{"product":{"catalog_id":"aa2f1702-568b-45f1-a181-6d77db513fd1","is_eligible_search":true,"is_eligible_checkout":false,"item_id":"906c6c2f-c174-4086-98ba-d1c4846a1bac","title":"Santoku Walnut Knife","description":"The Hazaki Santoku Walnut Knife is a handmade Japanese-style santoku knife crafted in Montreal, featuring a VG10 Damascus steel blade forged in Japan with a Rockwell hardness of 61, a full tang, and a Canadian walnut handle. It is designed for everyday cutting, slicing, and dicing of vegetables, meat, and fish, and includes a gift box, paper blade guard, and wood butter sample. Key dimensions include a 6.5-inch blade and 4.75-inch handle; user reviews note the handle is relatively thin and may arrive unfinished, so conditioning with wax is recommended.","url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/kitchen-dining/kitchenware/kitchen-utensils-accessories/santoku-walnut-knife--21433-24080901?colourId=0","brand":"Hazaki Knives","condition":"new","product_category":"kitchen dining > kitchenware > kitchen utensils accessories","material":"Handle: Walnut wood; Blade: Forged steel","age_group":"adult","image_url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/21433/24080901/98/A1_2.jpg","additional_image_urls":["https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/21433/24080901/98/A2_2.jpg","https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/21433/24080901/98/A3_2.jpg"],"images":[{"id":"img-1784702948903-0","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/21433/24080901/98/A1_2.jpg","alt_text":"Santoku walnut knife product image (primary)","position":1,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Knife photographed flat on a neutral textured fabric background, centered diagonally from top-right to bottom-left with soft diffuse lighting and a faint shadow below the blade and handle.","observations":[{"key":"Background","kind":"feature","value":"Evenly lit neutral light-gray textured fabric surface occupying the full image.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Knife placed diagonally from the image top-right toward bottom-left, leaving ample negative space around the product.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Lighting and shadow","kind":"feature","value":"Soft diffuse overhead lighting producing mild diffuse shadowing beneath the knife, especially under the blade edge.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"satin steel gray","part":"blade","regions":[{"x":0.12,"y":0.34,"width":0.71,"height":0.49,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Matte satin steel finish with a subtle cooler gray tone and a faint wavy pattern near the edge.","sampled_hex":"#C5C4C2","estimated_hex":"#BFC5C7"},{"name":"walnut brown","part":"handle","regions":[{"x":0.61,"y":0.07,"width":0.29,"height":0.33,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Warm medium walnut brown with visible wood grain and a satin finish.","estimated_hex":"#6B4A34"},{"name":"brushed gunmetal","part":"bolster and end cap","regions":[{"x":0.55,"y":0.3,"width":0.14,"height":0.07,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.86,"y":0.06,"width":0.08,"height":0.08,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Brushed dark stainless metallic finish on the short bolster and the handle end cap.","sampled_hex":"#AEA299","estimated_hex":"#9DA3A6"},{"name":"warm gold","part":"handle pin","regions":[{"x":0.72,"y":0.25,"width":0.032,"height":0.042,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Small circular metallic pin with a reflective warm gold finish set into the wood.","sampled_hex":"#B59283","estimated_hex":"#C99A2C"}],"product":{"summary":"A single chef-style knife shown diagonally with a straight spine, angled tip, satin-finish steel blade showing a subtle wavy pattern near the edge, and a cylindrical walnut wood handle with a metal bolster and metal end cap.","observations":[{"key":"Blade shape","kind":"feature","value":"Long single-piece steel blade with a straight spine that tapers to an angled tip; the cutting edge has a shallow concave bevel visible along its length.","regions":[{"x":0.12,"y":0.34,"width":0.71,"height":0.49,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Blade surface pattern","kind":"feature","value":"Faint wavy linear pattern running parallel to the cutting edge along most of the blade side.","regions":[{"x":0.16,"y":0.47,"width":0.58,"height":0.28,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Blade text","kind":"text","value":"HAZAKI","regions":[{"x":0.3,"y":0.34,"width":0.1,"height":0.06,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Handle material and shape","kind":"feature","value":"Cylindrical wooden handle with visible walnut grain and a smooth, satin finish; gently