HEZHEN 5.5 Inch Japanese Santoku Knife (Blue Steel No.2) Review — Is It Worth It? [2026]
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HEZHEN 5.5-Inch Blue Steel No.2 Santoku
A compact, 82 g Japanese santoku with a Blue Steel No.2 core, Damascus cladding and a figured sycamore handle.
Is the HEZHEN 5.5-inch Santoku worth buying?
For a small, sharp Japanese-style knife, yes. Blue Steel No.2 is a carbon steel prized for taking a keen edge, and the 62-64 HRC hardness on the listing backs that up. At 140 mm of blade and 82 g, it is more a nimble prep knife than an all-purpose chopper. Carbon steel cores need care (hand wash, dry quickly), so this is for cooks who don't mind a little upkeep.
Small Japanese santoku, carbon steel core
HEZHEN lists this as part of its Retro Series. The blade has a Blue Steel No.2 carbon steel core with Damascus cladding, a hand-polished finish and a traditional octagonal handle in figured sycamore and buffalo horn.
What makes it stand out
Blue Steel No.2 core, 62-64 HRC
The listing gives 62-64 HRC for the core. That is a hard steel, which usually means a very sharp edge that holds up well but needs gentle handling. The edge angle is 15 degrees per side, with a tolerance of one degree.
140 mm blade, 276 mm overall
The blade is about 5.5 inches long, 37.5 mm wide and roughly 2.0 mm thick. At 82 g it is light and quick in the hand.
Octagonal sycamore and buffalo horn
The handle pairs figured sycamore with a buffalo horn collar, with a hand-polished finish. Octagonal handles are a Japanese classic that many cooks find easy to grip.
Hand wash and dry
HEZHEN's care note is simple: hand wash, dry immediately and keep it away from bones and frozen foods. Carbon steel can stain or rust if left wet.
Full spec sheet
| Model | HEZHEN 5.5" Santoku, Retro Series |
| Blade material | Blue Steel No.2 carbon steel core, Damascus steel |
| Hardness | 62-64 HRC |
| Edge angle | 15 degrees +/- 1 per side |
| Blade length | 140 mm |
| Overall length | 276 mm |
| Blade width | 37.5 mm |
| Thickness | About 2.0 mm |
| Net weight | 82 g |
| Handle | Figured sycamore wood + buffalo horn |
| Care | Hand wash only, no bones or frozen food |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Blue Steel No.2 core at 62-64 HRC.
- Light at 82 g and easy to control.
- Octagonal sycamore and horn handle.
- Price is $109.99 for a Damascus-clad Japanese knife.
- Clear dimension chart on the product page.
Cons
- Carbon steel needs hand washing and drying.
- 5.5 inches is small for larger vegetables.
- Not for bones or frozen foods.
- No sheath or box is mentioned on this page.
- Page doesn't list the number of Damascus layers.
Answers before you buy
What steel is the core?
How hard is it?
How long is the blade?
Can I put it in the dishwasher?
Can it cut bones?
A small knife with a serious edge
This is a compact, carbon-steel santoku for people who enjoy a sharp knife and don't mind a bit of care. It will not replace a big chef's knife, but it is a pleasure for light prep.
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