Chef Ambassadors
Real head chefs across the UK put Shimeru blades to work on the pass, service after service.
Head Chef at Kiyoto Sushi
London
Head Chef at The Grazing Cow
Telford
Head Chef at Duke of Wellington
London
Head Chef at Niwa Yakitori
Manchester
Head Chef at The Royal Oak
Ashbourne
Head Chef at Hintlesham Hall
Ipswich
Head Chef at 1260 Hoylake
Wirral
SaleSantoku
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Blade Length
7"
Steel Type
67-Layer Damascus Steel (VG10 Core)Compare →
Handle
Black Resin with Gold Flake
Knife Type
SantokuCompare →
Best For
Slicing, Dicing, Mincing
Precision.
Balance.
Craft.
Asuka 飛鳥 7″ Damascus Steel Santoku Knife 三徳包丁
Introducing the Asuka 飛鳥 by Shimeru, a premium 7″ santoku knife that captures the splendour of Japan's ancient imperial era. With its striking black resin and gold flake handle, the Asuka is forged for those who seek opulence and precision in equal measure.
The blade is forged from 67 layers of premium Damascus steel with a VG10 cutting core, delivering exceptional sharpness, durability, and edge retention. The intricate wave pattern across the blade is unique to each knife, a hallmark of traditional Damascus craftsmanship. The hammered tsuchime finish reduces friction and prevents food from clinging, ensuring clean, effortless cuts through vegetables, proteins, and delicate ingredients alike.
The handle is a statement of luxury, crafted from deep black resin embedded with shimmering gold flakes that catch the light with every movement. No two handles are identical, making each Asuka a truly unique piece. The ergonomic Western-style grip provides a secure, comfortable hold, while a decorative mosaic pin adds a refined finishing touch. Moisture-resistant and built for durability, this handle performs beautifully in the busiest kitchens.
At 7″, the Asuka santoku excels at the three essential cuts—slicing, dicing, and mincing. Its wide blade profile allows for easy scooping and transfer of ingredients, while the balanced weight provides agile, confident handling for both everyday meal preparation and ambitious culinary creations.
The Asuka 飛鳥 7″ Damascus Steel Santoku Knife is crafted for chefs who appreciate artistry and grandeur. A blade that brings golden elegance and flawless performance to your kitchen, the Asuka will transform every cooking session into an occasion.
Crafted from professional-grade, heat-treated high-carbon steel, Shimeru Knives deliver exceptional sharpness, durability, and edge retention. From the first slice, you’ll experience the precision that sets us apart.
Our knives are guaranteed to be the sharpest you’ve ever owned. No exceptions, no compromises. Just razor-sharp blades that elevate your culinary experience.
Shimeru Knives feature uniquely designed handles that not only add a sophisticated touch to your kitchen but also provide a comfortable, secure grip for effortless chopping and slicing.
With a double-bevel edge sharpened to 15° (compared to the standard 20-25° of most Western knives), our blades allow for smoother, faster cuts, enhancing your cooking efficiency by 2 to 3 times.
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SaleStep 1, Rinse
Warm water and mild soap after each use. Never put your knife in the dishwasher, the harsh detergents and jostling will damage the edge and handle.
Step 2, Dry
Towel dry immediately. Don't leave it wet or in the sink, even stainless steel can develop spots if left damp.
Step 3, Store
Use a knife block, magnetic strip, or blade guard. Never toss it loose in a drawer, it dulls the edge and is a safety hazard.
That's it, no special maintenance, no fussy rituals. Your Shimeru knife is designed for daily use. With these three steps it'll stay razor-sharp for years.
Brilliant knife, exactly what I needed. Upgraded from a Victorinox and the difference is huge, edge retention is on another level. Used it to break down a chicken and it went through the joints no problem. The damascus pattern is beautiful, every knife is slightly different which is a nice touch. Handle feels solid and looks the part. Delivery was next day which was a bonus.
Got this knife as a gift from my missus and honestly it's a proper bit of kit. The handle is the first thing you notice, black resin with gold flakes, looks even better in person. Sharp out the box, slices through carrots and spuds like nothing. I've been using it daily for about a month now and the edge is still spot on, the VG10 core does hold up. The flat profile of the santoku is great for push cutting veg and garlic, no rocking needed. Only gripe is the handle took a couple days to get used to as it's a bit smoother than my old wooden one, but now I prefer it. Came in a really nice presentation box too.
Lovely knife, the Damascus pattern is stunning and it came in a really nice box which made it feel special even though I bought it for myself. I've been using it for a fortnight, mostly for veg prep and slicing chicken breast. The flat belly makes chopping onions a doddle and the edge is still razor sharp after daily use. My only gripe is the handle is a bit heavier than I'm used to so the balance point sits further back than I'd like, but I'm getting used to it. Definitely a step up from my old Robert Dyas chef's knife.
I wanted to love this knife after reading all the blurb about 67 layers and VG10 but honestly I'm a bit underwhelmed. It's sharp enough and cuts fine but my £27 santoku from IKEA ive had for years is nearly as good for half the price. The tsuchime finish looks nice in photos but in person it's a bit subtle and the gold flecks in the handle look a little plasticky up close. It's not a bad knife by any means, edge holds okay and it feels solid, but for eighty quid I expected to notice a bigger difference. Maybe I'll give it a proper sharpen at some point but as it stands I wouldn't rush to buy another.
Got this as a birthday pressie for meself and blimey, it's sharp. Like, scary sharp. Makes chopping veg actually enjoyable. The handle's a bit bling with the gold flecks but I quite like it, feels posh. Used it for everything from spuds to filleting a salmon and it glides through. Bit heavier than my old supermarket knife but in a good way, feels solid.
This is a lovely bit of kit. The damascus pattern is stunning and it holds an edge really well, I've been using it a couple weeks and still razor sharp. Only thing I'm not 100% on is the handle - looks the business but its a bit slick when your hands are wet. I'd maybe like a bit more texture on it. Apart from that, properly good knife for the money.
Got this for my husbands birthday, he’s been banging on about wanting a decent santoku for ages. It looks even nicer in person tbh, the black handle with the gold bits is really smart. He’s used it every day since and it glides through veg like butter. Way better than the rubbish set we had from Ikea.
So I treated myself to this after eyeing it up for a couple months and I'm proper glad I did. The packaging was a nice touch, came in a fancy box so felt a bit special. Only had knives from supermarkets before so this is a massive step up. The blade has a gorgeous wavy pattern and the hammered finish stops food sticking which I didn't know was a thing but it actually works. Had it about a month now, still scary sharp even with daily use on carrots, spuds, all sorts. Only thing is its so sharp you have to be a bit more careful cleaning it, but that’s hardly a complaint. The handle feels natural after a bit, really comfortable grip. Already thinking about getting the chef's knife from the same range.
Got this as a birthday pressie for my husband and hes over the moon. He’s been going on about the damascus pattern for ages, its even better in person. He used it to slice some salmon paper thin like nothing. Cracking knife for the price tbh.
Really chuffed with this. The blade is absolutely stunning, proper sharp out the box. Used it for a load of veg prep and it just glides through everything. The handle with the black and gold flecks is dead nice, feels posh but still easy to grip. It’s a bit of a showstopper when mates come round for a sunday roast.
