Tsunehisa Santoku 165mm – Ginsan Damascus | Rosewood Wa Handle

Chosen by Sharp Knives Malta

Traditional Japanese craftsmanship meets modern stainless performance.

Handcrafted in Japan, the Tsunehisa Santoku 165mm combines the refined cutting characteristics of Ginsan (Silver #3) stainless steel with the elegance of a Damascus-clad blade and a traditional rosewood wa handle.

Designed as an all-purpose kitchen knife, it offers exceptional versatility for preparing vegetables, fish, and boneless meats while delivering the effortless cutting performance, edge retention, and easy maintenance that make Ginsan one of Japan's most respected stainless steels.

Handcrafted in Japan

Tsunehisa knives are known for combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with carefully selected steels and practical designs built for everyday cooking.

This Santoku reflects that philosophy perfectly—lightweight, beautifully balanced, and refined enough for both professional and home kitchens.

Who This Knife Is For

Perfect for:

• Home cooks looking for a premium Japanese knife
• Professional chefs seeking a versatile daily workhorse
• Users who prefer stainless steel over carbon steel
• Cooks who appreciate traditional Japanese craftsmanship
• Anyone wanting one knife for everyday food preparation

Why You'll Like It

Ginsan (Silver #3) Stainless Steel

At the heart of the blade is Ginsan (Silver #3), one of Japan's finest traditional stainless steels.

Hardened to approximately 61–62 HRC, it offers:

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

Many knife enthusiasts consider Ginsan one of the closest stainless steels to the cutting feel of traditional carbon steel.

Damascus Cladding

The Ginsan core is clad in layers of stainless Damascus steel, creating the flowing pattern across the blade.

This construction:

• Strengthens the blade
• Protects the core steel
• Adds structural stability
• Gives every knife its own unique appearance

A perfect combination of craftsmanship and performance.

Tsuchime Hammered Finish

The traditional Tsuchime (hammered) finish creates small air pockets that help reduce food sticking during use.

Especially effective when slicing:

• Potatoes
• Cucumbers
• Courgettes
• Apples
• Other moist vegetables

The result is smoother cutting and improved food release.

Traditional Rosewood Wa Handle

The octagonal rosewood wa handle, paired with a light wood ferrule, provides:

• Excellent balance
• Comfortable grip
• Lightweight handling
• Traditional Japanese aesthetics
• Precise blade control

Its lightweight construction shifts the balance slightly forward, giving the knife a nimble, responsive feel.

The Perfect Everyday Knife

Santoku translates as "three virtues," referring to its ability to handle:

• Vegetables
• Fish
• Meat

At 165mm, it offers outstanding versatility and is widely considered one of the best all-purpose knives for everyday kitchen use.

Specifications

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

Care Instructions

To keep your knife performing at its best:

• Hand wash only
• Dry immediately after use
• 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
• Wooden Saya
• Ceramic Honing Rod

Why We Chose This Knife

At Sharp Knives Malta, we often recommend Ginsan to cooks looking for authentic Japanese performance without the maintenance demands of carbon steel.

The Tsunehisa Santoku 165mm combines exceptional stainless steel performance, beautiful Damascus craftsmanship, and traditional Japanese styling in one versatile knife. It's refined enough for professionals, practical enough for everyday cooking, and built to become the knife you reach for most often.

Traditional craftsmanship. Premium Ginsan steel. Built for everyday precision.