Muneishi Custom Epoxy Ao Santoku 170mm
SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Epoxy
Blade Size: 170mm
Heel Height: 48mm
Spine Thickness: 3.20mm
Weight: 163g
Assembled in-house at Kakushin, this Santoku 170mm is fitted with a bold brass and black epoxy handle, shaped with an oval base and a squared, shield-like top. The geometry offers a confident, locked-in grip that feels immediately natural in hand, while the brass spacer adds both visual contrast and subtle weight for improved balance. The result is a handle that’s as comfortable as it is striking, blending modern character with a timeless feel.
The blade is forged in Tosa by the Muneishi family, whose roots in Japanese blacksmithing run deep. Hirotaka Muneishi, a second-generation craftsman, built his reputation producing heavy-duty tools for forestry work, including traditional axes. His son, Kosuke Muneishi, represents the third generation, focusing his craft on kitchen knives. Together, they handle nearly every step by hand—from forging and heat treatment to hammering and sharpening—preserving techniques refined over generations.
Made from Aogami #2 carbon steel, this Santoku delivers exceptional sharpness, excellent edge retention, and the unmistakable cutting feel that carbon steel enthusiasts seek. With use, the blade will develop a natural patina, giving each knife a unique character shaped by the way it’s used and cared for.
Tosa, in Kochi Prefecture, has been a center of blade-making for centuries. Its mild climate and abundant rainfall supported strong forestry traditions, naturally leading to tool and knife production. Historical records from the late 1500s show nearly 400 blacksmiths working in the region, supplying both everyday tools and blades for military commanders during the Sengoku period.
While certain steps of production have evolved with modern equipment, the heart of Tosa knife-making remains firmly rooted in handcraft. This Santoku is a clear expression of that heritage—traditional forging paired with a distinctive brass and black epoxy handle, assembled with care right here at Kakushin.
◻️ Additional Information
Please note that colours, shading, and overall appearance may vary slightly between photos and the product you receive. Lighting, camera exposure, and reflections on materials like steel, epoxy, and wood can all create subtle differences.
Many of our items are handmade, which means each piece has its own character. Minor variations in pattern, texture, or finish are normal and part of the craft.
If you’d like to see additional photos or close-ups of any item, feel free to request them before or after placing your order—especially for one-of-a-kind pieces. We’re always happy to help you choose the perfect knife or handle.
◻️ Sharp Certified
Before our knives are shipped, each one undergoes a rigorous sharpness test to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality. Our BESS Certified sharpness scale will guarantee that your knives deliver the smoothest cuts.
This commitment to sharpness not only guarantees that you receive a product that's ready to perform at its best but also reflects our dedication to delivering excellence in every aspect of our field.
◻️ Shipping & Returns
Every product listed on our website is physically in stock at our shop and typically ships within 24 hours — giving us enough time for sharpening and proper packaging.
The only exceptions are custom knife assemblies or engraving, which may require 3-5 days before shipping. Everything is done in-house, so even with the extra steps, it’s still exceptionally fast.
Canadian orders can say goodbye to unexpected duties, additional customs fees and exchange rate fluctuations; all our prices are clear and upfront.
For international orders, we take care of providing the declarations documents on items from foreign countries.
We know choosing a knife online isn’t always easy. To make things stress-free, we offer a flexible 30-day Return Policy on regular-priced items. Take a look at our full policy for all the details!
◻️ Contact Us
We are at your service through email, social media, or even by phone, where you can have a direct conversation with one of our team members during our business hours.
Whether you require assistance with your existing product, have inquiries about a potential purchase, need more specific details, additional photos, or even a video to get a better sense of the product in a real human hand, we've got you covered.
Don't hesitate to get in touch.
