Shun Kanso Santoku 5.5-inch (SWT0727)

Heritage Craftsmanship Meets Industrial Utility


A compact, maneuverable Santoku designed for effortless vegetable prep and long-term edge retention in demanding kitchens. The Shun Kanso 5.5-inch Santoku is a masterclass in functional minimalism. While larger chef's knives can feel cumbersome during intricate tasks, this 5.5-inch hollow-ground blade offers surgical control for dicing shallots, mincing garlic, and slicing delicate herbs.


Forged from highly refined AUS10A Japanese steel, this blade is a high-carbon vanadium stainless alloy that balances extreme sharpness with corrosion resistance. The 16-degree double-bevel edge is hand-sharpened to ensure it glides through produce without bruising. For the professional line cook, the 'Heritage' finish is a massive advantage; it is specifically designed to hide the scratches that naturally occur during high-volume service, maintaining its aesthetic appeal over years of use.


The handle is crafted from Tagayasan wood, often called 'Iron Sword Wood' for its incredible density and durability. Riveted to a full tang, it provides a balanced, secure grip that won't fatigue the hand during 40-pound cases of mirepoix. Whether you are a professional needing a quick-action prep tool or a home cook who finds 8-inch blades intimidating, the Kanso Santoku provides a rustic, high-performance solution that outlasts and out-cuts traditional Western alternatives.


SKU: SWT0727

Availability: In stock

$134.95
  • Details

    Product Specs & Technical Highlights

    • Primary SKU / Model ID: SWT0727
    • Blade Steel: AUS10A high-carbon vanadium stainless steel for superior edge retention.
    • Hardness: 59/60 Rockwell Hardness (HRC) for a lasting, razor-sharp edge.
    • Edge Angle: 16° double-sided bevel (32° total) for clean, precise cuts.
    • Blade Length: 5.5 inches (140 mm).
    • Blade Width: 1.732 inches at the heel for ample knuckle clearance.
    • Spine Thickness: 2 mm, offering a slim profile for reduced resistance.
    • Handle Material: Contoured Tagayasan (Wenge) wood; dense, durable, and water-resistant.
    • Construction: Full-tang riveted handle for maximum stability and precision balance.
    • Blade Finish: Heritage finish (hides scratches and provides a rustic look).
    • Country of Manufacture: Handcrafted in Seki, Japan.
    • Honing Compatibility: Unlike many Japanese blades, this steel can be maintained with a standard honing steel to extend the interval between sharpenings.

     

    When We Recommend the Shun Kanso Santoku

    Who it Fits Best

    Ideal for high-volume prep cooks who need a fast, nimble blade for the 'small stuff'—garlic, shallots, and small peppers—and home cooks who prefer a lighter, more approachable knife than a standard 8-inch chef's knife.

    Where it Excels

    This tool is unbeatable for precision vegetable work. The hollow-ground edge is a lifesaver when slicing starchy vegetables like potatoes or sticky cucumbers, as it significantly reduces drag.

    Professional Comparisons

    It is significantly lighter and more agile than a Wusthof Classic Santoku, yet the AUS10A steel offers better edge retention than most Global knives while being easier to hone.

    Chef Feedback

    "Line cooks love the Kanso series because they don't have to 'baby' the finish. It looks like an heirloom but works like a workhorse. The handle gets more comfortable the more you use it."

    Trade-offs & Considerations

    Because it is sharpened to a fine 16-degree edge, it should not be used on bones, frozen foods, or hard-shelled squash, which could cause the edge to chip.

     

    Additional Info

    Blade Length (Inches) 5.5 in.
    Blade Length (mm) 140 mm
    Blade Width (inches) 1.732
    Grind 50/50 Bevel
    Steel Type AUS10
    Rockwell Hardness 59/60
    Stainless Yes
    Handle Material Tagayasan Wood
    Spine Thickness (mm) 2
    Brand Shun
    Country of Manufacture Japan
    SKU SWT0727
    Manufacturer's Part Number SWT0727
    Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price $169.00

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