rounded butt end.","regions":[{"x":0.61,"y":0.07,"width":0.29,"height":0.33,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Handle decorative pin","kind":"feature","value":"Small round metallic pin with a gold-colored finish set into the handle near the bolster.","regions":[{"x":0.72,"y":0.25,"width":0.032,"height":0.042,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Bolster and end cap","kind":"feature","value":"Short dark metal bolster at the blade-handle junction and a matching metal end cap at the handle butt, both with a brushed metallic finish.","regions":[{"x":0.55,"y":0.3,"width":0.14,"height":0.07,"confidence":"high"},{"x":0.86,"y":0.06,"width":0.08,"height":0.08,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Visible joint","kind":"feature","value":"Clear junction where the blade meets the bolster with a short recessed area forming the knife heel.","regions":[{"x":0.48,"y":0.29,"width":0.12,"height":0.08,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["4291581"]},{"id":"img-1784702948903-1","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/21433/24080901/98/A2_2.jpg","alt_text":"Santoku walnut knife product image 2","position":2,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Photographed on a textured neutral fabric background with soft, even lighting; composition is a diagonal close-up of the knife cropped to show the full blade and part of the handle.","observations":[{"key":"Background material","kind":"feature","value":"Even-textured, suede-like fabric in a warm gray/taupe tone used as the photographic background.","regions":[{"x":0,"y":0,"width":1,"height":1,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Diagonal close-up framing with the blade oriented from lower-left toward upper-right and the tip near the top-right corner; handle extends out of the lower-left edge.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Lighting and shadow","kind":"feature","value":"Soft, diffuse lighting with subtle highlights along the bolster and spine and gentle shadowing beneath the blade indicating overhead light.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"steel gray","part":"blade","regions":[{"x":0.2,"y":0.06,"width":0.68,"height":0.73,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Matte to satin steel gray with visible darker mottled damascus pattern and a lighter wavy temper band near the edge.","sampled_hex":"#928E8C","estimated_hex":"#9EA2A6"},{"name":"walnut brown","part":"handle","regions":[{"x":0.04,"y":0.74,"width":0.19,"height":0.2,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Warm walnut brown wood with visible straight grain and a satin finish.","sampled_hex":"#6C432C","estimated_hex":"#6B4328"},{"name":"brass gold","part":"decorative pin","regions":[{"x":0.08,"y":0.83,"width":0.04,"height":0.04,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Bright metallic gold/brass circular pin set flush into the wooden handle.","sampled_hex":"#9A8D84","estimated_hex":"#C49A2C"},{"name":"polished silver","part":"bolster","regions":[{"x":0.17,"y":0.68,"width":0.09,"height":0.08,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Polished light silver metal with a reflective satin finish at the blade-handle junction.","estimated_hex":"#CFCFCF"}],"product":{"summary":"Close-up of a santoku knife showing the blade face with visible layered/damascus pattern, a wavy tempered edge line, a metal bolster, and a partial walnut handle with a decorative brass mosaic pin.","observations":[{"key":"Blade geometry","kind":"feature","value":"Single-piece blade with a wide, flat profile tapering to an angled tip typical of a santoku-style blade; the cutting edge runs along the long lower edge and the spine is straight then bevels to form the tip.","regions":[{"x":0.16,"y":0.05,"width":0.71,"height":0.77,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Surface pattern","kind":"feature","value":"Visible layered/damascus-like mottled texture across the blade face with irregular small markings and a lighter region near the spine transitioning to a darker midsection.","regions":[{"x":0.25,"y":0.12,"width":0.61,"height":0.64,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Wavy edge line","kind":"feature","value":"Distinct wavy temper or hamon-like line running parallel to the cutting edge from near the tip toward the handle side, forming a lighter undulating band.","regions":[{"x":0.53,"y":0.07,"width":0.42,"height":0.72,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Stamped characters","kind":"text","value":"Two vertical Japanese kanji-style characters stamped near the blade shoulder above a small circular emblem.","regions":[{"x":0.28,"y":0.48,"width":0.14,"height":0.17,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"partial"},{"key":"Blade