OUL Nawame Ginsan Damascus Santoku Knife 165 mm – Black Oak Handle

Effortless Multi-Purpose Agility for Daily Prep

The OUL Nawame Ginsan Damascus Santoku 165 mm is engineered to master the "three virtues" of Japanese culinary prep: meat, fish, and vegetables. Measuring 165 mm (6.5") along the cutting edge, this Santoku combines the board clearance of a broad blade with the rapid agility of a compact knife. It excels at fast vertical push-cutting, clean dicing, and precise protein trimming.

Weighing an agile 130 grams with a slender 2 mm blade thickness, this knife eliminates hand fatigue during high-volume prep sessions. The 45 mm blade width provides generous knuckle clearance above the cutting board while functioning as a wide surface to transfer chopped ingredients directly to the pan.

Ginsan (Silver #3) Core & Nawame Damascus Finish

Forged with a cutting core of Ginsan (Silver #3)—hardened to 60–61 HRC—this blade delivers the keen sharpness and tactile feedback of high-carbon steel paired with the complete corrosion resistance of a modern stainless alloy.

The blade features a distinctive Nawame (Rope Pattern) Damascus finish. This tactile etching transitions from flowing damascus layers into a bold, rope-textured pattern along the spine. Beyond its visual depth, the textured recesses create micro-air pockets across the blade face, actively breaking surface vacuum so slices of potatoes, cucumbers, and proteins release cleanly without dragging.

Ergonomic Octagonal Black Oak Handle

Anchoring the knife is an octagonal Japanese Wa-style handle carved from Black Oak wood. Naturally dense and moisture-resistant, the dark-stained oak delivers a balanced, slip-resistant grip during wet prep. Its symmetrical, ambidextrous geometry ensures neutral balance and comfort for both right- and left-handed chefs.

Technical Specifications

What’s in the Box?

• OUL Presentation Box: Japanese presentation packaging for secure storage and gifting.
• Protective Edge Sleeve: Guards the factory apex during initial unboxing and transit.

Authorized OUL Dealer Direct

Hasu-Seizo is an authorized US dealer sourcing OUL cutlery directly from artisan workshops in Sakai, Japan. Prior to dispatch, every knife undergoes individual quality inspection at our Seattle area warehouse to verify straightness along the 2 mm spine, bevel uniformity, and flush handle construction.

Care & Maintenance

While Ginsan steel is stainless and resistant to rust, proper care preserves the refined edge geometry and Damascus finish:

• Hand-Wash Only: Wash immediately after use with warm water, mild soap, and a soft sponge. Dry thoroughly. Never wash in a dishwasher.
• Cutting Surfaces: Pair with soft end-grain wooden boards or high-grade synthetic rubber cutting boards. Avoid glass, granite, or bamboo surfaces.
• Target Materials: Do not cut bones, frozen ingredients, dense rinds, or hard shells to prevent micro-chipping along the cutting apex.
• Sharpening: Maintain the edge using medium-to-fine Japanese whetstones (#1000 to #6000 grit). Ginsan steel deburrs easily and responds rapidly to whetstones and leather stropping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of Ginsan (Silver #3) steel? Ginsan steel delivers high-carbon cutting performance and sharpness retention while remaining completely rust-resistant. Its fine carbide structure sharpens and deburrs as cleanly as pure carbon steel without requiring reactive maintenance.

How does a 165 mm Santoku compare to a 210 mm Gyuto? A 165 mm Santoku features a flatter edge profile and a shorter length, optimizing it for vertical push-cutting and small-board prep. A 210 mm Gyuto offers greater length and belly curve for rocking cuts and slicing large roasts.

What is the function of the Nawame finish? The Nawame finish creates a rope-like textural indentation across the upper blade face. This irregular surface reduces contact area and disrupts suction, allowing wet vegetables and proteins to fall away cleanly while slicing.

Where does this knife ship from? All knives are stored, quality-inspected, and shipped directly from our warehouse located in the Seattle area.