Art Gladius Santoku Knife | Japanese Style | 7.5-Inch 440 Steel Blade | Sandalwood Handle | Made in Spain

Art Gladius Santoku Knife | Japanese Style | 7.5-Inch 440 Steel Blade | Sandalwood Handle | Made in Spain

Appearance and Construction

The knife displays the typical Santoku shape – a wide blade, approximately 190 mm (around 7.5 inches) long, which slopes down towards the tip in a characteristic curve (a "sheep's foot" style). The cutting edge is relatively straight, facilitating chopping and push cuts. The blade is made from 440 stainless steel. Similar to the slicing knife in this series, the manufacturer specifies a mirror polish finish, yet visually, the blade catches the eye with a striking hammered texture, which not only looks good but can also help reduce food sticking. The "GLADIUS" logo is situated near the handle. What sets this Santoku apart is its exceptional blade thickness of approx. 2.9 mm and a weight of around 227 g. This is a truly robust and powerful tool. The reddish sandalwood handle is ergonomically shaped and complemented by a metal bolster with decorative accent rings. The total length of the knife is approx. 315 mm.

The Razor-Sharp 440 Steel Blade

A robust blade demands quality steel. The 440 stainless steel used, hardened to 58−60 HRC, provides you with:

• Excellent Sharpness: The knife arrives razor-sharp for effortless cutting of all types of food.
• Durable Edge: The steel's hardness ensures the knife stays sharp for a long time.
• Extreme Robustness: Thanks to its massive 2.9 mm thickness, the blade is incredibly strong and durable, capable of handling demanding work.
• Corrosion Resistance: 440 steel is proven for its resistance to rust and stains.
• Good Sharpenability: Despite its robustness, the knife can still be effectively sharpened and maintained.

The Sandalwood Handle – Comfort Even for Demanding Work

The ergonomic sandalwood handle offers:

• Pleasant and Secure Grip: Allows for the firm hold needed to control this more substantial knife.
• Attractive Material: The beautiful colour and grain of the wood add elegance to the knife.
• Durability: Sandalwood is hard and holds up well in a normal kitchen environment.
• Comfort: The natural material feels pleasant in the hand, even during prolonged use.

What is This Knife For?

Santoku means "three virtues" in Japanese (slicing, dicing, mincing), and this knife honours them, albeit in a very robust form:

• Slicing and Chopping Vegetables: The wide blade and straighter edge are ideal for quickly chopping and slicing vegetables on the board. The wide blade surface makes scooping up chopped ingredients easy.
• Slicing Meat and Fish: Handles portioning meat (boneless) and filleting fish with ease.
• Dicing and Mincing: Suitable for finely preparing ingredients.
• All-Purpose Use: Takes on the role of a chef's knife but with the characteristic Santoku shape and a very solid, powerful feel in the hand.

Caring for Your Knife – Preserving Performance and Beauty

Take good care of your robust Santoku:

• Hand Wash Only: Forget the dishwasher! It would ruin the edge and the handle. Wash under warm water with washing-up liquid and dry immediately.
• Safe Storage: Not loose in a drawer with other tools. A sturdy knife block or a strong magnetic rack is ideal.
• Edge Maintenance: Use a honing steel regularly. Sharpening on a stone may require more time and patience due to the blade's thickness but is perfectly feasible. Alternatively, use a professional sharpening service. The angle is approx. 15−20 degrees.
• Handle Care: Protect the sandalwood from moisture; occasional treatment with food-safe mineral oil is beneficial.

Safety First

You are working with a heavy and very sharp knife:

• Use a stable and sufficiently large cutting board.
• Always cut with full control, moving away from your body.
• Keep your fingers safely tucked away.
• Never try to catch a falling knife.
• Store the knife safely.

The Art Gladius Santoku with sandalwood handle is a unique knife for those seeking Japanese versatility combined with a massive, almost indestructible build. It's a strong and reliable partner for your everyday cooking, made with a focus on quality in Spain.