Sakai Kikumori OHS SG2 Damascus Kiritsuke Santoku 165mm – Ebony Handle
Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta
Compact precision. Premium SG2 performance. Authentic Sakai craftsmanship.
The Sakai Kikumori OHS SG2 Kiritsuke Santoku 165mm combines the everyday versatility of a Santoku with the refined precision of a Kiritsuke-style tip. Crafted in Sakai, Japan, with an SG2 (R2) powder steel core and elegant Damascus cladding, this knife delivers exceptional sharpness, outstanding edge retention, and precise control in a compact, highly manoeuvrable package.
Designed for cooks who appreciate premium materials, refined craftsmanship, and effortless cutting performance.
Forged in Sakai – Over 600 Years of Knife Making
For more than six centuries, Sakai has been one of Japan's most respected knife-making centres. Professional chefs worldwide trust Sakai blades for their outstanding balance, refined geometry, and exceptional cutting performance.
Founded in 1926, Sakai Kikumori continues this tradition by combining generations of craftsmanship with advanced modern steels and meticulous finishing techniques. The OHS series perfectly reflects this philosophy—elegant, precise, and built to perform.
Who This Knife Is For
Ideal for:
- Experienced home cooks and professional chefs.
- Users upgrading from VG10 or entry-level Japanese knives.
- Cooks who prefer compact knives with exceptional control.
- Anyone looking for a premium Japanese knife that is both practical and gift-worthy.
Perfect for:
- Vegetables
- Herbs
- Fish
- Boneless meat
- Detailed preparation work
Not recommended for:
- Bones or frozen food.
- Twisting or prying cuts.
- Heavy-duty kitchen tasks.
Why You'll Like It
SG2 (R2) Powder Steel Core
At the heart of the blade is SG2 powder steel—one of Japan's finest stainless steels for high-performance kitchen knives.
It offers:
- Exceptional edge retention
- Extremely fine sharpness
- Excellent wear resistance
- Strong corrosion resistance
- Long intervals between sharpening
Hardened to approximately 62–64 HRC, SG2 keeps its edge significantly longer than many conventional stainless steels while remaining easy to maintain.
Kiritsuke Santoku Profile
The Kiritsuke-inspired tip adds precision without sacrificing the versatility of a traditional Santoku.
Its compact 165mm blade offers:
- Excellent control for detailed work
- Fast, efficient push-cutting
- Precise tip work
- Comfortable handling in smaller kitchens
Agile enough for everyday use, yet capable of tackling serious preparation with confidence.
Damascus Cladding
The SG2 core is protected by beautiful Damascus stainless cladding that strengthens the blade while creating the distinctive layered pattern unique to every knife.
The Damascus construction also helps:
- Improve overall durability
- Reduce friction during cutting
- Promote smoother food release
- Give every knife its own visual character
Premium Ebony Wa Handle
The traditional octagonal ebony handle provides:
- Excellent balance and stability
- Comfortable grip during extended use
- Dense, premium feel
- Elegant appearance that perfectly complements the Damascus blade
Specifications
Brand: Sakai Kikumori
Series: OHS
Knife Type: Kiritsuke Santoku
Blade Length: 165 mm
Steel: SG2 (R2) Powder Steel
Hardness: Approximately 62–64 HRC
Construction: Damascus Clad
Bevel: Double Bevel
Handle: Ebony Octagonal Wa Handle
Made In: Japan
Complete Your Setup
We recommend pairing this knife with:
- End-grain cutting board to protect the edge
- Premium whetstone set for SG2 maintenance
- Saya or blade guard for safe storage
- Leather strop to keep the edge performing at its best
Why We Chose This Knife
At Sharp Knives Malta, we look for knives that combine outstanding cutting performance with genuine Japanese craftsmanship.
The Sakai Kikumori OHS Kiritsuke Santoku stands out for its ultra-thin grind, exceptional SG2 powder steel, elegant Damascus finish, and beautifully balanced ebony handle. Compact, incredibly sharp, and rewarding to use, it's a knife you'll naturally reach for every day.
Small enough for precision. Capable enough for almost everything.