Shinka AO2 Kurouchi Skull Custom Santoku 165mm
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Shinka AO2 Kurouchi Skull Custom Santoku 165mm
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SPECIFICATIONS
Knife Style: Santoku
Steel Type: Carbon Steel
Blade Material: Aogami Blue #2
Blade Finish: Kurouchi
Blade Hardness: 61HRC (+/-1)
Bevel: Double
Handle: Olive Wood with Epoxy Tip (Skull Inside)
Blade Length: 165mm
Heel Height: 45mm
Spine Thickness: 3.70mm tapered to 1.65mm
Weight: 134g
The Shinka series is shaped by tradition, refined through generations, and brought forward with purpose. Hand-forged in Japan from Aogami Blue #2 carbon steel, it delivers the kind of edge that feels immediate and alive on the cutting board. Hardened to approximately 61 HRC (+/-1), it strikes an ideal balance between edge retention and ease of sharpening, offering outstanding cutting performance while preserving the forged, rustic character that defines traditional Japanese blades. The dark kurouchi finish remains raw and honest—a visible reminder of the blacksmith's work on every knife. It's made for those who appreciate authentic handmade craftsmanship without venturing into inflated price points.
Each blade is hand-forged exclusively for our shop in Tosa by a fourth-generation workshop whose roots date back to 1920. What began with traditional agricultural tools has evolved into a dedicated pursuit of exceptional kitchen knives, where geometry, taper, and balance are refined with purpose rather than excess. The result is a blade that moves effortlessly through ingredients, delivering precision, control, and everyday versatility.
This particular knife is truly one of one. Here at Kakushin, we hand-assembled the blade with a custom olive wood handle featuring a translucent blue epoxy tip that suspends a skull within the resin. The warm, natural grain of the olive wood contrasts beautifully against the crystal-blue epoxy, while the hidden skull appears to float inside, revealing new details as light passes through it. It's a subtle but captivating detail that transforms an already beautiful knife into something deeply personal and impossible to duplicate.
No two pieces of olive wood ever share the same grain, and every epoxy pour develops its own movement and character. Combined with the hand-placed decorative element, this exact configuration can never be recreated. The result is more than simply a custom handle—it's a true 1-of-1 creation, blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary custom artistry into a knife that is equally at home in the kitchen or a collector's display.
◻️ 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.