The Damascus finish on these knives does something that most Damascus cladding does not. Katayama-san sandblasts and then selectively polishes the stainless cladding, removing a controlled amount of the softer outer layer to reveal the underlying pattern in a way that has genuine tactile depth - the surface feels different from a standard polished Damascus, and the effect under light is equally unusual. He trained for close to a decade under Saji-san in Echizen before launching his own workshop in April 2021, and CKTG was among his first overseas accounts. The quality of his debut collection reflects that background directly.
The santoku (three virtues) at 165mm is the most versatile format in the lineup - flat enough at the heel for efficient push cuts through dense vegetables, with enough belly to handle rocking motions on aromatics and soft proteins. At 122g and a 2mm spine it is genuinely light and fast, the kind of knife that does not fatigue the hand through extended prep sessions. The VG10 core at 61 HRC is hammer forged san-mai, ground 50/50 for an even bevel that sharpens back predictably on quality water stones. The 51mm blade height gives good knuckle clearance for most hands. The kiyaki octagonal handle and ebony ferrule are a considered pairing - natural warmth against dark contrast, proportioned well for the blade size.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer calls the finish remarkable and unlike anything they have seen - specifically noting the surface texture of the sandblasted and polished cladding as something that makes the knife stand apart visually. The knife is described as lightweight and nimble with an edge that produces a sharp, wicked result. VG10 is praised for being approachable to sharpen while still performing well, which is a fair summary of what the steel delivers.
Care Instructions: VG10 is low maintenance stainless steel. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention and maintain with a ceramic rod or strop between full sharpenings.
The santoku (three virtues) at 165mm is the most versatile format in the lineup - flat enough at the heel for efficient push cuts through dense vegetables, with enough belly to handle rocking motions on aromatics and soft proteins. At 122g and a 2mm spine it is genuinely light and fast, the kind of knife that does not fatigue the hand through extended prep sessions. The VG10 core at 61 HRC is hammer forged san-mai, ground 50/50 for an even bevel that sharpens back predictably on quality water stones. The 51mm blade height gives good knuckle clearance for most hands. The kiyaki octagonal handle and ebony ferrule are a considered pairing - natural warmth against dark contrast, proportioned well for the blade size.
What Customers Are Saying: The one reviewer calls the finish remarkable and unlike anything they have seen - specifically noting the surface texture of the sandblasted and polished cladding as something that makes the knife stand apart visually. The knife is described as lightweight and nimble with an edge that produces a sharp, wicked result. VG10 is praised for being approachable to sharpen while still performing well, which is a fair summary of what the steel delivers.
Care Instructions: VG10 is low maintenance stainless steel. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones when the edge needs attention and maintain with a ceramic rod or strop between full sharpenings.
- Blacksmith: Katayama San
- Location: Echizen, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Edge Steel: VG10 Stainless
- Cladding: Stainless Damascus
- HRC: 61
- Edge Grind: 50/50
- Handle: Kiyaki Octagonal
- Ferrule: Ebony
- Weight: 4.3 oz (122g)
- Blade Length: 165mm
- Total Length: 308mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 51mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Dazzling Posted By: Michael Wilson
33 people found this review helpful
Great knife. The finish is remarkable. The texture on the blade is like any other I’ve seen. Nice lightweight knife that cuts great. The VG10 steel is good for entry level. Very easy to sharpen,and has a wicked edge.Very pleased with this knife. I own several VG10 knives, and love all of them. Thx to CKTG for the great fast shipping.
33 people found this review helpful
Great knife. The finish is remarkable. The texture on the blade is like any other I’ve seen. Nice lightweight knife that cuts great. The VG10 steel is good for entry level. Very easy to sharpen,and has a wicked edge.Very pleased with this knife. I own several VG10 knives, and love all of them. Thx to CKTG for the great fast shipping.
