Vintage Takehiro Saku Santoku Knife 170mm Stainless Steel Timber Handle 2270

Experience an Artisan-Signed Japanese Santoku from a Focused Independent Line

Takehiro (竹寛) is not a factory name - it's an artisan's mark. This Vintage Takehiro Saku Santoku 170mm comes from a highly focused independent or private-label master brand: a knife produced by a single craftsperson or small workshop with a deliberate identity and a sharp point of view. The 170mm Santoku is the classic Japanese all-rounder - balanced, versatile, and deeply satisfying to use for everyday prep.

The Specs

• Steel: Stainless steel
• Blade type: Santoku (double bevel, right-handed)
• Blade length: 170mm
• Handle: Timber (Western-style, full tang)
• Brand: Takehiro Saku (竹寛作)
• Origin: Japan
• Condition: Pre-owned, vintage
• SKU: 2270

Heritage

The Saku (作) suffix in Japanese knife naming - meaning "made by" - is the artisan's signature. Takehiro Saku blades sit in a distinct category of Japanese cutlery: independent artisan lines that operated outside the major factory systems of Sakai, Seki, or Tsubame. These knives were typically made in smaller runs for regional distributors or culinary professionals who valued individual craftsmanship over volume production. The 170mm Santoku (三徳) - meaning "three virtues" - was designed to excel at the three core kitchen tasks: meat, fish, and vegetables. Its flat cutting edge and wide blade make it ideal for push-cutting on a board, with the sheepsfoot tip offering precision without sacrificing safety.

Care & Maintenance

• Hand wash only - never dishwasher
• Dry immediately after use
• Hone regularly on a smooth steel or fine ceramic rod
• Sharpen on Japanese water stones (1000/3000 grit)
• Store on a magnetic rack or in a knife roll - never loose in a drawer