Santoku • 165 mm • 440c • Japanese handle made of lacquered oak • for both left and right-handed use

Features of the Touroku 440C Migaki Series

The Touroku Migaki series is crafted using 440C stainless steel, with a hardness ranging from HRC 58–61, depending on the heat treatment. This makes it slightly softer than the well-known VG10, while offering a fine grain structure, excellent wear resistance, and reliable edge retention.

The blade is finished with a migaki finish, a smooth, polished surface that gives the knife a clean and understated appearance. One of the practical benefits of this finish is that it creates less friction against the fingers during cutting and is easy to maintain.

The handle is coated with black urushi lacquer. Urushi is a traditional Japanese craft that dates back centuries. The lacquer is made from the sap of the urushi tree and has long been used to finish bowls, cups, tableware, tea caddies, and knife handles.

Urushi is valued for its durability, protective qualities, and the way it develops a richer character over time. It also serves as an excellent protective layer for wood, enhancing both longevity and aesthetics.

Elwin de Veld on Touroku

Japanese artisans are highly regarded worldwide. They are known for their dedication, passion, and inner drive to continually improve. Their craftsmanship has been passed down and refined for generations within small, mostly independent family businesses. These businesses are often spread throughout Japan, with specific regions renowned for their specific craftsmanship. Sometimes these small businesses are affiliated with a guild, sometimes not. The older, smaller businesses (those with the greatest perseverance) are particularly open to contacts outside Japan, but often don't know how to take this step.

Taka san, the third-generation owner of Touroku Sakai (登録佐海), which translates as "Recorded or Registered," aims to connect these businesses and make their craft known to the world. Touroku represents a distinguished group of craftspeople specializing in the craft of refined Japanese knives and holding on to the knowledge they have acquired over generations. Taka san runs a unique company where he brings together crafts from the regions of Tsubame Sanjo City, Niigata, Tosa City, Kochi, and the Honkuriku region: Toyama City.

Touroku knives are now beloved by many professional chefs worldwide and embraced by many enthusiastic home cooks.