Vintage Toroku Honcho Suten Santoku Knife 170mm Stainless Steel 2167

Experience the Everyday Versatility of a Toroku Honcho Suten Santoku Built for the Modern Japanese Kitchen

Toroku Honcho is a traditional knife brand from the Echizen cutlery region - one of Japan's great blade-making centres with a history stretching back over 700 years. The "Suten" designation refers to stainless steel construction, reflecting the evolution of Japanese knife-making to meet the demands of modern professional kitchens. The Santoku - meaning "three virtues" - excels at the three core kitchen tasks: slicing, dicing, and mincing. With its clad and laminated construction, this vintage 180mm example represents a thoughtful blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and practical modern materials.

The Specs

• Brand: Toroku Honcho Suten (Echizen Cutlery)
• Steel: Stainless Steel
• Blade Length: 170mm
• Bevel: Single bevel
• Handle: Magnolia Wood
• Construction: Clad/Laminated
• Origin: Made in Japan
• Condition: Second hand
• Original box: Included

Why This Knife Works

The clad and laminated construction of this Santoku gives it a character distinct from a mono-steel blade - a harder core steel for edge performance, wrapped in softer stainless cladding for durability and corrosion resistance. At 180mm, this is the classic Santoku length: long enough for most kitchen tasks, short enough to feel nimble and responsive. The single-bevel geometry gives it a distinctly Japanese character, favouring precision cuts and clean release. Stainless steel makes this an accessible and low-maintenance vintage knife - ideal for cooks who want Japanese quality without the rust management of carbon steel. A rare Echizen Santoku in original box.

Care and Maintenance

• Hand wash only - never dishwasher
• Dry after washing to maintain the blade and handle
• Sharpen on a whetstone - single-bevel geometry requires sharpening on the bevel side only; keep the back flat
• No honing rod - professional sharpening recommended if unsure
• Store in a knife roll or protective sleeve - never loose in a drawer