1 6

KAN x Kenji Shitoku™

KAN x Kenji Shitoku™

$199.00
$199.00
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Pre-order Batch #1, Delivery Before Christmas*

We're excited to partner with J. Kenji López-Alt on his signature knife, the KAN x Kenji Shitoku™. It's been years in the making, and we think you'll love the result. In Kenji's own words:

The KAN x Kenji Shitoku™ Knife reimagines the classic santoku by adding a fourth virtue—motion—through a deeper curve that allows effortless rock-chopping. Based on the hand-forged Vonhelmick Shitoku™ I created with blade smith Gordon Hanson, it blends Japanese precision with Western fluidity in a 67-layer stainless Damascus design that’s light, balanced, and wickedly sharp. It’s a knife that feels like an extension of your hands—as natural as the rhythm of cooking, and as beautiful as it is functional. 

—J. Kenji López-Alt

  • A portion of each sale will be donated to No Kid Hungry
  • Includes bonus discount code for Kenji's Patreon
  • Most Shitokus will not be hand-delivered by Kenji, but some might!

Pre-order Note:
*US orders placed now should arrive before Christmas. If you add additional KAN knives to your order, those knives will ship immediately, and your Shitoku(s) will arrive later. International orders will ship in their entirety when your Shitoku(s) is ready.

Feature Details
Blade Material VG-10 Core, 66-Layer Stainless Steel Cladding
Length 6.5 inches (165 mm) edge; 12 inches (305 mm) total
Blade Thickness 0.063 inches (1.6 mm) at the heel
Weight 4.7 oz (133 g)
Handle Octagonal Wa; Ebony Wood + Golden Yolk/Guava Pink G10 Accents
Blade Height 1.9 inches (48 mm)
Edge Angle 15° each side
Hardness 60 HRC
Care Hand-wash only
View full details

Wondering how the different options compare?

Ebony Wood vs G10 Composite Resin Handle

Trying to decide which handle to go with?

Aesthetic
The dark ebony wood is beautiful and classic, while the jet-black G10 looks very slick and modern. That part is totally up to preference in looks.

Weight
We have worked to make sure the balance feels right with either type of handle material, but overall, the G10-handled knives will weigh slightly more. In the case of our chef knife, you can expect an extra ounce. Again, the balance of the knives makes the weight difference feel minimal.

Care and Durability
Even though ebony wood is extremely hard, the G10 handles are slightly more carefree as they are impervious to water and may scratch less easily. Remember, none of these knives should ever go in the dishwasher (hand wash and dry immediately). Really, the ebony isn’t high maintenance, but it wouldn’t hurt to rub a couple drops of mineral oil on it every now and then.

Hammered vs Non Hammered

On our chef knife, we offer both a hammered (tsuchime) finish and non-hammered. The main decision is which look you like better, as it is mainly an aesthetic choice. That said, the hammered dimples can aid slightly in food release. Again, it’s mostly which look you prefer.

Related Products