XINZUO Santoku Knife 7.24" Aogami No.2 Steel | Maple Horn Handle
XINZUO Zhen QE Series – 7.24 Inch Santoku Knife
Elevate your kitchen craft with the XINZUO Zhen QE Series Santoku Knife — a masterpiece of Japanese knife-making tradition. Forged from authentic Sanyo Riki Aogami No.2 (Blue Steel No.2) composite steel and clad in a polished Damascus-style finish, this 7.24-inch santoku delivers razor-sharp, consistent cutting performance for every kitchen task, from slicing fish to chopping vegetables and mincing herbs.
⚠️ Important Care Note: Aogami (Blue Steel) No.2 is a traditional high-carbon Japanese steel prized for its exceptional sharpness and ease of resharpening. However, it is reactive — it can develop rust or a natural patina if left wet or exposed to moisture. Always hand wash and thoroughly dry the blade immediately after use. If you prefer a low-maintenance blade, please consider this carefully before purchasing.
Key Specifications
- Blade Length: 7.24 inches (18.4 cm)
- Handle Length: 13.8 cm
- Blade Material: Sanyo Riki Aogami No.2 Composite Damascus Steel
- Core Hardness: 62–64 HRC
- Edge Angle: 15° ± 1° per side
- Sharpness Level: 6.0–8.0 N (international standard cutting force)
- Handle Material: Octagonal Maple Wood + White Buffalo Horn
- Surface Finish: Mirror polished — elegant, high-end appearance
- Certifications: CIQ, EEC, LFGB
- Packaging: Exquisitely designed gift box included
Why You'll Love This Knife
- 🔪 Extreme Sharpness: 62–64 HRC hardness means a scalpel-like edge that holds longer between sharpenings
- 🌊 Damascus Layered Beauty: The polished multi-layer cladding creates a stunning visual pattern unique to every blade
- 🤝 Ergonomic Octagonal Handle: The maple wood and white buffalo horn wa-style handle fits naturally in the hand, reducing wrist fatigue during extended prep sessions
- ⚖️ Lightweight & Balanced: Designed for agility, making intricate cuts feel effortless
- 🎁 Perfect Gift: Arrives in a premium gift box — an ideal present for home chefs, culinary students, and knife enthusiasts
- ♻️ Eco-Friendly Construction: Natural materials chosen for sustainability and longevity
What Can You Do With a Santoku Knife?
The santoku ("three virtues") knife excels at three core cutting tasks: slicing, dicing, and mincing. Its flat blade profile and slightly curved tip make it ideal for:
- Thinly slicing fish, meat, and poultry
- Precise vegetable julienne and chiffonade cuts
- Mincing garlic, ginger, and fresh herbs
- Delicate work where a larger chef's knife feels unwieldy
Care Instructions
- Always hand wash only — never put in the dishwasher
- Rinse and dry immediately after each use to prevent moisture contact
- Store on a magnetic knife rack or in a knife block — never loose in a drawer
- Use a ceramic or fine whetstone for resharpening to maintain the 15° edge angle
- Apply a light coat of food-safe camellia oil if storing for extended periods
Made in Mainland China.
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Learn more: Nutrition.gov on cooking and food safety
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Aogami No.2 (Blue Steel) different from regular stainless steel knife blades?
A: Aogami No.2 is a high-carbon Japanese steel known for achieving exceptional hardness (62–64 HRC on this knife), which allows the blade to hold a finer, sharper edge for longer than most stainless steels. The trade-off is that it is reactive to moisture and acidic foods, meaning it requires prompt drying after use. Many serious chefs and knife collectors prize Aogami steel precisely for its superior edge retention and how easily it can be resharpened on a whetstone.
Q: Is the XINZUO Zhen QE Santoku Knife suitable as a gift?
A: Absolutely. The knife ships in a beautifully crafted gift box, making it a standout present for cooking enthusiasts, professional chefs, or anyone who appreciates fine kitchen tools. The combination of the polished Damascus-style blade and the natural maple wood and white buffalo horn octagonal handle gives it a premium, heirloom-quality appearance that's hard to match at this level.
Q: How do I maintain and resharpen this knife?
A: For best results, use a Japanese whetstone (800–1000 grit for regular maintenance, 3000–6000 grit for finishing) and maintain the factory-set 15° angle per side. Avoid honing rods with rough surfaces, as they can chip the hard Aogami core. After sharpening, rinse, dry thoroughly, and optionally apply a thin layer of food-safe camellia or mineral oil to protect the blade from moisture.
Q: Can I wash this knife in the dishwasher?
A: No — dishwashers are not suitable for this knife. The harsh detergents, heat, and prolonged moisture exposure will cause the Aogami steel to rust rapidly and can also crack or warp the natural wood handle. Always hand wash gently with mild soap and water, then dry immediately with a soft cloth.