Kanetsune Seki | Aogami Blue Steel Santoku (180mm | 7.1")

Kanetsune Seki is a Japanese knife brand produced in Seki, Gifu—one of Japan’s most historic knife-making regions. The brand name honors the famous swordsmith Kanetsune, reflecting the region’s long tradition of blade craftsmanship.

Kanetsune Seki knives combine traditional Japanese forging techniques with modern materials to create durable and practical kitchen knives. Known for their reliable cutting performance and solid construction, the knives are widely appreciated by both professional chefs and home cooks.

Manufactured in Seki, Kanetsune Seki knives continue the legacy of Japanese blade-making while offering practical tools for everyday cooking.

Santoku (三徳) – The Versatile Japanese Home Knife

Santoku means “three virtues,” referring to its ability to handle meat, fish, and vegetables with equal efficiency. It is one of the most popular Japanese knife types, especially for home cooking.

Compared to Gyuto knives, Santoku knives are typically shorter (usually 165mm–180mm) and have a flatter edge profile with a sheepsfoot-style tip. This design provides excellent control, balance, and precision for everyday kitchen tasks.

Santoku knives are ideal for slicing, dicing, and chopping, making them a perfect all-purpose choice for both beginners and experienced cooks.

If you prefer a compact, lightweight knife with outstanding versatility, Santoku is an excellent option.

Blue Steel #2 (Aogami #2) is a premium Japanese carbon steel produced by Hitachi Metals. It is an enhanced version of White Steel with added chromium and tungsten, which improve wear resistance and edge retention while maintaining excellent sharpening characteristics.

Compared to White Steel, Blue Steel #2 offers longer edge retention and improved durability, making it popular for both professional chefs and serious home cooks. It can achieve extremely sharp edges while maintaining good toughness.

Many traditional Japanese knives use Blue Steel #2 as the core steel, often clad with softer steel or stainless steel layers to improve durability and corrosion resistance. This combination provides outstanding cutting performance while maintaining structural stability.