{"product_id":"hatsukokoro-hikari-sld-birch-epoxy-santoku-170mm","title":"Hatsukokoro Hikari SLD Birch \u0026 Epoxy Santoku 170mm","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\u003eSemi-\u003cspan\u003eStainless Steel*\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e SLD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Finish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Migaki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlade Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 61HRC (+\/-1)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBevel:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Double\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHandle:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Birch Wood \u0026amp; Epoxy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlade Length:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 170\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003emm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeel Height:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 47mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpine Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1.90mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 131\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eg\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHatsukokoro\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the standout lines in their collection is the \u003cstrong\u003eHikari Series\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this version, we paired the Hikari blade with a \u003cstrong\u003enew stabilized birch and epoxy handle\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt \u003cstrong\u003e170mm\u003c\/strong\u003e, the \u003cstrong\u003eSantoku\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Made in Japan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51926433169641,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0261\/4368\/6711\/files\/HatsukokoroHikariSLDBirch_EpoxySantoku170mm.png?v=1790166559","url":"https:\/\/kakushin.ca\/products\/hatsukokoro-hikari-sld-birch-epoxy-santoku-170mm","provider":"Kakushin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}