Sakai Takayuki

Sakai Takayuki - VG2/VG10 Coreless Kengata Santoku

£195.00

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£195.00

Thin laser profile and a classy full tang handle with a versatile kengata tip shape for intricate work make this a superb all rounder for a wide range of jobs.

This knife is a full tang construction fitted with a black multi layered micarta handle.

 
Product Code: SAK-0065

About this range

First Impressions

An impressive laser profile and thin behind the edges on the knives across the entire range. The coreless damascus is not just about the looks, that very thin profile and minimal taper glide through food.

Beauty

Forging the VG2 and VG10 steels together to create the coreless damascus has resulted in a knife that unlike more traditional constructions of core + cladding means the damascus pattern runs right to the very edge of the knife.

On close inspection you can on some knives see where the wider suminagashi pattern of VG2 steel meets the more horizontal markings of the VG10 and it creates a great looking knife for sure.

In Hand

Well finished and comfortable in hand with a smoothly polished heel and spine and for the bunka fitted with a wa handle a particularly lightweight knife and the knives fitted with the full tang micarta yo handles they still feel light and nimble. 

Durability

In practical terms, the working edge of the knife is treated to around 60-61HRC so in line with many other comparable Japanese knives made with a VG10 core and offers a good balance between durability and ease of care.

Ease of Care

This is a stainless knife so easy to look after by following our normal care tips. For long term care and maintenance we'd recommend a Japanese knife care kit bundle.

Our Verdict

An interesting range from Sakai Takayuki where a lot of the focus might initially be on the coreless aspect and forging two traditional core steels together to make a knife in an alternative construction rather than the more typical san-mai core + cladding but it undoubtedly creates some interesting and beautiful looking knives.

It might be easy to initially overlook the performance because of this but a few minutes with the knives in this range reveal a selection of very thin, laser profile knives with an impressive level of out of the box sharpness and performance at a very competitive price point. 

If you've been looking for a mix of performance and a bold look then definitely one to add to your shortlist.

 

Product Quick View

Want to see a little more of the knife? Check out what the knife looks like in hand and up close.

Knife Measurements

  • Blade Length: 165mm (Measurement of the cutting edge)
  • Total Length: 296mm (Blade tip to handle end)
  • Blade Height: 45.3mm (Heel to spine)
  • Blade Thickness: 2.09mm (Spine width above the heel) 1.72mm (Measured halfway along spine) 0.83mm (Measured 15mm from tip)
  • Total Weight: 165 grams

Range Specifications

Our aim is to measure and photograph our products as accurately as possible but due to many items being handmade, finished or using natural materials, there can be minor variance in measurements and things such as blade or wood finishes can vary. We will always endeavour to provide the most accurate measurements, photos and descriptions of our products.

Some measurements such as HRC are provided by manufacturers and should therefore be used as a guide.

Sayas, guards and knife protection

Protection & care for this knife

The 180mm gyuto magnolia saya and santoku size (22x5cm) blade guard are compatable with this knife.

Please note that all wooden santoku saya are not compatable.

Saya & Guards Knife Racks & Storage Sharpening & Blade Care

Meet the maker

Sakai Takayuki

Well known and respected, Sakai knives are created by a skilled team of craftsmen and as a company have been creating knives for more than 600 years.