Omoi Santoku Knife 180mm
The OMOI Santoku Knife 180mm is handcrafted from premium stainless steel at Nenohi Cutlery, a smithy based out of Tokyo and Kanagawa, and features a stunning stabilized wood handle.
This knife features a rust-resistant blade with a long-lasting, razor-sharp edge, hand-finished by skilled artisans to reduce friction and prevent food from sticking for effortless cutting. Paired with a stabilized wood handle—natural wood infused with resin—it offers enhanced beauty, moisture resistance, durability, and a warm, comfortable feel, making it easy to maintain, hygienic, and ideal for both professional and home kitchens.
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.
OMOI (想) collection knives from Nenohi Cutlery are available exclusively through Japanese Food Craftsman.
| Blade Shape | Santoku | Handle Length | 130mm |
| Blade Material | Stainless Steel | Handle Material |
Stabilized Wood |
| Blade HRC | 65+ | Handle Shape | Octagonal |
| Blade Finish | Damascus | Total Length | 330mm |
| Blade Length | 180mm | Weight | 160g |
| Spine Thickness at Heel | 2mm | Usage |
Multi-purpose |
| Edge | Double-edge (50/50) | Origin |
Kanagawa, Japan |
| Handedness | Right hand, Left hand |
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 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: Beginning August 26, 2025, customers have reported anywhere from 20% to 80% import taxes due to changes in tariffs regulations.
Ships in approx. 2 months
AS FEATURED ON YOUTUBE
Watch the Nenohi workshop on YouTube: “one work, one step forward” with coupon testing, steel specific heat treatment, 3D grinding, pinch set balance, and final hardness and geometry checks.
Nenohi × japanese-food-craftsman: First Collaboration
When Nenohi’s world-renowned knife-making expertise meets the craftsmanship of Japanese Food Craftsman, an extraordinary knife is born. Designed to bring the sharpness trusted by top chefs into your kitchen, this knife combines rust-resistant stainless steel with the precision of master artisans.
Its unique, hand-finished geometry reduces friction, minimises food sticking, and delivers a smooth, effortless cut, transforming every slice into an experience of precision and pleasure.
Maintenance is effortless: with just a few strokes of a roll sharpener, the blade’s exceptional edge is restored, ready to elevate your everyday cooking into something truly remarkable.
OVERVIEW
Nenohi was founded in 1975. The brand operates a retail shop in Tsukiji, Tokyo, with its headquarters, R&D, and factory in Kanagawa. The lineup spans traditional Japanese knives, hon-yaki and all‑steel builds, and Western styles.
The NENOX S stainless series is a signature line known for keen bite and everyday stability. Every knife is finished by specialists and checked for hardness and geometry to hold a consistent standard. Production is handmade in small lots, reportedly about ten pieces per day.
Nenohi supplies chefs in Japan and abroad, with dealers in markets such as the United States, the Netherlands, and Korea.
WHAT MAKES OUR SUSHI KNIVES SPECIAL
-
High durability
Proven stainless performance: Resin penetrates the wood fibres, increasing strength. Less prone to warping or cracking. -
Water and hygiene
Stabilized with resin, so it absorbs little moisture and resists mould and bacteria. Reliable even with wet hands. -
Appearance
Natural grain meets coloured or clear resin for depth and gloss. Each handle has a unique pattern. -
Low maintenance
Little to no oiling required. Texture and colour stay stable over time -
Weight and feel
Slightly heavier than plain wood, which gives a solid, balanced grip.
Proven stainless performance
Materials are sourced to spec and heat treated, then verified with coupon testing. Geometry is set and checked in 3D so edge line, thickness, and true-ness stay on target. Final hardness, symmetry, finish, and hygiene are inspected before shipping. The goal is stainless performance that stays stable in daily use.
Why chefs choose Nenohi
Top sushi chefs in Japan and overseas use Nenohi. Output is deliberately small at ten knives per day so quality stays consistent. The team accepts long-cycle commissions and has produced knives priced up to ¥2,000,000, including builds that took two years to complete. To create a finish they could not buy, the president developed key machines in-house. The brand does not advertise. Reputation has grown through chefs’ recommendations and respect from leading knife makers.
Made for Home, to Pro Standards
A professional maker designed these knives for everyday kitchens. Stainless construction keeps care simple while holding a clean bite on the board. Geometry and weight are tuned so the knife feels steady from trimming to plating.
CHOSEN BY PROFESSIONALS
Used in service at "Sushi Meino"
Featured chef Mei Kōgo tested the prototype in service and rated it highly.
“Above all, the sharpness is excellent. The edge glides into ingredients and leaves a clean surface, so dishes look even more appetising. The knife is light, so it is easy on the hands during long prep. The tall blade reduces the risk of nicking fingers, which feels reassuring.
The handle feels comfortable. Its coating resists dirt and stays clean. It is a versatile knife that handles fine work as well. Overall, the balance of sharpness, lightness, and ease of use is outstanding.”
Mei Kōgo | Sushi Meino | Featured on MBS “Jounetsu Tairiku”
Also Trusted by These Chefs
Nobuyuki Matsuhisa | NOBU
Seiji Yamamoto | RyuGin
Yasuhiko Mitani | Mitani
MESSAGE FROM THE MAKERS
We do not treat knives as finished objects. “One work, one step forward” guides us: we review steel, heat, grind, and inspection so the next run is cleaner and steadier in the hand.
We choose materials that hold a thin, honest edge; forge only when tests prove a gain; and set heat so hardness, toughness, and stability stay in balance. Geometry is shaped to release food, balance sits at the pinch, and every blade is measured for hardness and profile so maintenance remains predictable.
We build in small lots and stand behind aftercare, thinning, line restoration, chip repair, and handle replacement. There is no finish at Nenohi; the work continues as long as cooks ask more of their tools.
Are Nenohi Cutlery knives dishwasher safe?
No, Nenohi Cutlery 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 Nenohi Cutlery 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 Nenohi Cutlery knife rust?
Nenohi Cutlery knives are crafted using stainless steel, making them rust resistant and low maintenance when compared to carbon steel knives. However, rust can still occasionally form even on stainless steel knives, so be sure to dry your knife completely before putting it away and to store in a dry place to prevent rust from forming.
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.