ZA-18 is one of the more technically impressive stainless steels to enter the kitchen knife market in recent years. Developed by Aichi Steel Co., its composition - 1.2% carbon, 18% chromium, 1.5% molybdenum, and 1.8% cobalt - gives it exceptional corrosion resistance, excellent hardness at 60-61 HRC, and a toughness that makes it well-suited for a knife that will see daily professional use. Takayuki builds the Ginga line around this steel in Sakai, Japan - the city that has supplied roughly 90 percent of Japan's professional knife market for over 600 years - wrapping the ZA-18 core in 69 layers of Damascus stainless cladding for a blade that is visually striking and technically refined.
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese, for slicing, dicing, and mincing - is the ideal format for this combination of steel and construction. With a blade length of 185mm, this Ginga santoku is well-proportioned for all-purpose kitchen work - enough height for comfortable knuckle clearance, enough length for efficient board cutting. The 69-layer Damascus pattern is polished and bold, unique to each blade. The wenge octagonal handle with a buffalo horn ferrule is a premium pairing that matches the level of the blade.
Care Instructions: ZA-18 is a fully stainless steel with exceptional corrosion resistance - low maintenance and forgiving in a kitchen environment. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones.Maker: Takayuki
Location: Sakai City, Japan
Construction: San Mai
Edge Steel: ZA-18 Stainless Steel
Cladding: 69-Layer Damascus Stainless
HRC: 60-61
Handle: Wenge Octagonal
Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
Weight: 4.6 oz (130 g)
Blade Length: 185 mm
Total Length: 326 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
Blade Height: 46 mm
The santoku - three virtues in Japanese, for slicing, dicing, and mincing - is the ideal format for this combination of steel and construction. With a blade length of 185mm, this Ginga santoku is well-proportioned for all-purpose kitchen work - enough height for comfortable knuckle clearance, enough length for efficient board cutting. The 69-layer Damascus pattern is polished and bold, unique to each blade. The wenge octagonal handle with a buffalo horn ferrule is a premium pairing that matches the level of the blade.
Care Instructions: ZA-18 is a fully stainless steel with exceptional corrosion resistance - low maintenance and forgiving in a kitchen environment. Hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher, bones, and frozen foods. Sharpen on quality water stones.
