Aokitae Blue 2 Lacquered Red Sand-Finish Kurouchi Santoku 180mm
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Aokitae Blue 2 Lacquered Red Sand-Finish Kurouchi Santoku 180mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 62HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Red and Gold Lacquered Sand-Finish
Blade Length: ~180mm
Heel Height: ~44mm
Spine Thickness: ~2.20mm (Tapered)
Weight: ~125g
The Aokitae Series is all about delivering as much genuine Japanese knife performance as possible for the money. Hand-forged in Japan, it combines a proven Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel core, traditional craftsmanship, and a beautiful Lacquered Red Sand-Finish handle that gives this version a distinctive personality — all while maintaining the exceptional value that makes the series so easy to recommend.
Built in traditional San-Mai construction, the Aogami Blue #2 core is hardened to approximately 62 HRC (+/-1), delivering excellent sharpness, strong edge retention, and that crisp, precise cutting feel carbon steel enthusiasts appreciate. Blue #2 also remains relatively easy to sharpen, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experience serious Japanese knife performance without stepping into a much higher price range.
The traditional dark Kurouchi finish gives the blade its rugged, handcrafted character, with subtle variations that reflect its forged origins. Beneath that rustic appearance, the geometry is designed for everyday cutting performance. The blade feels responsive and controlled on the board, moving cleanly through vegetables, proteins, herbs, and daily prep without feeling overly delicate.
At 180mm, the Santoku strikes an excellent balance between versatility and maneuverability. Its taller blade provides comfortable knuckle clearance and plenty of surface area for scooping and transferring chopped ingredients, while the relatively flat cutting profile makes it particularly effective for chopping, slicing, and push-cutting. It offers enough length to handle most kitchen tasks comfortably without the extra size of a traditional Gyuto.
That combination makes the 180mm Santoku an incredibly practical everyday knife. Quick, balanced, and easy to control, it feels equally at home preparing vegetables, portioning boneless proteins, or handling more detailed cutting tasks. Whether you're cooking at home or working in a professional kitchen, it's a size that simply makes sense.
What really sets this version apart is its Lacquered Red Sand-Finish handle. The rich red lacquer creates a beautiful contrast against the dark, rustic Kurouchi blade, while a light sand-like texture adds a subtle tactile dimension to the surface. Rather than being completely smooth and glossy, the handle features a delicate, finely textured finish that gives it a more natural, refined appearance without feeling rough or abrasive in hand.
The texture is intentionally subtle — just enough to add character, depth, and a pleasant feel without taking away from the elegance of the lacquered finish. The warm red tones bring a bold yet sophisticated touch, while the lightly textured surface creates a more understated, premium appearance than a conventional high-gloss handle. It's a particularly attractive combination with the blade's rugged blackened finish, bringing together two very different textures that complement each other beautifully.
The result is a knife that feels traditional and contemporary at the same time. The handcrafted character of the blade contrasts with the more refined appearance of the handle, creating a distinctive design that stands out without being overly flashy.
And that's really where the Aokitae Series shines. You get a hand-forged Japanese Santoku, a high-performance Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel core, traditional Kurouchi character, and a beautifully finished lacquered handle — all at a price that represents outstanding value.
◻️ 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.