
Kai Shun Classic Santoku 140mm (5.5")
A compact kitchen companion, the Kai Shun Classic Santoku makes every task effortlessâfrom preparing breakfast to tackling everyday meal prep. Its balanced design ensures precise, controlled cuts in every situation.
BLADE SHAPE:
This smaller version of the Kai Shun Classic Santoku combines versatility and portability. The compact Santoku is the perfect kitchen companion, at home or on the go â from slicing butter and cheese for breakfast, preparing a quick lunch or dinner, to use while camping, sailing, or hiking. Its shorter length and lightweight construction make it perfect for medium-sized ingredientsâlike bell peppers, small potatoes, or applesâallowing precise cuts while keeping the knife stable and easy to handle.
Special attention has been given to the choil, spine, and heel tipâall are smoothly rounded to prevent hand fatigue and reduce the risk of accidental nicks during handling. This thoughtful design makes extended prep work safer and more comfortable.
For safe transport outside the kitchen, we recommend using a plastic saya.Â
STEEL & LAMINATION:
The core of the blade is crafted from VG-MAX steel, hardened to 61 (±1) HRC for outstanding sharpness, strength, and edge retention. It is clad in 32 layers of softer stainless steel (16 per side) using the traditional san-mai technique, providing flexibility, protection for the hard core, and a distinctive wavy Damascus pattern. This combination of strength, durability, and beauty makes the knife both functional and visually striking.
HANDLE:
The slim, elegant handle is made of durable pakkawood in a traditional Japanese chestnut (D-shape) design, slightly offset to the right for optimal control and comfort for right-handed users. A small ridge on the handle provides stability and a secure pinch grip, while the integrated tang ensures excellent balance. The addition of resin improves moisture resistance and longevity, making it suitable for long-term use in busy kitchens.
SMITHY:
KAI has been producing high-quality cutlery for over 115 years, combining traditional Japanese blacksmithing with modern innovations. Each knife is crafted to provide precision, durability, and elegance, embodying the finest standards of Japanese culinary tools.
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Kai Shun Classic Santoku 140mm (5.5")
A compact kitchen companion, the Kai Shun Classic Santoku makes every task effortlessâfrom preparing breakfast to tackling everyday meal prep. Its balanced design ensures precise, controlled cuts in every situation.
BLADE SHAPE:
This smaller version of the Kai Shun Classic Santoku combines versatility and portability. The compact Santoku is the perfect kitchen companion, at home or on the go â from slicing butter and cheese for breakfast, preparing a quick lunch or dinner, to use while camping, sailing, or hiking. Its shorter length and lightweight construction make it perfect for medium-sized ingredientsâlike bell peppers, small potatoes, or applesâallowing precise cuts while keeping the knife stable and easy to handle.
Special attention has been given to the choil, spine, and heel tipâall are smoothly rounded to prevent hand fatigue and reduce the risk of accidental nicks during handling. This thoughtful design makes extended prep work safer and more comfortable.
For safe transport outside the kitchen, we recommend using a plastic saya.Â
STEEL & LAMINATION:
The core of the blade is crafted from VG-MAX steel, hardened to 61 (±1) HRC for outstanding sharpness, strength, and edge retention. It is clad in 32 layers of softer stainless steel (16 per side) using the traditional san-mai technique, providing flexibility, protection for the hard core, and a distinctive wavy Damascus pattern. This combination of strength, durability, and beauty makes the knife both functional and visually striking.
HANDLE:
The slim, elegant handle is made of durable pakkawood in a traditional Japanese chestnut (D-shape) design, slightly offset to the right for optimal control and comfort for right-handed users. A small ridge on the handle provides stability and a secure pinch grip, while the integrated tang ensures excellent balance. The addition of resin improves moisture resistance and longevity, making it suitable for long-term use in busy kitchens.
SMITHY:
KAI has been producing high-quality cutlery for over 115 years, combining traditional Japanese blacksmithing with modern innovations. Each knife is crafted to provide precision, durability, and elegance, embodying the finest standards of Japanese culinary tools.
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Description
A compact kitchen companion, the Kai Shun Classic Santoku makes every task effortlessâfrom preparing breakfast to tackling everyday meal prep. Its balanced design ensures precise, controlled cuts in every situation.
BLADE SHAPE:
This smaller version of the Kai Shun Classic Santoku combines versatility and portability. The compact Santoku is the perfect kitchen companion, at home or on the go â from slicing butter and cheese for breakfast, preparing a quick lunch or dinner, to use while camping, sailing, or hiking. Its shorter length and lightweight construction make it perfect for medium-sized ingredientsâlike bell peppers, small potatoes, or applesâallowing precise cuts while keeping the knife stable and easy to handle.
Special attention has been given to the choil, spine, and heel tipâall are smoothly rounded to prevent hand fatigue and reduce the risk of accidental nicks during handling. This thoughtful design makes extended prep work safer and more comfortable.
For safe transport outside the kitchen, we recommend using a plastic saya.Â
STEEL & LAMINATION:
The core of the blade is crafted from VG-MAX steel, hardened to 61 (±1) HRC for outstanding sharpness, strength, and edge retention. It is clad in 32 layers of softer stainless steel (16 per side) using the traditional san-mai technique, providing flexibility, protection for the hard core, and a distinctive wavy Damascus pattern. This combination of strength, durability, and beauty makes the knife both functional and visually striking.
HANDLE:
The slim, elegant handle is made of durable pakkawood in a traditional Japanese chestnut (D-shape) design, slightly offset to the right for optimal control and comfort for right-handed users. A small ridge on the handle provides stability and a secure pinch grip, while the integrated tang ensures excellent balance. The addition of resin improves moisture resistance and longevity, making it suitable for long-term use in busy kitchens.
SMITHY:
KAI has been producing high-quality cutlery for over 115 years, combining traditional Japanese blacksmithing with modern innovations. Each knife is crafted to provide precision, durability, and elegance, embodying the finest standards of Japanese culinary tools.














