Matsumura-san and his team at Tojiro newer Sanjo City facility represent a different production tier from the entry-level lines the brand is best known for. The TOJIRO ATELIER CLASSIC Damascus line is where that elevated approach is most visible: VG10 stainless core steel wrapped in nashiji Damascus cladding, with a fit and finish that reflects careful handwork at each stage of production. These are knives built to be used at a high level and to look the part while doing it.
The santoku (three virtues) format covers meat, fish, and vegetables with equal capability, and at 170mm this one is well-suited to both home and professional kitchens. The VG10 core delivers the edge retention and corrosion resistance that has made the alloy a standard in Japanese knife production, while the nashiji (pear skin) Damascus cladding adds both visual depth and a textured surface that reduces drag through food. The blade is exceptionally sharp from the factory and responds well to quality water stones for maintenance. The ebony octagonal handle is a refined choice for the format - comfortable in a pinch grip, cleanly finished at the ferrule, and well-balanced for extended prep sessions. This is the ATELIER line at its most versatile.
Care Instructions: VG10 stainless is low maintenance and easy to live with. Hand wash and dry after use - avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly to maintain the edge. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials that can chip the edge at high hardness. Free shipping over $100.
The santoku (three virtues) format covers meat, fish, and vegetables with equal capability, and at 170mm this one is well-suited to both home and professional kitchens. The VG10 core delivers the edge retention and corrosion resistance that has made the alloy a standard in Japanese knife production, while the nashiji (pear skin) Damascus cladding adds both visual depth and a textured surface that reduces drag through food. The blade is exceptionally sharp from the factory and responds well to quality water stones for maintenance. The ebony octagonal handle is a refined choice for the format - comfortable in a pinch grip, cleanly finished at the ferrule, and well-balanced for extended prep sessions. This is the ATELIER line at its most versatile.
Care Instructions: VG10 stainless is low maintenance and easy to live with. Hand wash and dry after use - avoid the dishwasher. Sharpen on quality water stones and strop regularly to maintain the edge. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials that can chip the edge at high hardness. Free shipping over $100.
- Maker: Tojiro
- Location: Sanjo City, Niigata, Japan
- Construction: San Mai
- Edge Steel: VG10 Stainless
- Cladding: Nashiji Damascus
- Finish: Nashiji (Pear Skin) Damascus
- Edge Grind: Even (50/50)
- Handle: Octagonal Ebony
- Blade Length: 170 mm
