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Shiro Kamo  |  SKU: KAMO-ASKU-SA165

Shiro Kamo AS Kurouchi Santoku 165mm

$186.99 $219.95

Add a saya or K&S Knife Roll to receive $20 bundle discount!

Detailed Specifications
Line Shiro Kamo Blue Super Kurouchi (Seilan)
Profile Santoku
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 132 g        4.66 oz
Edge Length 168 mm   .6.61 inch
Heel Height 45 mm     .1.77 inch
Width @ Spine 3.0 mm     0.12 inch
Width @ Mid 1.6 mm     0.06 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 1.0 mm     0.04 inch
Steel Blue Super / Aogami Super | Carbon
Blade Construction Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad
Hardness (HRC) 62 - 65
Surface Finish Kurouchi
Handle Octagonal Teak Black Ferrule
Region Echizen
Best for
  • Pro chefs
  • Enthusiasts
    • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
    • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


    The Shiro Kamo Blue Super(Aogami Super) might be a familiar item for our long term supporters. Back in 2018, we worked with Kamo-san to have a series of blade with the line name Seilan(青嵐, blue storm)and our own brand name Shinko stamped on them. As these being sold out, we haven't acquired more of it, but I think everyone who purchased one of these blade would be fairly impressed by its extreme thinness and outstanding cutting feel.

    What we called Seilan is now stamped with Kamo-san's own brand name "Kamotou", but the great performance is something that hasn't changed by a single bit. The majority of the blade are still very thin from the edge to the spine, yet thanks to the forging process, the thickened neck near the handle has kept this blade rigid. When cutting with this knife it is very responsive, it will follow the exact trajectory that you want it to create as most food cannot stop or flex its thin edge, including dense ones like sweet potato.

    I would say the price is fairly good for a knife that is masterfully crafted, but one downside that we cannot ignore is the cladding on these knives. This blue super line features a iron cladding, and from the experience we had with Seilan, this is a particular reactive cladding(more reactive than the Blue Super core). It would need a good care and maintenance to stay beautiful, but having this soft iron jacket means it will be quite easy when comes to sharpening, polishing and thinning.

    Pros Cons
  • Thin behind the edge
  • Excellent performance
  • Great OOTB
  • Prone to rust
  • A little bit brittle

  • Care Instruction
    1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
    2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
    3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
    4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
    5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
    6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.
    7. Oil the (carbon) knife if storing for an extended period of time to prevent rust.

    Shiro Kamo

    Shiro Kamo, the second generation bladesmoth of the Kamotou Hamono, is an expert of forging

    • Profile: Santoku

      The Santoku knife, embodying the meaning "three uses," is a cornerstone in Japanese kitchens, adept at slicing, dicing, and mincing. Esteemed for its versatility, it features a blade length typically between 15cm and 20cm (6 to 8 inches), catering to a wide array of culinary tasks. Distinguished by its less pointy tip compared to the Gyuto, the Santoku boasts a unique profile that contributes to its functionality and popularity. Its design is tailored to provide ease and efficiency in preparation, also because of its less aggressive prrofile, making it a preferred choice for home cooks.

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    • Steel: Blue Super / Aogami Super

      Aogami Super steel, also known as Blue Super Steel, is highly esteemed among Japanese carbon steels for its exceptional qualities. Produced by Hitachi Metals Ltd., this steel surpasses Blue Steel No.1 in its composition, featuring higher amounts of carbon, chromium, and tungsten, with the addition of molybdenum. Aogami Super is celebrated for its remarkable edge sharpness and superior edge retention capabilities. It can achieve high levels of hardness without becoming brittle, a characteristic that sets it apart and endears it to knife enthusiasts worldwide. The steel's enhanced carbon content enables it to maintain sharpness for extended periods, while the added chromium aids in rust resistance. A touch of vanadium increases its toughness, making it less prone to chipping. These attributes make Aogami Super one of the most revered high carbon steels globally, often described as a knife nerd's dream for its balance of hardness, durability, and maintenance ease.

      Manufacturer:

      • Hitachi Special Steel, Japan

      Nature: Carbon

      Hardness: 62- 65

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    • Construction: Sanmai - Soft Iron Clad

      Sanmai iron cladding is a traditional Japanese knife construction technique where a hard steel core is sandwiched between two layers of softer iron or steel. This method combines the superior edge retention and sharpness of high-carbon steel with the durability and ease of maintenance provided by the softer outer layers. The sanmai structure offers a balanced knife that is both flexible and resistant to breaking, ideal for precision cutting tasks. The softer outer layers also facilitate easier sharpening and contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the knife through the development of a unique patina over time. While sanmai-clad knives require careful maintenance to prevent rust, their exceptional performance and distinctive appearance make them often a desirable feature of Japanese knives.

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    • Finish: Kurouchi

      Kurouchi refers to the rustic, unpolished finish found on the blade of many traditional Japanese kitchen knives. This blacksmith's finish is characterized by its dark, textured appearance, which is the result of leaving the blade forge-scale on the steel during production. Kurouchi finish not only adds a unique aesthetic appeal but also provides certain practical benefits. It acts as a protective layer against rust and corrosion, and helps to reduce food sticking to the blade during cutting. Commonly seen on high-quality, hand-forged knives, the kurouchi finish emphasizes the artisanal nature of the knife and its heritage, making each piece distinctively unique.

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    • Handle Specs

      Profile: Octagonal WA

      Material:

      • Teak
      • Black Buffalo Horn

      The teak wood, known for its durability and rich grain patterns, provides a sturdy yet comfortable grip for precise handling during culinary tasks. Complemented by the sleek black horn ferrule, the handle boasts a striking contrast that adds sophistication to the overall design.

      Fashioned in an octagonal shape, the handle offers ergonomic benefits, allowing for a secure and comfortable grip from various angles. Its tapered design from bottom to top ensures a balanced feel and optimal control, promoting effortless maneuverability while slicing, chopping, or dicing ingredients.

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    Shiro Kamo

    Shiro Kamo AS Kurouchi Santoku 165mm

    $186.99 $219.95
    The Aogami Super Kurouchi line is one of the most popular lines offered by Master Shiro Kamo from Takefu Knife Village. The knife is quite thin and the AS core is great to cut with and the KU finish gives a rustic touch to the knife. Coupled with K&S octagonal handles this series is extremely affordable yet offers superb cutting performace. Because of the iron cladding, the knife will rust if it is not wiped dry after use. A great entry point to the world of carbon knives.
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