Itamae 7" Santoku Damascus Steel Chef Knife - BLEM

In the West, an Itamae is generally associated with a sushi chef but in Japan, an Itamae is simply "the chef". A literal translation means "in front of the board," which refers to the cutting board. There are different levels of Itamae and becoming an Itamae of sushi requires years of training and apprenticeship. They often spend up to five years with a master Itamae before being promoted to higher responsibilities in the restaurant. It is with a great deal of respect that we name this Santoku chef knife after the countless individuals who take food as their profession and honor us with their art.

Santoku translates to "three virtues" or "three uses" and is a general-purpose kitchen knife which originates from Japan. The "three virtues" refer to slicing, mincing, and dicing which this knife excels at. This lightweight, well-balanced chef knife feels amazing in your hand and will allow you to make quick work of vegetables, meat, and other chef duties. The saber grind gives the cutting edge an extra thin blade which easily slices through just about anything you need to cut. The gorgeous olive and rose wood duo-tone handle will feel comfortable in your hand with the octagon shaped design. You can spend hours cutting with this exquisite knife with virtually no hand fatigue. This knife is almost too beautiful to use, but believe us, it is an absolute pleasure to use.

Itamae 7" Santoku Damascus Steel Chef Knife Specifications

• Overall Length: 12”
• Handle Length: 5”
• Blade Length: 7”
• Blade Material: Damascus Steel (1095 and 15n20)
• Blade thickness: 0.1" (2.5mm)
• Rockwell Hardness: HRC 56-59
• Tang: Partial Tang
• Grind: Saber
• Handle Material: Olive Wood and Rose Wood

Please note: This knife is a BLEM. Blemished inventory or a “blem” is a new, unused product that has a defect. These defects come from the manufacturer and do not affect the structural or functional integrity of the product. All products are laser engraved with a Forseti Steel logo to indicate they are a blemished product. 

The product images do not represent a blemished knife. They are stock photos only.

Each knife is handmade from natural materials, there will be some variation in color, Damascus pattern and overall look. 

ALL BLEM PRODUCT SALES ARE FINAL. NO REFUNDS, RETURNS OR EXCHANGES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Care Instructions

1095 steel is a high-carbon steel and will rust if not dried and oiled after use. Do not put in dishwasher. Hand wash only with soap and hot water. Dry completely before oiling.