Hatsukokoro Hikari 170mm Santoku Stainless Clad SLD Hinoki Handle

Thin convex ground stainless clad SLD “semi-stainless” steel with imitation buffalo horn (plastic) ferruled hinoki wood handles. These stock removal san mai knives are a great value cutting smoothly and holding a long edge. 

SLD steel is a nearly stainless carbon steel at approx 11-12% chromium content (13% chromium in an alloy becomes stainless) SLD is sometimes referred to as ‘semi stainless’ as it rusts very slowly and has little to none reactivity with flavors.

The core of this knife is ‘semi-stainless’ and has a certain degree of rust resistance, but as it is not completely stainless, it should be dried immediately after use. The core will develop a patina with use, but any rough feeling orange rust should be removed with a light abrasive.

Please note that the solid hinoki wood handles can develop cracks with soaking.