emblem","kind":"feature","value":"Small circular emblem stamped below the characters on the blade face, consisting of a ring with an internal pattern.","regions":[{"x":0.32,"y":0.6,"width":0.05,"height":0.06,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Bolster","kind":"feature","value":"Short polished metal bolster connecting blade to handle with a visible curved cutout at the blade heel.","regions":[{"x":0.19,"y":0.68,"width":0.16,"height":0.12,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Handle material","kind":"feature","value":"Partial view of a wooden handle with visible straight wood grain and a smooth, satin finish; walnut-colored brown tone.","regions":[{"x":0.05,"y":0.74,"width":0.18,"height":0.2,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Decorative pin","kind":"feature","value":"Round brass or gold-colored mosaic pin set into the handle showing a small floral or rosette motif.","regions":[{"x":0.08,"y":0.83,"width":0.04,"height":0.04,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["4291581"]},{"id":"img-1784702948903-2","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/21433/24080901/98/A3_2.jpg","alt_text":"Santoku walnut knife product image 3","position":3,"attributes":{"other":{"summary":"Diagonal close-up composition on a textured neutral fabric surface with shallow depth of field and soft directional lighting from upper-left, producing gentle shadowing under the cap.","observations":[{"key":"Shot composition","kind":"feature","value":"Macro-detail diagonal close-up showing the handle running from top-left toward bottom-right, with the butt cap near the lower-right quadrant of the frame.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Background","kind":"feature","value":"Textured woven or looped fabric surface in a neutral beige tone occupying the entire background and supporting surface.","regions":[{"x":0,"y":0.6,"width":1,"height":0.4,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Lighting and depth","kind":"feature","value":"Soft, diffused lighting with shallow depth of field; foreground (cap and nearby handle) is sharp while areas further up the handle are gradually out of focus.","regions":[],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Shadow","kind":"feature","value":"Subtle shadow cast beneath and slightly left of the butt cap indicating light from upper-left.","regions":[{"x":0.54,"y":0.72,"width":0.3,"height":0.18,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"colors":[{"name":"walnut brown","part":"handle","regions":[{"x":0.05,"y":0.08,"width":0.68,"height":0.58,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Warm medium-dark walnut brown with visible wood grain and a matte finish.","sampled_hex":"#5D3A2A","estimated_hex":"#5A3B2B"},{"name":"brushed silver","part":"butt cap","regions":[{"x":0.58,"y":0.62,"width":0.36,"height":0.33,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Cool light silver with a brushed satin finish across the cap face and rim.","sampled_hex":"#C5C5C3","estimated_hex":"#C6C6C6"},{"name":"warm bronze","part":"engraved motif","regions":[{"x":0.68,"y":0.7,"width":0.14,"height":0.14,"confidence":"high"}],"subject":"product","description":"Warm gold-bronze tone filling the circular scalloped motif on the cap face, contrasting with the silver surface.","sampled_hex":"#83756C","estimated_hex":"#B0834A"}],"product":{"summary":"Close-up of the knife handle butt showing a smooth cylindrical walnut wooden handle with visible straight grain and a circular brushed metal butt cap with a decorative ring motif engraved at the cap face.","observations":[{"key":"Handle material","kind":"feature","value":"Cylindrical walnut wood handle with visible straight grain and a smooth, matte finish that tapers slightly along its length.","regions":[{"x":0.05,"y":0.08,"width":0.68,"height":0.58,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Butt cap geometry","kind":"feature","value":"Circular metal butt cap fitted flush to the end of the handle with a slightly chamfered edge and a flat face oriented toward the camera.","regions":[{"x":0.58,"y":0.62,"width":0.36,"height":0.33,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Decorative motif","kind":"feature","value":"A concentric ring motif engraved or inlaid on the butt cap face consisting of repeating scalloped petal shapes forming a circular wreath; the motif contrasts in a warmer, gold-bronze tone against the silver cap.","regions":[{"x":0.68,"y":0.7,"width":0.14,"height":0.14,"confidence":"high"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Cap finish","kind":"feature","value":"Brushed or satin metal finish on the cap face and edge with subtle radial texture visible under the