Hatsukokoro Hikari SLD Birch & Epoxy Santoku 170mm
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Hatsukokoro Hikari SLD Birch & Epoxy Santoku 170mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Semi-Stainless Steel*
Blade Material: SLD
Blade Finish: Migaki
Blade Hardness: 61HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Birch Wood & Epoxy
Blade Length: 170mm
Heel Height: 47mm
Spine Thickness: 1.90mm
Weight: 131g
Hatsukokoro is more than just a name. Based in Amagasaki City since 2013, the company works closely with skilled blacksmiths, sharpeners, and handle makers throughout Japan, bringing together traditional craftsmanship with knives that are designed to be used and enjoyed every day. Many of the artisans behind Hatsukokoro knives remain undisclosed, allowing the work itself to take center stage.
One of the standout lines in their collection is the Hikari Series, made from SLD semi-stainless steel. Originally developed by Hitachi as a high-performance tool steel for cutting other steels, SLD offers excellent edge retention with a sharpening feel and performance that sit closer to traditional carbon steels than many fully stainless options.
Because SLD is considered semi-stainless rather than fully stainless, a little care is still recommended. Simply wipe and dry the blade after use, particularly when working with acidic ingredients, and it will remain easy to maintain.
What really defines the Hikari Series is the grind. These knives are true lasers—thin, lightweight, and extremely precise behind the edge. The polished finish and visible lamination line keep the blade clean and understated while still giving it plenty of character.
For this version, we paired the Hikari blade with a new stabilized birch and epoxy handle. Natural birch grain is combined with touches of epoxy to add colour, contrast, and depth while keeping the warm, organic look of the wood. Because of the natural materials and epoxy pattern, every handle has its own slightly different appearance, making each knife feel a little more individual.
At 170mm, the Santoku is one of the most versatile all-around chef’s knives in the Japanese kitchen. Its compact length, generous blade height, and balanced profile make it comfortable for vegetables, herbs, fruit, boneless proteins, and most everyday prep.
Compared with a longer Gyuto, the Santoku feels a little more compact and controlled on the board, while still offering enough blade to handle the majority of kitchen tasks. Its flatter edge profile also makes it especially well suited to push-cutting and chopping.
Easy to handle, versatile, and precise, the Hikari Santoku is a strong choice for anyone looking for one main kitchen knife without moving into a larger chef’s knife.
◻️ 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.