The Santoku is the most popular knife in the Japanese home and considered to be an all rounder in the kitchen. The meaning of Santoku is the “three virtues” in Japanese and is a reference to its multi purpose and versatility. It can be used to prepare fish, chicken and most fruits and vegetables but is too small for large food items like watermelons and bigger cuts of meat. The Santoku is great as an alternative if you have a larger chef’s knife as most Santokus come in at around 165mm to 180mm its easy to handle and has a snubbed nose to it.

The Hatsukokoro Hikari SLD steel mirror polished knife is a stunning fusion of performance and elegance, designed for chefs who appreciate both precision and artistry. Named Hikari, meaning “light” or “radiance” in Japanese, the knife embodies clarity and brilliance reflected in its flawless mirror polished finish that enhances both beauty and corrosion resistance. Forged from premium SLD semi-stainless steel, it offers exceptional edge retention, toughness, and ease of maintenance. With its thin grind, refined taper, and perfectly balanced profile, the Hikari glides effortlessly through ingredients, making it a true extension of the chef’s hand. A shining example of Japanese craftsmanship, it brings both function and refinement to any kitchen.

Weight: 121g

Handle Material: Mono octagonal stabilised olive wood

Handle Length: 130mm (5.1")

Blade Length: 170mm (6.6")

Blade Depth: 47mm

Thickness at spine: 1.5mm

Thickness at tip: 0.6mm

Cutting Edge: Double 50/50

Blade Material: SLD core steel with stainless steel cladding

Hardness (Rockwell scale): 61 - 62