The founder of Tadafusa, Sone Torasaburo started the company from nothing in the 23rd year of the Showa era in 1948. He made various kinds of knives such as sickles, short swords and kitchen knives by using the forging techniques he learned as an apprentice making hand-forged metal scales. He gradually started to specialize in making fishing knives and then also address a need to create kitchen knives for home and professional use and special knives for Soba up to today. Since the company’s foundation, they strive to create “the best products” for customers by hand through every single process and to make each knife with utmost enthusiasm.

The SLD Hammer tone series has one of the most distinctive hammered patterns in Japanese knife making. Each blacksmith has its own Tsuchime pattern. Their Tsuchime is based on geometric diamond pattern, which has been familiar from ancient times in Japan.
Hitachi SLD Steel has more chromium than carbon steel such as Blue Paper Steel or White Paper Steel, which means that it is more resistant to rust but not fully stainless (semi stainless). Also, it holds a sharp edge and a long edge retention by its hardness and toughness. It is popular steel for kitchen knives in Japan.

With a tall blade and rounded nose, the Santoku is a versatile, all over, knife that is suitable for cutting meat, fish, or vegetables. The name Santoku means “Three-purpose” (virtues). Used mainly with chopping and push cuts by most Japanese like a general use chef knife.

Brand / Blacksmith: Tadafusa
Series: SLD Hammer Tone
Knife type: Santoku 165
Blade Length / Total length (mm): 165/305
Grind: 50/50
Finish: Tsuchime / Hammered
Steel type: SLD (semi stainless)
Forging method: San Mai
HRC hardness: 62 – 63
Handle type / Material / Ferrule: Wa Octagonal / Wooden ferule
Spine Thickness at heel / tip (mm): 2,7/0,35
Blade height at heel (mm): 49
Weight (gr): 140
Notes: