{"product_id":"aokitae-blue-2-stab-epoxy-kurouchi-santoku-180mm","title":"Aokitae Blue 2 Stab Epoxy 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\u003eStabilized Birch with Epoxy\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 ~2.60mm (Tapered)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 142\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Aokitae Series is all about giving you as much real Japanese knife performance as possible for the money. Hand-forged in Japan, it combines a proven Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel core, traditional construction, and a striking stabilized birch and epoxy handle at a price that makes it incredibly easy to recommend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt in San-Mai construction, the Aogami Blue #2 core is hardened to approximately 62 HRC (+\/-1), giving the blade excellent sharpness, strong edge retention, and that crisp cutting feel carbon steel enthusiasts look for. Blue #2 also remains relatively easy to sharpen, making it a great steel for anyone wanting serious Japanese knife performance without jumping into a much higher price range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe traditional dark Kurouchi finish gives the blade plenty of handcrafted character, while the geometry stays focused on performance. It feels responsive and controlled on the board, moving cleanly through vegetables, proteins, herbs, and everyday prep without feeling overly delicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 180mm, the Santoku is compact, versatile, and extremely easy to control. The taller blade gives you comfortable knuckle clearance and plenty of surface area for scooping ingredients, while the flatter edge feels especially natural for chopping and push-cutting. It has enough length to handle most daily prep comfortably, without the extra size of a traditional Gyuto.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat balance is what makes the 180mm Santoku such an easy everyday choice. It feels quick on the board, works especially well with vegetables and smaller proteins, and offers the kind of maneuverability that makes it comfortable in both smaller home kitchens and professional setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stabilized birch and epoxy handle is what really gives this version its personality. Natural wood grain mixes with epoxy to create depth, contrast, and completely unique patterns from one knife to the next. It gives the Aokitae a much more custom and premium look without pushing the price into premium territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat’s really where this series stands out. A hand-forged Japanese Santoku, Aogami Blue #2 steel, traditional Kurouchi character, and a unique stabilized birch handle — all at a price that delivers seriously impressive value.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt looks far more expensive than it is, and more importantly, it performs like it too.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51751902019817,"sku":null,"price":180.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0261\/4368\/6711\/files\/aokitae-blue-2-stab-epoxy-kurouchi-santoku-180mm-4147852.png?v=1787977027","url":"https:\/\/kakushin.ca\/products\/aokitae-blue-2-stab-epoxy-kurouchi-santoku-180mm","provider":"Kakushin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}