Takayuki Kurokage VG10 Hammered Santoku 170mm

It’s really hard to overstate the stunning looks of this santoku knife. The general blade design of these versatile cutters is made even more attractive by the addition of the smooth black Teflon coating over the beautifully executed tsuchime face and perfectly matched octagonal wenge wood handle. The word kurokage means “dark shadow,” and we cannot think of a better name for this imposing looking implement.

The stark contrast of this knife’s hand-chiseled kanji elements and the perfectly finished VG10 steel edge add that touch of refinement and drama to the overall picture. We think this is one of the coolest looking knives out there right now.

Of course, the Teflon and tsuchime finishes are there for more than aesthetic reasons. These two elements add up to a food release ability that is among the best we have encountered. Combine that with the attributes of the ever-popular VG10 stainless steel and you have a knife that looks amazing and performs with the best of them, all at a very affordable price.

The santoku knife is a really great all-around kitchen blade. It has a deft feel and tall blade which endow the knife with a great deal of versatility in its cutting capabilities. Santoku translates to three virtues and the acts of slicing, chopping, and dicing are tackled with aplomb by this classic design. Many western chefs and home cooks look to the santoku as their go-to blade for many general cutting tasks.

Maker: Sakai Takayuki

Location: Sakai, Japan

Line: Kurokage (Means Dark Shadow)

Construction: San Mai

Edge Steel: VG10

Cladding: Stainless

Finish: Hammered, Teflon Coated

HRC: 60-61

Edge: Double-Bevel (50/50)

Handle Material: Octagonal Wenge Wood

Weight: 5.4 oz (150g)

Blade Length: 171 mm

Overall Length: 302 mm

Spine Thickness at Heel: 2.1 mm

Blade Height at Heel: 51.6 mm

Handles are installed with gapped machi called "Tokyo Style"