lighting.","regions":[{"x":0.58,"y":0.62,"width":0.36,"height":0.33,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"},{"key":"Surface condition","kind":"feature","value":"Handle surface appears smooth with visible small wood pores and natural grain variations; no visible seams or fasteners at the visible end.","regions":[{"x":0.05,"y":0.08,"width":0.68,"height":0.58,"confidence":"medium"}],"evidence_status":"direct"}]},"packaging":{"observations":[]},"schema_version":2,"coordinate_space":{"units":"normalized","origin":"top_left"}},"variant_ids":["4291581"]}],"price":"240 CAD","sale_price":"240 CAD","availability":"in_stock","listing_has_variations":"false","variants":[{"sku":"4291581","url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/kitchen-dining/kitchenware/kitchen-utensils-accessories/santoku-walnut-knife--21433-24080901?colourId=98","image":{"id":"img-variant-4291581","url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/21433/24080901/98/A1_2.jpg","alt_text":"Santoku walnut knife - Assorted - ONE SIZE variant image","position":1,"variant_ids":["4291581"]},"price":{"value":240,"currency":"CAD"},"title":"Santoku Walnut Knife - Assorted - One Size","option1":"Assorted","option2":"ONE SIZE","image_url":"https://imagescdn.simons.ca/images/21433/24080901/98/A1_2.jpg","variant_id":"4291581","availability":"in_stock"}],"item_group_title":"Santoku Walnut Knife","size_system":"US","gender":"unisex","is_digital":"false","q_and_a":[{"a":"Yes, the blade is pre-sharpened to a factory edge of 12–15 degrees, which is also the recommended angle for resharpening [4].","q":"Is the blade edge pre-sharpened to a specific angle, and what angle is recommended for sharpening?"},{"a":"The walnut handle is not pre-sealed and requires immediate application of the included wood butter (or another food-safe finish) to protect it. Including the wood butter with the knife is intended for this purpose.","q":"Does the walnut handle come pre-sealed or does it require immediate application of the included wood butter?"},{"a":"Yes, it is a VG10 core with Damascus cladding made of 67 layers of steel. The construction is typical of Japanese damascus knives where a hard VG10 core is clad with softer patterned steel layers [1].","q":"What is the construction of the VG10 Damascus steel? Is it a VG10 core with Damascus cladding?"},{"a":"Yes, VG-10 performs well, holds an edge, and requires minimal maintenance, but there are better steels available (like SG2) for similar or less money.","q":"Is the VG-10 steel good enough for a home cook?"},{"a":"No, blades are sourced from Seki City, Japan, and the handles are hand-made in Canada; they are not cheap knockoffs.","q":"Are Hazaki knives just rebranded AliExpress products?"},{"a":"Yes, the walnut handle often comes unfinished and should be protected with cutting board wax or similar treatment.","q":"Does the walnut handle require special care?"}],"target_countries":"US","canonical_url":"https://www.simons.ca/en/kitchen-dining/kitchenware/kitchen-utensils-accessories/santoku-walnut-knife--21433-24080901?colourId=0","reddit_insights":{"match":{"notes":"Two out of five threads directly discuss Hazaki knives, providing first-hand experiences and opinions. The other threads do not mention the product.","confidence":0.9,"matched_terms":["Hazaki","Hazaki knives","Hazaki pro bunka","hazaki"]},"status":"ok","coverage":{"subreddits":["TrueChefKnives","chefknives"],"threads_used":2},"evidence":{"items":[{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChefKnives/comments/1jxgqef/is_anyone_familiar_with_hazaki_knives/mmqf2fe/","type":"comment","title":"Detailed first-hand impressions of Hazaki knives","author":"Lifeishardetc","ref_id":"r_e_4","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChefKnives/comments/1jxgqef/is_anyone_familiar_with_hazaki_knives/","title":"is anyone familiar with hazaki knives","subreddit":"TrueChefKnives"},"excerpt":"I have held one. The steel is nothing impressive. Looks like a factory vg 10. You can buy just those blades for 90CAD. So it shows you how much he charges for the handles…a lot. \n\nBut. His maple burl handles are gorgeous. Truly lovely. The walnut are nothing to write home about however. \n\nThey are a little on the heavy side. And are of a skinnier grip. So if you prefer a skinnier grip and a burl handle then I think they are nice. \n\nHe makes them I believe in a town north of Montreal which is known to be quite hippy. One of my favorite Quebec towns.","subreddit":"TrueChefKnives"},{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/chefknives/comments/1jifu89/need_advice_for_first_santokugyuto/mjf4sks/","type":"comment","title":"User experience with Hazaki bunka and thoughts on handle and steel","author":"12357909653","ref_id":"r_e_5","thread":{"url":"https://www.reddit.com/r/chefknives/comments/1jifu89/need_advice_for_first_santokugyuto/","title":"need advice for first santokugyuto","subreddit":"chefknives"},"excerpt":"The Hazaki pro bunka was my first knife as the gyutos I viewed in store seemed comically large. One week later, I was walking back in for a 240 Gyuto, somewhat regretting my bunka purchase. Don’t get me wrong, it’s been great, and I reach for it pretty regularly, but the versatility of a Gyuto is far superior.