitchen. Thank you also for the customs information - this is helpful information for future customers!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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Not Sharp

My knife was not sharpened. It's the dullest knife I own.

Hi Jim, we're sorry to hear about your experience. We sent you an email regarding your issue with your knife. If you did not receive an email from our customer support team, please contact us again so we can help make this right for you. We truly want you to enjoy your knife, so we look forward to hearing from you!
Greetings from Japan, The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

The only word that comes into mind is WOW. I own quite a few Japanese knives, but Nakamura Blacksmith's knife is very different from many aspects.
The parcel I received was very well packed, well thought so special thanks for that! It felt like opening a gift as a child.
I opted for the thick blade, it's still really light weight, still thinner than most of my knives, but it's just beautifully perfect. At first glance, it's clearly visible this knife made by people, not relying on mass manufacturing, on places the hammering is visible, that's makes it a real beauty. The Shirogami n2 steel does it's job and it's instantly started to build up a nice patina as I started to use it to work.
I wish I found Japanese Food Craftsman Shop a lot earlier.
From every aspect, my experience is superb. Excellent customer service, and excellent knife.
Many thanks again!

Die Verarbeitung ( aussehen) der Klinge könnte bessersein. Ansonsten ein sehr gutes Messer.
Vielen Dank.

Lieber Adam Dec,
vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung und dafür, dass Sie Nakamura Blacksmith mit Ihrer Bestellung unterstützt haben! Wir bedanken uns auch für Ihr Feedback – wir werden es auf jeden Fall an den Handwerker weiterleiten.
Viele Grüße aus Japan,
das Team von Japanese Food Craftsman

True artisan craftsmanship

Just purchased a 180mm santoku.
I want to thank the Japanese Food Craftsman team, personally Kei-san, and, of course, master Nakamura-san.
The knife feels perfectly balanced, incredibly light, and has a beautifully raw, traditional look with a touch of rugged brutality. It feels like more than just a tool — it’s a piece of living history.
I’ve already coated the handle with linseed oil and sealed the gap between the bolster and the knife tang with a mixture of beeswax and linseed oil.
I’m sure this artisan knife will serve for decades.
Thank you so much!

Hi Maxim Gusev, thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We're thrilled to hear you appreciate the craftsmanship and feel the knife is a piece of living history. Wishing you many wonderful years of use with your Nakamura santoku! Best regards, Japanese Food Craftsman Shop

Impressive Handmade Knife with Surprisingly Quick Shipping

I placed my order on a Sunday here in Germany, and just 10 days later I was already holding the knife in my hands. I was genuinely surprised by the fast delivery.

The knife itself is a true piece of craftsmanship. Visually, it’s a real eye‑catcher, and the first impression in hand is excellent: light, well‑balanced, and very comfortable to hold. Since it’s meant to be a gift, I can’t comment on long‑term durability or edge retention yet, but the initial quality feels outstanding.

For anyone interested: customs fees were €25.14 plus a €7.50 handling charge (Germany)

Overall, I’m very satisfied and happy to be gifting such a beautifully handcrafted item.

Hi elmofant, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you're pleased with your knife and the quick shipping. It's great to know it will make a special gift. We will be sure to send over the positive feedback to Nakamura Blacksmith! If you have any questions in the future, feel free to reach out. Greetings from Japan, The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Lovely knife , great blade and a pleasure to use .

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The knife arrived in perfect condition, and I'm very satisfied. My compliments to the craftsmen. I apologize for my language, but I'm Italian, and this is a Google translation. Best regards.

Dear Benito,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you're happy with it - we will let the craftsman know!! We hope it serves you well for years to come!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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kitchen knive

i'm very satisfied with and proud to own this knive!!!
also the delivery was exceptional, far better as with the austrian post!!
i was right to buy a knive at japanese food craftsman shop!!!

