Overview

The Masakage Kiri Damascus Santoku 165 mm is hand-forged in Echizen by renowned blacksmith Yoshimi Kato and hand-sharpened by master finisher Takayuki Shibata. Its 49-layer stainless Damascus cladding evokes drifting “kiri” (fog) while protecting a VG-10 core hardened to ~HRC 61 for outstanding edge retention and effortless maintenance. At 165 mm, this Santoku is compact yet capable—its tall profile, thin grind, and razor-keen edge glide through vegetables, proteins, and herbs with equal grace, making it a one-knife solution for home cooks and pros alike.

Common Questions

Q: Is this Santoku beginner-friendly? A: Absolutely. The stainless VG-10 core resists rust, and the balanced 50/50 edge makes day-to-day sharpening straightforward even for newcomers.

Q: Can it replace my chef’s knife? A: Yes. The 165 mm length covers most prep tasks, while the taller blade adds knuckle clearance. Only long slicing jobs (e.g., brisket or sashimi) may still warrant a sujihiki.

Q: How should I care for the Damascus finish? A: Hand-wash, dry immediately, and store in a saya or on a magnetic strip. A quick strop keeps the edge screaming sharp.

Specifications

Core Steel: VG-10 stainless

Cladding Type: 49-layer stainless Damascus

Blade Length: 165 mm

Overall Length: 313 mm

Spine Thickness (Heel): 3 mm

Spine Thickness (Mid): 2.4 mm

Blade Height: 47 mm

Weight: 112 g

Handle Material: Magnolia oval w/ red pakkawood ferrule

Hardness (HRC): ≈61