Chromax gets its character from an alloy Takefu Special Steel developed specifically for kitchen knives, roughly 5 percent chromium alongside carbon, manganese, molybdenum, and vanadium, hardened here to approximately 65 HRC. It sharpens like a high-carbon steel while resisting rust far better.
Hatsukokoro, based in Seki City, Japan, uses that core to build this santoku, a classic all-purpose shape equally suited to vegetables, proteins, and general prep. With a blade length of just under 170mm, it is light and easy to control through repeated cuts. The blade is san mai, a Chromax core clad in stainless steel, finished in kasumi for a soft, satin surface. The handle is hinoki, a pale, aromatic Japanese cypress traditionally used in fine woodworking.
Care Instructions: Chromax is a semi-stainless steel, more resistant to rust than a fully reactive carbon steel, but the edge can still develop light staining or surface rust if left wet. Hand wash and dry the blade promptly after use. Avoid cutting frozen foods, bones, or other hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
Hatsukokoro, based in Seki City, Japan, uses that core to build this santoku, a classic all-purpose shape equally suited to vegetables, proteins, and general prep. With a blade length of just under 170mm, it is light and easy to control through repeated cuts. The blade is san mai, a Chromax core clad in stainless steel, finished in kasumi for a soft, satin surface. The handle is hinoki, a pale, aromatic Japanese cypress traditionally used in fine woodworking.
Care Instructions: Chromax is a semi-stainless steel, more resistant to rust than a fully reactive carbon steel, but the edge can still develop light staining or surface rust if left wet. Hand wash and dry the blade promptly after use. Avoid cutting frozen foods, bones, or other hard materials. Sharpen on quality water stones as needed.
- Brand: Hatsukokoro
- Location: Seki City, Japan
- Line: Chromax
- Edge Steel: Chromax (Semi-Stainless)
- Construction: San Mai, Roll Forged
- Cladding: Stainless Clad
- HRC: 65+-
- Finish: Kasumi
- Profile: Santoku
- Bevel: Double Bevel
- Handle: Hinoki, Octagonal
- Ferrule: Black Acrylic
- Weight: 4.4 oz (126 g)
- Blade Length: 168 mm
- Total Length: 312 mm
- Spine Thickness at Base: 2 mm
- Blade Height: 50 mm
