170mm Santoku – Takayoshi (孝義作)
Specs
Blade length: 170mm
Overall length: 320mm
Weight: 120g
Construction: Damascus clad, double bevel
Handle: Magnolia with buffalo horn ferrule
Maker’s mark: 孝義作 (Takayoshi saku – Made by Takayoshi)
Origin: Japan
About This Knife
This santoku carries the kanji 孝義作 (Takayoshi saku), which translates to “Made by Takayoshi.” It’s more than just a stamp — it’s the smith’s signature, a declaration of pride etched right into the steel.
The original workshop labels are still intact on the handle. One reads 孝義職用 (Takayoshi – professional use), marking it as part of a chef-grade line, while another bears 栗原 (Kurihara), likely the distributor who brought this line to market in Japan. Together, they tell us this wasn’t made for tourists — it was built for real working kitchens.
At 170mm and just 120g, this santoku is light, agile, and true to its name — the “three virtues” of meat, fish, and vegetables. The Damascus cladding offers both durability and beauty, giving you a knife that’s as sharp in performance as it is in appearance.
It’s not just a santoku — it’s a slice of Japanese workshop history. The kanji and stickers give you the provenance, while the blade itself gives you everything you’d want in a daily driver: light, balanced, and ready to work.
