Tsunehisa Santoku 165mm – Ginsan Damascus | Ebony & Buffalo Horn Handle

Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta

Premium Japanese craftsmanship with the cutting performance of Ginsan steel and the elegance of a traditional wa handle.

The Tsunehisa Santoku 165mm combines one of Japan's most respected stainless steels with beautiful Damascus cladding, a traditional Tsuchime hammered finish, and a luxurious ebony wood handle fitted with a genuine buffalo horn ferrule.

Designed as an all-purpose kitchen knife, it offers exceptional sharpness, effortless maintenance, and refined handling—making it equally at home in professional kitchens and passionate home cooks' collections.

Handcrafted in Japan

Tsunehisa knives are crafted by skilled Japanese artisans who combine traditional blade-making techniques with modern materials to create knives that are both beautiful and highly functional.

The result is a knife that delivers authentic Japanese cutting performance while remaining practical for everyday use.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Home cooks upgrading to premium Japanese knives
• Professional chefs
• Users who prefer stainless steel over carbon steel
• Collectors who appreciate traditional Japanese craftsmanship
• Anyone looking for one versatile knife for everyday cooking

Why You'll Like It

Ginsan (Silver #3) Stainless Steel Core

At the heart of the blade is Ginsan (Silver #3) stainless steel, one of Japan's most respected stainless knife steels.

Hardened to approximately 61–62 HRC, Ginsan offers:

• Excellent sharpness
• Fine grain structure
• Easy sharpening
• Strong edge retention
• Outstanding corrosion resistance

Many knife enthusiasts consider it the stainless steel that comes closest to the cutting feel of traditional carbon steel.

Damascus Cladding

The Ginsan core is protected by layered Damascus stainless steel, creating the flowing pattern unique to every blade.

This traditional construction:

• Protects the hardened cutting core
• Improves blade durability
• Enhances structural stability
• Gives every knife its own distinctive appearance

Performance and craftsmanship in equal measure.

Tsuchime Hammered Finish

The traditional Tsuchime finish creates tiny air pockets between the blade and food, helping ingredients release more easily during cutting.

Especially effective when preparing:

• Potatoes
• Courgettes
• Cucumbers
• Apples
• Other dense vegetables

The result is smoother cutting with less food sticking to the blade.

Traditional Ebony Wa Handle

The octagonal wa handle is crafted from premium ebony wood and finished with a genuine buffalo horn ferrule.

It provides:

• Excellent balance
• Comfortable grip
• Outstanding durability
• Natural moisture resistance
• A refined, traditional appearance

Its forward-balanced feel gives the knife exceptional control during precise cutting.

The Versatility of a Santoku

Meaning "three virtues," the Santoku is designed to excel at preparing:

• Vegetables
• Fish
• Meat

At 165mm, it offers outstanding versatility and is often considered the ideal all-purpose Japanese kitchen knife for everyday cooking.

Specifications

Brand: Tsunehisa
Knife Type: Santoku
Blade Length: 165 mm
Core Steel: Ginsan (Silver #3) Stainless Steel
Hardness: Approximately 61–62 HRC
Construction: Damascus Cladding
Finish: Tsuchime (Hammered)
Handle: Octagonal Ebony Wood Wa Handle
Ferrule: Genuine Buffalo Horn
Made In: Japan

Care Instructions

To keep your knife performing at its best:

• Hand wash only
• Dry thoroughly after use
• Never place in the dishwasher
• Avoid cutting bones or frozen foods
• Use on wood or quality synthetic cutting boards
• Sharpen using quality Japanese whetstones
• Store in a saya, blade guard, or magnetic knife holder

Complete Your Setup

Pair it with:

• End-Grain Cutting Board
• Japanese Whetstones
• Leather Strop
• Traditional Wooden Saya
• Magnetic Knife Holder

Why We Chose This Knife

At Sharp Knives Malta, we recommend Ginsan steel to cooks who want premium Japanese cutting performance without the maintenance of carbon steel.

The Tsunehisa Santoku combines exceptional stainless steel, refined Damascus craftsmanship, and a traditional ebony wa handle to create a knife that is as rewarding to use as it is to admire. Beautifully balanced, incredibly versatile, and built to perform every day.

Traditional craftsmanship. Premium materials. Precision for every meal.