Takayuki VG-10 Hammered Damascus Wa Kengata 200mm

The kengata - meaning sword-shaped in Japanese - is a blade profile defined by its reverse tanto tip, where the spine drops sharply toward the point rather than curving up from the edge. The result is a tip that is both visually striking and practically useful for detail work, intricate cuts, and processing smaller ingredients where control matters more than sweep. Sakai Takayuki has been making knives in Sakai since 1946, tracing its heritage to a sword-making tradition in that city stretching back nearly 600 years - a lineage that makes the kengata profile feel entirely at home in their catalog.

This 200mm wa kengata sits closer to a gyuto than a classic bunka in its proportions - the blade height is lower and the edge length longer than a standard bunka, which gives it a more versatile cutting profile while keeping the distinctive reverse tanto tip. The VG-10 stainless core is clad in Damascus stainless in a San Mai construction, with a hammered (tsuchime) finish applied above the shinogi that contrasts beautifully with the flowing Damascus pattern on the lower blade road. The octagonal handle is made from maple and red pakka wood - a clean, traditional combination that keeps the knife light and well-balanced in the hand.

What Customers Are Saying: Both reviewers highlight the visual impact of the blade - the combination of hammered finish, Damascus layering, and the distinctive kengata profile makes this one of the more striking knives on the site. One reviewer notes the VG-10 sharpens more easily on stones than the same steel from other makers, and calls it a go-to everyday knife. The other appreciated the overall quality for the price and noted the edge was good out of the box and came up well on stones. Both confirm the knife runs slightly longer than the stated 200mm.

• Brand: Sakai Takayuki
• Location: Sakai, Japan
• Construction: San Mai
• Edge Steel: VG-10 Stainless
• Cladding: Damascus Stainless
• Finish: Tsuchime (Hammered)
• Handle: Maple and Red Pakka Wood Octagonal
• Weight: 5.3 oz (152 g)
• Blade Length: 201 mm
• Total Length: 360 mm
• Spine Thickness at Heel: 2 mm
• Blade Height: 49 mm

Care Instructions: VG-10 stainless is low maintenance - hand wash and dry after each use. Avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly to keep the edge performing between sharpenings. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard surfaces that could chip or roll the edge.