Nagarano Kodai AO2 Santoku 165mm
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Nagarano Kodai AO2 Santoku 165mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi (Kodai BRUSHED)
Blade Hardness: 61HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Magnolia
Bolster: Black Polycarbonate Resin
Blade Length: 165mm
Heel Height: ~48mm
Spine Thickness: ~4.0mm Tapered to ~1.5mm
Weight: ~125g
Hand-forged in Japan, the Mukashi-Nagarano Wa-Santoku keeps things rooted in old-school Japanese knife making — simple materials, raw finishes, and performance that speaks for itself. There’s nothing flashy or overdesigned here. Just a well-balanced Santoku built the traditional way, with the kind of character only handmade blades carry.
The blade features a rugged KODAI kurouchi finish that leaves part of the forge scale exposed, giving it that darker, rustic appearance many Japanese knife enthusiasts look for. Underneath sits a core of Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel clad in soft iron using traditional san-mai construction. At around 61–62 HRC, it takes an extremely fine edge, sharpens beautifully on stones, and holds its bite through long prep sessions while still feeling lively and responsive on the board.
What makes Blue #2 so loved is the balance. It has the edge feel and sharpening experience people chase in carbon steel, without becoming overly fragile or difficult to maintain. Over time, the blade will naturally develop a patina unique to how you use it — adding even more personality to an already very traditional knife.
The magnolia wood handle keeps the knife light and nimble in the hand. Combined with the relatively thin grind and modest weight, the knife feels fast, controlled, and comfortable even during longer prep work. The traditional wa-handle design naturally shifts the balance slightly forward toward the blade, giving it that classic Japanese feel many cooks prefer.
As a Santoku, this knife is built to handle a bit of everything. Vegetables, proteins, herbs, fruits, everyday meal prep — it transitions effortlessly between tasks. The flatter edge profile makes it especially satisfying for clean push cuts and chopping, while the compact 165mm size keeps it approachable and easy to maneuver for both newer and experienced cooks alike.
◻️ 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.