Dear Wolfgang Rosenlechner,

Thanks so much for the review, and happy to hear you are enjoying your knife!! We will let Nakamura Blacksmith know you are happy with your order, and we hope you'll have many chances to create delicious dishes with it.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

thick

wonderful knife

I love working with a knife that is both a tool and a work of art. This is both.

Love it. Don't love tariff and customs fees but that is NOT the fault of this fine company.

Timothy Durkin,

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your nice review! We are glad to hear that you are happy with your order and that you appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that go into each and every piece. We also thank you for your kind understanding regarding tariffs. We do hope this situation improves in the near future.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

thick

Excellent Quality Knife

We were very excited when we bought our hand made knife. Its a beautiful knife and razor sharp. It came neatly packaged and with a sharpening stone. Very happy with our purchase.

Dear Jai Smith,

Thanks so much for the review, and happy to hear you are enjoying your knife! We will let Nakamura Blacksmith know you are happy with your order, and we hope you'll have many chances to create delicious dishes with it.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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Hello!I haven’t received my order. DHL send me an email they said I have to paid 38.22 so they can deliver my order
I did, I paid and still haven’t received my order

Dear Ronald,

We are so sorry to hear that your package has not reached you yet. Please email us at japanesefoodcraftsmanshop@gmail.com with your full name and order number. We can inquire with DHL on our end about what happened and where your package is. We are so sorry for the inconvenience caused - DHL is usually very fast and reliable. We look forward to your email so we can help get this issue resolved. Thank you!

The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 180mm

Dear Wesley Schubert,

Thank you so much for your positive review and for supporting Japanese craftsmen!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Acheter comme cadeau pour mon fils. Il adore son noyveau couteau!

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Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 180mm

I am very proud to own one of these knives, owning a hand made knife of this quality has been on my wishlist for several years. There was a small wait for the knife to arrive but I totally expect hand made quality to take time. Good things come to those who wait.
The knife is beautifully made, handles wonderfully and it was put to work straight away after delivery. I hope Mr. Nakamura doesn't mind that I removed the sticker on the handle.
I would have liked the knife to have been sharper on delivery, however I have seen the video on how to sharpen my knife I just hope I don't make it worse doing so.
I would encourage anyone who wants a handmade knife to buy one of these.
Very, very happy customer.
Thank you.

Dear Ben,

Thanks so much for your review and for supporting Mr. Nakamura and his work. I'm sure he will be happy to hear that you are enjoying the product of his hard work - sticker or no sticker.
We are sorry it wasn't quite sharp enough upon arrival - because each knife is handcrafted there may be some variation in each individual piece. But you can sharpen it using the sharpening stone following the instructions in the video wthout any problems.
Thank you once again for your kind words and for supporting Japanese craftsmen.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

thick

Very good. Very satisfied.

I received the knife safely and quite timely. I really love this knife. It is so well made. And it also was an honor to have a knife from such a fine craftsman. The blacksmith and his family was so likable. I seen their video online. I’ve used this knife in the kitchen and it performed perfectly. I must order another. Thank you!!

Dear Robert Racalla,

Thank you for your review and for supporting local Japanese craftsmen! We are very glad to hear that you are pleased with your purchase! We hope you enjoy cooking with it for years to come.

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

Super couteau d'une excellente qualité, superbe compagnie japonaise qui nous fait découvrir de beau produit fabriquer par des artisants.

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Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 180mm

Dear Roger Lundberg,

Thank you for your purchase and for your review! We hope you enjoy your knife!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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Great Knife

Excellent knife!

Dear James,

Many thanks for your purchase and for your review! We hope you enjoy your knife!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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All is perfect

All is ok. Nice knive et package is ok.

Dear Olivier C,

Many thanks for your purchase and review, and for supporting Japanese craftsmen and their hard work!

Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team

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Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 180mm

Thank you so much for your purchase and for your review!

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Description

Nakamura Blacksmith Kurouchi Santoku 180mm

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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