Glestain K Series 7.5-inch (190mm) Left-Handed Santoku

At 190mm, this left-handed santoku is longer than most santoku blades, which gives a left-handed cook more reach for cabbage, squash and large onions while keeping the flat edge that suits push cuts.

The dimples on the left face make the biggest difference on a santoku, which is used with a straight push more than a rocking motion. Sliced vegetables fall away from the steel, and the mirrored asymmetrical grind keeps the blade on line in the left hand.

An asymmetrical blade cannot be converted to the other hand, so left-handed cooks need the left-handed model to get this geometry.


Other Left-Handed Knives

The K Series 170mm Left-Handed Santoku is more compact. For a chef’s knife with more curve, see the K Series 210mm Left-Handed Gyuto. Our kitchen knife shapes guide explains the santoku and the gyuto.

SKU: GLS819TKL

Availability: In stock

$170.00
  • Details

    Specifications

    • Blade length: 7.5 inches (190 mm)
    • Series: K Series
    • Steel: Acuto 440, Glestain’s own molybdenum-vanadium stainless steel, given a sub-zero treatment during hardening
    • Hardness: 58 to 59 HRC
    • Edge geometry: asymmetrical, ground for the left hand; the factory edge is split about 80/20, with the larger bevel on the left face
    • Handle: Pakkawood, with a stainless bolster and no end cap
    • Maker: Honma Kagaku (Homma Science Co.), Niigata, Japan
    • Model number: 819TKL (Knife Merchant item GLS819TKL)

    Comparing Glestain Santoku, Utility and Paring Knives

    KnifeSeriesBladeBest suited to
    K Series 160mm SantokuK6.3 in. (160 mm)Compact all-purpose work
    K Series 170mm SantokuK6.7 in. (170 mm)Vegetables, push cuts
    K Series 170mm Left-Handed SantokuK6.7 in. (170 mm)Vegetables, left hand
    K Series 190mm Left-Handed SantokuK7.5 in. (190 mm)Larger produce, left hand
    Ice Handle 170mm SantokuM6.7 in. (170 mm)Sanitation-minded kitchens
    Ice Handle 170mm Left-Handed SantokuM6.7 in. (170 mm)All-metal, left hand
    K Series 220mm Chinese Chef’s KnifeK8.7 in. (220 mm)Slicing, mincing, scooping
    K Series 140mm Utility KnifeK5.5 in. (140 mm)Small produce, trimming
    K Series 140mm Left-Handed Utility KnifeK5.5 in. (140 mm)Small produce, left hand
    K Series 140mm Offset Utility KnifeK5.5 in. (140 mm)Board work with knuckle clearance
    K Series 140mm Left-Handed Offset Utility KnifeK5.5 in. (140 mm)Offset, left hand
    K Series 210mm Offset Utility KnifeK8.3 in. (210 mm)Sandwiches, longer board work
    W Series 100mm Paring KnifeW3.9 in. (100 mm)In-hand peeling and paring

    The Glestain Series

    SeriesBlade faceBolster and end capHandle
    K SeriesDimpledBolster, no end capPakkawood
    KE SeriesDimpledBolster and end cap; the heftiest Glestain knivesPakkawood
    M Series (Ice Handle)DimpledAll-metal handleStainless steel, dimpled and textured
    SO Series (Home Series)DimpledNo bolster, squared shouldersPlain Pakkawood
    W SeriesSmooth, no dimplesVaries by shapePakkawood

    Choosing the Correct Hand

    A Glestain blade is shaped like a right triangle, and the left-handed model is the mirror image of the right-handed one. The asymmetry is in the steel itself, so a left-handed Glestain will not cut properly in the right hand, and it cannot be reground for the other hand. Order the model made for the hand that holds the knife.


    Sharpening a Glestain Edge

    One face of a Glestain blade drops almost straight from the spine, and the other tapers to the edge, so the two sides are sharpened at different angles. Work the primary face (the left side on this knife) at about 16 to 18 degrees until a burr forms along the full edge, then remove the burr from the right side at about 22 degrees with a few light passes. Sharpen on whetstones; a pull-through or electric sharpener grinds both sides alike and alters the geometry. Our article on sharpening Glestain and Masahiro knives explains the method in detail, and our video on sharpening compound bevel knives shows it on the stone.


    Care

    • Wash by hand with warm water and mild soap, then dry the knife at once. Do not put it in a dishwasher.
    • Acuto 440 resists stains but is not immune to them; do not leave the blade wet or soaking.
    • Cut on wood or plastic boards, and keep the edge away from frozen food, hard shells and heavy bone.
    • Hone between sharpenings with the Glestain hexagonal ceramic honing rod, and store the knife in a guard, a block or a case.

    Additional Info

    Blade Length (Inches) 7.5 in.
    Blade Length (mm) 190 mm
    Blade Width (inches) No
    Grind Asymmetrical/Compound
    Steel Type Acuto 440
    Rockwell Hardness 58/59
    Stainless Yes
    Handle Material Pakkawood
    Spine Thickness (mm) No
    Brand Glestain
    Country of Manufacture Japan
    SKU GLS819TKL
    Manufacturer's Part Number 819TKL
    Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price $0.00

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