My Santuko

[Richard338]

I'm just putting the finishing touches on this Santuko. This is about my fifth knife now.
Two firsts for me: a hidden tang, and a fitted "guard"
A2 steel, 7" x 2" blade, 1/8" thick. 60 RHC hardness. Macasar Ebony handle.
With this finished I'll be using all my own knives in the kitchen. I've got a paring knife, breadknife and now this. I guess I can start making some less practical knives now.

 

[Chant]

Beautiful. Don't let my wife see it, or she'll be after my to make her one! Actually, she already is, and I'm looking forward to giving it a try. They have a gorgeous shape (especially yours).

 

[Richard338]

Thanks. The shape is fairly standard, and is one of the easier to do.
Its good to make the wife a few knives while you are spending the money to get set up in this!

 

[Chant]

Its good to make the wife a few knives while you are spending the money to get set up in this!

It's gonna take more than a few knives to compensate for the rate I'm burning through money getting a shop equipped. Maybe a complete kitchen and dinning set? And a new car? And a mink coat?

This is an expensive hobby!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Nice knife ,Richard. I make a lot of santoku knives.They sell well.I would carry the grind line higher up the blade,at least to the handle line.I personally do a full flat grind with only a small secondary bevel,or a complete convex grind. Basically,a large sashimi knife.

 

[Rob!]

Very nice Richard. How does it cut - take an edge - hold an edge? I haven't used A2 myself and I'd be interested in a performance review.

It has the looks! Does have the moves?

Rob!

 

[Richard338]

Thanks bladsmth, I did just that (full convex) for one I did in 1/16" stock.
It was my brothers christmas present. It cuts really well, and holds an edge very well. I wanted the steeper angle on this one to knock the food slices over and not stick to the blade. I left the bevel at a low grit-number to provide micro serrations. Time will tell if it works well. I guess I can always grind it higher and smoother!

Rob!, you actually did all the heat treating (great job!). That was a while ago and I'm slowly finishing them up. I'll let you know how this one performs, but I can tell you my brother is very happy with his in 1/16". Still, I'm going to order some SS from you for people who don't want to see a patina develop (or polish it frequently).