The Rainbow Damascus santoku at 180mm is one of the most balanced knives in the Saji line - a format that works equally well for home cooks and professional chefs who want one knife to handle the majority of prep. Takeshi Saji has been forging blades in Takefu City in Echizen for three generations, originally building his reputation as a maker of high-end outdoor knives before bringing that same precision and attention to detail into the kitchen cutlery world. He holds the title of certified Traditional Masters Craftsman - one of Japan highest recognitions for a working craftsman.
The Rainbow Damascus construction starts with a Hitachi Blue #2 (Aogami #2) carbon steel core. Saji hammer-forges it in san mai style with alternating layers of rust-resistant stainless steel, brass, and copper - the combination that produces the warm, multi-colored pattern across the blade road. At 180mm blade length and 50mm height this santoku has a tall blade that gives good knuckle clearance and serious board presence. The thin grind behind the edge translates directly to cutting performance: less wedging, cleaner release, more precision through fine vegetable cuts and protein work. The western ironwood handle is dense and visually striking, paired well with the Damascus blade.
What Customers Are Saying: Casey describes it as an amazing knife - not only beautiful, but easy to bring to a keen edge. A quick pass on kangaroo leather with micro spray brought the edge to insanely sharp out of the box. He calls it perfectly balanced and notes the ironwood handle contributes a pleasing weight. Well worth the price for the quality on offer.
Care Instructions: The Blue #2 core at the edge is reactive and will develop a patina naturally. Wipe and dry immediately after use. Avoid acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The stainless cladding on the blade road is low maintenance. Fine machining marks are present on these blades as part of the finish.
The Rainbow Damascus construction starts with a Hitachi Blue #2 (Aogami #2) carbon steel core. Saji hammer-forges it in san mai style with alternating layers of rust-resistant stainless steel, brass, and copper - the combination that produces the warm, multi-colored pattern across the blade road. At 180mm blade length and 50mm height this santoku has a tall blade that gives good knuckle clearance and serious board presence. The thin grind behind the edge translates directly to cutting performance: less wedging, cleaner release, more precision through fine vegetable cuts and protein work. The western ironwood handle is dense and visually striking, paired well with the Damascus blade.
What Customers Are Saying: Casey describes it as an amazing knife - not only beautiful, but easy to bring to a keen edge. A quick pass on kangaroo leather with micro spray brought the edge to insanely sharp out of the box. He calls it perfectly balanced and notes the ironwood handle contributes a pleasing weight. Well worth the price for the quality on offer.
Care Instructions: The Blue #2 core at the edge is reactive and will develop a patina naturally. Wipe and dry immediately after use. Avoid acidic foods on the blade. Hand wash only. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. The stainless cladding on the blade road is low maintenance. Fine machining marks are present on these blades as part of the finish.
- Blacksmith: Takeshi Saji
- Location: Takefu City, Echizen, Japan
- Construction: San Mai, Hammer Forged
- Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2)
- Cladding: Hammer Rainbow Damascus (Stainless, Brass, Copper)
- HRC: 62-63
- Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
- Handle: Western Ironwood
- Weight: 8.1 oz (230 g)
- Blade Length: 180mm
- Total Length: 305mm
- Blade Height: 50mm
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) BeautifulPosted By: Casey
46 people found this review helpful
Amazing knife not only is it beautiful, but it takes an edge quite easily. I took it on my Kangaroo leather with a micro spray when I got it and it is insanely sharp. It’s on the more expensive side but well worth it. It is perfectly balanced and the iron wood gives it a nice weight.
46 people found this review helpful
Amazing knife not only is it beautiful, but it takes an edge quite easily. I took it on my Kangaroo leather with a micro spray when I got it and it is insanely sharp. It’s on the more expensive side but well worth it. It is perfectly balanced and the iron wood gives it a nice weight.
