Tsunehisa Santoku SLD Damascus 165mm (6.5") [Rosewood-Cedar]

Crafted in Tosa, Japan, this Tsunehisa Santoku features a unique Damascus blade adorned with elegant, wavy patterns that make each blade truly one of a kind. The intricate layering and subtle steelwork create a mesmerizing texture that reflects the artistry of master blacksmiths. 

BLADE SHAPE:
The Santoku, meaning “three virtues,” excels at slicing meat, fish, and vegetables with ease. Its thin, slightly curved blade allows for precise rocking cuts and delicate work. Balanced and lightweight, it offers comfort and control—ideal for both home cooks and professionals.

STEEL:
At its core is SLD steel—renowned for its durability, edge retention, and ease of maintenance. Originally developed by Hitachi for cutting other steels, SLD offers exceptional wear resistance. It holds an edge as long as high-carbon steel but is significantly easier to maintain.
Please note: SLD isn’t fully stainless, so be sure to clean and dry the blade after each use.

SLD Steel Composition -  Carbon (C) 1.5%, Silicon (SI) 0.3%, Manganese (Mn) 0.4%, Chromium (Cr) 12%, Molybdenum (Mo) 0.9%, Vanadium (V) 0.3% 

LAMINATION:
The hard SLD steel core is clad in softer stainless steel using the traditional san-mai technique. This method enhances durability and protects the core from external stresses and chipping.

GEOMETRY:
This is a slightly heavier santoku, with a spine thickness of 3.2 mm at the heel that tapers to 1.3 mm at the tip—offering both strength and precision.

BLADE FINISH:
A stunning Damascus pattern, formed by interweaving layers of steel, swirls along the blade to create a hypnotic visual effect. This finish is achieved through a combination of advanced techniques, including precision layering and subtle drilling that reveals delicate circular motifs. Each knife is truly unique.

HANDLE:
Its ergonomic and elegant octagonal handle is crafted from warm rosewood and accented by a delicate cedar ferrule, it fits comfortably in the hands of both right- and left-handed chefs.

BLACKSMITH:
Tsunehisa is a brand that combines a variety of high quality knives from different knife centers in Japan such as Tosa, Seki and Sakai. Their philosophy is that each region has its own steel and different manufacturing processes. For example, Tosa is known for its Ginsanko and Aus-8 steels, Seki is famous for producing excellent blades from the V-Gold steel group, and Sakai for its single-edged Honyaki knives.