\n\nThe handle on the Hazaki’s are beautiful but quite thin and would suit someone with smaller hands. I’m not sure about the maple, but the walnut came unfinished, so I would highly recommend protecting it with some cutting board wax. VG-10 is great. Sure, there’s better steel out there but it’s going to perform very well, hold and edge and require minimal maintenance. \n\nI was happy to support a Canadian company and would love to recommend the same but it comes down to what will suit your needs best.","subreddit":"chefknives"}]},"generated_at":"2025-03-14T09:20:00Z","conversation_summary":{"gotchas":[{"gotcha":"Walnut handle may come unfinished and needs to be sealed to prevent damage.","severity":"low"},{"gotcha":"The handle is on the thinner side, which may not be comfortable for users with larger hands.","severity":"medium"},{"gotcha":"The knife is heavier than typical Japanese knives, which could affect balance and fatigue during extended use.","severity":"low"},{"gotcha":"Steel quality (VG-10 or AUS-10) is considered average and may not justify the price for performance-focused buyers.","severity":"medium"}],"one_liner":"Reddit users appreciate Hazaki knives' aesthetics and Canadian craftsmanship but are mixed on the value due to average steel quality and some ergonomic quirks.","sentiment":{"label":"mixed","score":-0.1,"explanation":"Opinions are split: some praise the handles and support for a Canadian brand, while others criticize the steel as unimpressive for the price and note the knife's weight and thin handle. Overall, slightly negative leaning."},"use_cases":[{"evidence":["r_e_5"],"use_case":"Everyday home cooking and food preparation"},{"evidence":["r_e_5"],"use_case":"Entry-level Japanese knife for new enthusiasts"}],"top_themes":[{"theme":"Handle aesthetics and ergonomics","stance":"mixed","evidence":["r_e_4","r_e_5"]},{"theme":"Steel quality and value for money","stance":"negative","evidence":["r_e_4","r_e_5"]},{"theme":"Weight and balance","stance":"negative","evidence":["r_e_4"]}],"comparisons":[{"summary":"Takamura SG2 is considered superior in steel quality (sharper, better edge retention) and is priced lower, making it a better value option.","evidence":["r_e_5"],"compared_to":"Takamura SG2"},{"summary":"At the VG-10 pro line price point, many would prefer alternatives with better reputations or performance.","evidence":["r_e_4"],"compared_to":"Other Japanese knives in similar price bracket"}]}},"deep_research":{"dimensions":{"canadian_japanese_craftsmanship":{"title":"Where Japanese steel meets Canadian woodworking","entries":{"dual_origin_presentation":"The gift box and paper blade guard reflect Japanese knife-packaging rituals, while the included wood butter sample anchors the package in Canadian wood-care practice—the unboxing itself narrates the knife's transcontinental heritage and makes it a story-rich gift.","seki_city_blade_heritage":"The blade is forged in Seki City, a Japanese cutlery hub whose swordsmithing lineage dates to the 13th century—tying the VG10 Damascus blade to over 700 years of metallurgical expertise that mass-produced knives cannot claim.","natural_walnut_uniqueness":"Each handle is hand-cut from Canadian walnut, a dense hardwood with pronounced grain; the explicit note that each piece varies from the photo guarantees a one-of-a-kind item, appealing to buyers who value artisanal individuality over factory uniformity.","full_silk_full_tang_integration":"The blade steel extends the entire handle length in a 'full-silk' (full-tang) construction, physically fusing the Japanese steel and Canadian wood into a single, durable structure—making the knife a literal embodiment of the two craft traditions.","montreal_made_to_order_assembly":"The advertised 1–2 week pre-shipment window and the handmade-in-Montreal designation suggest a workshop that assembles knives to order, delivering a freshly fitted handle and final inspection rather than a bulk-stocked unit."}}}},"handle":"santoku-walnut-knife-21433-24080901","storefront_path":"/en/kitchen-dining/kitchenware/kitchen-utensils-accessories/santoku-walnut-knife--21433-24080901","storefront_url":"https://ai.simons.ca/en/kitchen-dining/kitchenware/kitchen-utensils-accessories/santoku-walnut-knife--21433-24080901"}}