{"product_id":"aokitae-blue-2-lacquered-red-sand-finish-kurouchi-santoku-180mm","title":"Aokitae Blue 2 Lacquered Red Sand-Finish Kurouchi Santoku 180mm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIFICATIONS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKnife Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Santoku\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSteel Type: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarbon Steel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Aogami Blue #2\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Kurouchi\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 62HRC (+\/-1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBevel:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Double\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandle: \u003c\/strong\u003eRed and Gold Lacquered Sand-Finish\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~180\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeel Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~44mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~2.20mm (Tapered)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ~125\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67646553325801,"sku":null,"price":190.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0261\/4368\/6711\/files\/AokitaeBlue2LacqueredRedSand-FinishKurouchiSantoku180mm.png?v=1791652660","url":"https:\/\/kakushin.ca\/products\/aokitae-blue-2-lacquered-red-sand-finish-kurouchi-santoku-180mm","provider":"Kakushin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}