Kai AB-5162 Seki Magoroku Shoso Japanese Santoku Knife – 14 cm

Professional Japanese santoku knife for meat, fish, and vegetables

The Kai AB-5162 Seki Magoroku Shoso is a 14 cm Japanese santoku knife designed as a versatile, precise, and highly balanced tool for everyday cooking in both professional and home kitchens.

The word “Santoku” means “three virtues,” referring to its ability to handle meat, fish, and vegetables with equal efficiency. This model perfectly reflects the philosophy of the Seki Magoroku Shoso series by Kai: minimalist design, high hygiene standards, and professional cutting performance.

Manufactured in Japan by Kai, one of the most respected Japanese knife makers, this knife combines tradition, modern engineering, and excellent value for money.

A versatile Japanese santoku knife for all types of cooking

The Kai AB-5162 Santoku 14 cm is a multifunction kitchen knife designed to replace several knives in daily cooking. Its compact blade offers excellent control, making it ideal for both professional chefs and demanding home cooks.

Recommended uses

• Precise vegetable cutting and slicing
• Chopping onions, garlic, and herbs
• Cutting meat with smooth control
• Preparing fish and sushi ingredients
• Japanese cuisine preparation
• Daily meal prep (mise en place)
• Fast and controlled cutting in professional kitchens
• Main all-purpose kitchen knife

It is one of the most versatile Japanese kitchen knives.

Compact design: control, precision, and comfort

With its 14 cm blade, this santoku is more compact than a traditional chef knife, offering key advantages:

✔ Greater control over each cut
✔ Reduced fatigue during extended use
✔ Ideal for small and medium cutting boards
✔ Fast and precise cutting movements
✔ Excellent maneuverability in professional kitchens

Its straight cutting motion allows clean vertical slicing without crushing ingredients, preserving texture and freshness.

Japanese 1K6 stainless steel blade

The blade is made from Japanese 1K6 stainless steel, engineered to provide a balanced combination of sharpness, durability, and easy maintenance.

Benefits of 1K6 steel:

• Reliable edge performance
• Good edge retention
• High corrosion resistance
• Easy sharpening and maintenance
• Suitable for daily professional use

With an approximate hardness of 58 HRC, the blade maintains a stable and consistent cutting edge.

Monoblock construction for maximum hygiene

The Kai AB-5162 Seki Magoroku Shoso features a full stainless steel monoblock construction, where blade and handle are forged as a single piece.

Key benefits:

• Maximum hygiene (no joints or gaps)
• Easy cleaning and maintenance
• High structural durability
• Modern professional design
• Perfect balance in hand
• Ideal for professional kitchens

This construction is highly valued in restaurants, hotels, and culinary schools.

The philosophy of the Seki Magoroku Shoso series

The Seki Magoroku Shoso series is inspired by the historic city of Seki, Japan, one of the world’s most important traditional blade-making regions.

Kai designed this series to deliver:

• Pure functionality without unnecessary elements
• Excellent cutting performance
• Professional ergonomics
• Long-lasting durability
• Accessible entry into Japanese knives

It is a range designed for intensive everyday use.

Why choose a Japanese santoku knife?

The santoku is one of the most popular knife styles in Japan and modern professional kitchens worldwide.

The Kai AB-5162 stands out because:

Total versatility

Handles vegetables, meat, and fish with a single knife.

Japanese precision

Produces clean cuts without crushing ingredients.

Ergonomic handling

Compact size reduces fatigue and improves control.

Kitchen efficiency

Ideal for fast and organized meal preparation.

Ideal for professionals and serious home cooks

This knife is designed for both professional and domestic use:

• Professional chefs
• Restaurants and hotels
• Culinary schools
• Catering services
• Japanese cuisine enthusiasts
• Advanced home cooks

It is a core knife in any Japanese kitchen setup.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Kai
• Series: Seki Magoroku Shoso
• Model: AB-5162
• Knife type: Japanese Santoku knife
• Blade length: 140 mm (14 cm)
• Blade material: Japanese 1K6 stainless steel
• Hardness: ~58 HRC
• Edge type: Double bevel
• Construction: Monoblock stainless steel
• Finish: Satin
• Made in: Japan

Frequently asked questions

What does Santoku mean?

It means “three virtues”: meat, fish, and vegetables. A Japanese all-purpose knife.

Is it suitable for professional use?

Yes, it is widely used in professional kitchens for its precision and hygiene.

How is it different from a chef knife?

The santoku is more compact and offers better control for precise cutting tasks.

Is it easy to sharpen?

Yes, the 1K6 stainless steel is easy to maintain and sharpen.